GEORGETOWN PENANG, 4 July 2023 – In conjunction with the 6th World Conference on Marine Biodiversity (WCMB) 2023, the Penang State Government, one of the main collaborators of the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS), hosted the 6th WCMB Gala Dinner 2023 last night.

The aim of the Gala Dinner was to gather all the WCMB 2023 collaborators, co-organisers, sponsors and participants, and to celebrate their participation in the conference and their presence in Penang.

The collaboration between both parties in science policy integration is indeed valuable in creating a more sustainable future for the people of Penang, whereby these include the fulfillment of the UN-SDG goals by 2030 and the Penang 2030 agenda with the hope that the Middle Bank Marine Sanctuary will soon become a reality and launch Penang as the first state in Malaysia to lead the way in creating these important havens for marine biodiversity against both man-made and climate risks.

Held at The Wembley St. Giles Hotel Penang, the dinner was graced with the presence of the Penang State Chief Minister, Chow Kon Yeow.

Kon Yeow in his speech said that, it is a privilege to stand and address some crucial issues that lie at the intersection of marine biodiversity, food security, climate resilience and the future of our beloved state.

“By hosting the 6th WCMB, we demonstrate our commitment in fostering international cooperation and knowledge sharing, that gathers experts, scientists, policymakers, and conservationists to serve as a platform for the exchange of ideas, discuss challenges, and develop innovative solutions.

“It is through this type of collaboration that we can address the pressing issues facing our oceans and create a sustainable future for all,” he said.

Kon Yeow added by congratulating CEMACS USM and other collaborators for co-hosting the event and he concluded his speech by saying that he is well pleased with the commitment shown in preserving the marine biodiversity, ensuring food security, building climate resilience, and creating a sustainable future for Penang and the world, and to continue on this journey of discovery, innovation, and collaboration to safeguard the oceans by securing a brighter future for upcoming generations.

Meanwhile, CEMACS Director who is also the WCMB 2023 Chairperson, Professor Dato’ Dr. Aileen Tan Shau Hwai in her welcoming speech, thanked everyone for the continuous support in making this conference a reality and also for being passionate regarding the science for the ocean and build bridges, established collaborations, and exploring opportunities in the co-creation and co-production of solutions beyond the confines of this event.

“This conference marks a pivotal moment in our collective journey, and it is a moment where we confront the pressing challenges that our oceans face,” said Aileen Tan.

The ceremony was also enlivened with five traditional dance performances from the Penang Department of Arts and Culture group.

Also present were the Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy, Yeoh Soon Hin; Penang State EXCO for Environment and Welfare, Phee Boon Poh; USM Chairman of the Board of Governors, Dato’ Seri Dr. Awang Adek Hussin; USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed; President of International Association for Biological Oceanography (IABO), Dr. Enrique Montes; Vice-Consul, Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Penang, Ding Qiao; USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor and top management.

Text: Nur Farrah Ezlin Mohd Suhaimi/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa