ONLINE NEWS: UNESCO WESTPAC ELECTS NEW CHAIRMAN FROM USM

The Star Online
UNESCO WESTPAC ELECTS NEW CHAIRMAN FROM USM
By N. Trisha | Tuesday, 18 March 2025

GEORGE TOWN: The Unesco Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (Westpac) has elected Universiti Sains Malaysia's Professor Datuk Dr Aileen Tan as its new Chairman.

Prof Tan, director of the university's Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies, will serve as chairman for the 2025 to 2027 term, which began on Thursday (March 13).

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability congratulated Prof Tan on her appointment and wished her the best on its official social media account.

In previous terms, Prof Tan served as First Vice Chairperson (2023 to 2025) and Vice Chairman (2021 to 2023).

The Sub-Commission aims to develop, coordinate, and implement marine scientific research, observations, and services.

Her role will include presiding over their sessions and carrying out various duties.

The Sub-Commission is recognised as a key catalyst, advocate, coordinator, and facilitator in the region to promote ocean knowledge and sustained observations.

It aims to improve ocean governance for a healthy ocean and coasts for prosperity.

With 17 countries under its Sub-Commission, it brings together governmental agencies and marine scientific communities.

The Sub-Commission is tasked with understanding ocean processes and climate in the Indo-Pacific region.

It also ensures marine biodiversity and seafood safety, safeguards ocean ecosystem health, and enhances knowledge of emerging ocean science issues.