Penang Hyperlocal
World Conference on Marine Biodiversity being held in Penang for the very first time
By V. Sivaji | 3 July 2023

Delegates for the World Conference on Marine Biodiversity gathered at the JEN Hotel

Delegates from 50 countries gathered in Georgetown, Penang for the 6th World Conference on Marine Biodiversity (WCMB) from yesterday (Sunday) to July 5th, 2023.

This is the first time such a conference is being held in the South East Asian region.

The conference is being held at the JEN Hotel Penang’s ballroom.

Organising chairman, Prof Dato Dr Aileen Tan who is also the director of Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) along with Prof Dato Dr Zulfigar Yasin were on hand to welcome guests.

Among the VIP guests were Prof Dr Azlinda Azman, Director-General of Higher Education, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, Prof Dato Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed, Vice Chancellor Universiti Sains Malaysia, Dr Enrique Montes, President of International Association for Biological Oceanography (IABO) and Mr Zhou Youbin, Consul-General, Consulate of the People’s Republic of China in Penang.

In her opening remarks Prof Dato Dr Aileen emphazized that this region has become one of the fastest growing economic regions with raped population growth that has put multiple stresses on the unique marine ecosystems here.

“As such, WCMB has attracted scientists, policymakers and conservationists from all corners of the globe, demonstrating the international significance of this conference and the shared commitment to protecting our oceans.

“Malaysia is known for its rich natural heritage, and is home to the Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies which has a long tradition in biodiversity research and community engagement.

“Through presentations, workshops and discussions, we aim to foster meaningful collaborations and exchange that will shape the future of marine biodiversity conservation,” said Tan.

She also thanked the Ministry of Higher Education, Penang State Government, Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau, the British High Commission Kuala Lumpur, the Embassy of France in Malaysia and the Chinese Consulate General in Penang for their support towards the conference.

Meanwhile, Montes added that it is a pleasure to be in this part of the world.

“Marine Biodiversity is top priority now and it is satisfying to see so many new delegates gathered here. South East Asia has many new ecosystems and has many secrets to unlock,” he added.  

The conference also offers students, early-career ocean professionals, mid-career and senior scientists and industry partners to become advocates for marine biodiversity.

More than 400 local and foreign delegates are attending the event. The theme for the conference is “Marine Biodiversity Challenges in the Anthropocene”.

Delegates can also visit the various booths and exhibitions held on the sidelines of the conference.