USM PULAU PINANG, 22 November 2025 - The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS) recently received a top management delegation from RHB Islamic Bank Berhad in a visit that underscores the bank’s growing commitment to environmental sustainability under its RHB Blue Harmony platform.

The delegation was led by its Chairman, Dato’ Mohamad Nasir Ab Latif, accompanied by members of the Board of Directors; Dato’ Foong Chee Meng, Ong Ai Lin, and Zaida Khalida Shaari, as well as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Adissadikin Ali.

Their visit highlighted the strengthening partnership between the financial sector and USM’s leadership in marine science.

CEMACS Director, Professor Dato’ Dr. Aileen Tan Shau Hwai, together with the incoming Director, Associate Professor Dr. Mahadi Mohammad, briefed the delegation on the centre’s core work, which focused on marine biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, coastal research, and community-based initiatives.

The session provided a platform for discussion on the importance of science–industry collaboration in tackling current coastal challenges and enhancing the nation’s sustainability outcomes through shared investments in research, training, and outreach.

A key highlight of the engagement was CEMACS’ presentation of its proposal to establish a UNESCO-linked Regional Training and Research Centre (RTRC) at USM.

Aileen explained that the proposed centre aims to strengthen regional capacity in marine conservation, expand training opportunities for coastal communities, and advance multi-sector partnerships, in aligning with Malaysia’s environmental and climate agendas.

The RHB delegation expressed strong interest in exploring how the initiative could support the Bank’s long-term sustainability strategy, particularly in integrating scientific expertise with corporate responsibility and community development efforts.

Both organisations reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting healthy coastal ecosystems and strengthening evidence-based approaches to marine governance.

Discussions which entailed emphasised that impactful environmental action requires strong, cross-sector partnerships grounded in scientific integrity to accelerate national progress in climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and coastal sustainability.

The visit marks a significant step in expanding collaboration between USM and RHB Islamic Bank, paving the way for future cooperation in research, education, and public engagement.

As Malaysia continues to advance its marine sustainability agenda, USM, through CEMACS remains committed to building strategic industry partnerships that translate scientific knowledge into meaningful, long-term environmental stewardship.

Text & Photos: Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS)