PENANG, April 2017 - The inaugural China-ASEAN Fisheries and Education Network President Forum held from 11 – 13 April 2017 in Qingdao, China is yet another signal of the strong multilateral ties existing among ASEAN countries and China in the field of research and education.

The event hosted by the top Chinese aquaculture and fisheries university, Ocean University of China (OUC), saw the participation of more than 120 experts and scholars from 20 institutions from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, as well as the international organizations and universities of China.

Representatives from fisheries and aquaculture related universities and research institutes from China and ASEAN-FEN (Fisheries and Education) Network pledged to enhance cooperation on education and research of fisheries and aquaculture.

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) was represented by the Dean of the School of Biological Sciences, Professor Dr. Amirul Al-Ashraf Abdullah and Professor Dr. Siti Azizah Mohd. Nor who is also ASEAN-FEN treasurer.

By exchanging ideas and reaching consensus, the meeting focused on the joint consultation, construction and sharing of the innovation on China-ASEAN Fisheries Science and Education to strengthen and expand the cooperation among China-ASEAN Marine Science and Education Institutions, turning a new page in the development of the cooperation.

Chairman of ASEAN-FEN, Sukree Hajisamae (from Prince Songkla University) aptly summarised the momentous event, said, “Collaboration between China and ASEAN members in Fisheries and Education will be of great benefit to the whole world as they are the main producers of related products - 60% of fish and 80% of aquaculture products.”

“Therefore, China and ASEAN countries should work together in talent exchange and project collaboration to guarantee the sustainability and security of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in the future”. 

President of OUC, Yu Zhigang suggested that both sides carry out practical cooperation in establishing curriculum, academic exchange, technological training, infrastructure, innovation and accelerating the process of technological transfer to boost regional cooperation.

The Forum also saw the signing of several bilateral agreements between China and ASEAN member universities and the launching of training courses for students and attachments for early career scientists.  

ASEAN Fisheries and Education Network (ASEAN-FEN Network)

ASEAN-FEN Network is a consortium of 19 universities comprising of 9 core members including USM, and 10 associate members from ASEAN universities.

From a modest origin of a membership among five “friendly” institutes, the network rapidly attracted more universities with its mission to enhance fisheries and aquaculture through education, research, and public outreach in the Southeast Asia region.

Since its formation the ASEAN-FEN has seen close ties among member institutes through student and staff exchanges and training and yearly International Fisheries (IFS) conferences held on a rotational basis in different member countries.

The IFS 2015 Conference was held in Penang co-hosted by USM, UMT and the Fisheries Department of Malaysia where ASEAN-FEN Network was formalised. The IFS 2017 Conference will be held in Malang Indonesia hosted by the Universitas Brawijaya.

Original Text & Photo: Prof. Dr. Amirul Al-Ashraf Abdullah & Prof. Dr. Siti Azizah Mohd. Nor

Editing: Tan Ewe Hoe