PENANG, 6 April 2015 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and South China Sea Institute of Oceanology (SCSIO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, from the People's Republic of China today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaborative efforts in coastal and marine research and conservation.

The Dean of the School of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor Dr Ahmad Sofiman Othman represented the Vice-Chancellor of USM signed on behalf of USM, while SCSIO by its Vice-Director, Professor Dr. Long Li-Juan.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Deputy Dean (Research) of School of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor Dr Amirul Al-Ashraf Abdullah and the Deputy Director-General, Bureau of International Cooperation, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Professor Dr Qiu Hua Sheng.

Ahmad Sofiman stated that this MoU is the result of a number of studies which have been done together by USM and SCSIO, on issues pertaining to coastal and marine research and conservation efforts.

"This MoU hopes to promote further such joint participation and investigations into the various related fields, and serve as a stepping stone to bring in more joint innovative activities to many other institutions in Malaysia and China," said Ahmad Sofiman.   

 

He added, currently, the focus is on the conservation of the Matang mangroves in Kuala Gula, Taiping, Perak to ensure the sustainability of the ecosystem is maintained, at the same time assisting the local community in sustaining their livelihood.

"This has also been made possible with the support from the China-ASEAN Cooperation Fund, an agency set up to fund numerous researches in marine and coastal studies in ASEAN countries," he added.  

In his opening speech, Qiu hoped that there would be greater cooperation and partnerships in terms of research between both parties.

Long meanwhile said, SCSIO has always been interested in pursuing research with USM in more diverse fields. The signing of this MoU is hoped to be the beginning of more collaborations in the future.

As one of the largest marine research institutes in China under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), SCSIO has many academic programmes, as well as scientific and technical researches to be utilised as platforms to share expertise on and which may and can be of mutual interest and benefit to both institutions, in terms of research outcomes as well as staff and student developments.

Also present at the ceremony was Dr. Foong Swee Yeok and representatives from the School of Biological Sciences, USM; delegation members from CAS and principal officers of the university. - Text: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin  / Photo: Zamani Abdul Rahim