PENANG, 2 March 2025 – Over 100 leading ocean scientists and experts from more than 30 countries have convened in Penang for the 26th Annual Meeting of the Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (POGO-26).

This prestigious event, held at the Gurney Bay Hotel, marks the first time POGO’s annual meeting is being held in Southeast Asia.

The three-day event (25–27 February 2025) was a collaborative effort by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), the Penang government, the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), Penang Tourism & Creative Economy (PETACE), and Malaysia Airlines (MAS).

CEMACS's Role: The Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS) at USM had the privilege of hosting this significant gathering.

CEMACS Director, Professor Dato’ Dr. Aileen Tan Shau Hwai, expressed her delight in bringing together leading oceanographic institutions, scientists, and policymakers from around the world to foster international collaboration on ocean observations.

Key Messages from Professor Dato’ Dr. Aileen Tan Shau Hwai: In her speech, Aileen Tan highlighted the critical challenges faced by the global ocean, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

She emphasised the importance of scientific research in predicting, mitigating, and developing adaptive solutions to these pressing issues.

“POGO-26 provides a vital platform to explore how enhanced ocean observation systems can strengthen our ability to understand, anticipate, and respond to these challenges, ultimately fostering a more sustainable and resilient ocean future,” she stated.

Aileen Tan also underscored CEMACS's leadership in ocean research, noting its expertise in seagrass and coral reef conservation, ocean acidification studies, and climate resilience research.

“As Malaysia’s oldest marine research centre and the country’s first POGO member, CEMACS is well-positioned to contribute to global ocean research initiatives,” she added.

Importance of Collaborative Efforts: Penang State executive councillor (Exco) for Tourism and Creative Economy, YB Wong Hon Wai, echoed Aileen Tan’s views, emphasising the need for strong collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and industries to ensure that research translates into practical solutions for sustainable ocean management.

Wong, who officiated the opening of POGO-26 on the first day, stated, “Oceans cover more than 70% of the planet and play a crucial role in regulating climate, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining livelihoods.”

He further remarked, “As such, I recognise that ocean conservation is not just an environmental issue—it is also an economic priority.”

Additionally, Chair of POGO, Captain Francisco Armado Arias-Isaza, stressed the urgency of addressing the threats to our planet and the importance of cooperation, partnership, and sharing insights on the health and sustainability of the oceans.

Also present at the meeting were the POGO Board of Directors – Fei Chai from Xiamen University, and Professor Nicholas JP Owens, Director of the Scottish Association for Marine Science.  

Text: Tan Ewe Hoe/Photo: CEMACS, USM