PIMS 2026 — Programme Book

Welcome Message

On behalf of the Organising Committee, it is our great honour to welcome all delegates, researchers, policymakers, industry partners, and conservation practitioners to the Perhentian International Marine Symposium (PIMS) 2026.[cite: 1]

Held under the theme "Restoring Balance: Marine Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future," this symposium brings together voices from academia, government, industry, and local communities to examine the health of the South China Sea's marine ecosystems and to chart practical, collaborative pathways toward their restoration and long-term protection.[cite: 1]

Over the next three days, we will hear from distinguished regional and international speakers, engage in candid roundtable and clinic discussions, and take part in a field site visit around Pulau Perhentian and the wider Terengganu Marine Park Islands — grounding our scientific and policy conversations in the very ecosystems we are working to protect.[cite: 1]

We thank our speakers, partner agencies, sponsors, and the local community of Pulau Perhentian for making this symposium possible, and we look forward to the ideas, partnerships, and commitments that will emerge from our time together.[cite: 1]

— Organising Committee, Perhentian International Marine Symposium 2026

About the Symposium

Theme

"Restoring Balance: Marine Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future"

PIMS 2026 is a three-day gathering combining a two-day scientific seminar programme with a one-day field site visit.[cite: 1] The symposium addresses marine ecosystem health, fisheries management, ecological restoration, sustainable livelihoods, marine tourism, and diver safety in and around the Terengganu Marine Park Islands, with Pulau Perhentian as its geographic and thematic anchor.[cite: 1]

Format

Marine Ecosystem Health and Fisheries

Opening keynote and biodiversity monitoring seminar.[cite: 1]

Fisheries (cont'd) · Restoration · Livelihoods · Energy

Roundtable, seminar sessions, and an interactive clinic.[cite: 1]

Synthesis, Closing & Field Site Visit

Diver safety seminar, cross-sector synthesis, closing session, and a guided visit to local project sites.[cite: 1]

Objectives

Share current scientific findings on the status of coral reefs, fisheries, and marine biodiversity in the Terengganu Marine Park Islands.[cite: 1]
Strengthen collaboration between academia, government agencies, NGOs, industry, and local communities.[cite: 1]
Identify practical, science-informed actions for marine park management, restoration, and community-based conservation.[cite: 1]
Explore sustainable livelihood and marine tourism models that support long-term conservation outcomes.[cite: 1]
Produce a set of priority actions, an executive summary, and a research agenda to guide follow-up work.[cite: 1]

Programme

Day 1Thu 3 Sep

Day 2Fri 4 Sep

Day 3Sat 5 Sep

Thursday, 3 September 2026 — Marine Ecosystem Health and Fisheries

14:00–14:30

Registration

Arrival and registration of participants.[cite: 1]

14:30–14:40

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Organising Committee

Introduction to the seminar, objectives, and structure.[cite: 1]

Opening Keynote

14:40–15:20

"Restoring Balance: Marine Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future in the South China Sea"

Prof. Dr. Thamasak Yeemin (Thailand)

40-minute keynote presentation.[cite: 1]

15:20–15:30

Q&A and Closing Remarks

Prof. Dr. Thamasak Yeemin

15:30–15:45

Group Photo and Coffee Break

Networking break for all participants.[cite: 1]

Seminar 1 — Ecosystem Health & Biodiversity Monitoring

15:45–15:50

Session Framing and Introduction of Speakers

Session Chair / Moderator

15:50–16:10

Ecosystem health indicators; monitoring in Perhentian / Terengganu Marine Park

Assoc. Prof. Dr Jennie Lee (UMT)

16:10–16:30

Coral reef status, long-term monitoring, restoration–monitoring linkages

Mr Affendi Yang Amri (UM/MSMS)

16:30–17:00

Moderated Q&A and Discussion

Dr Jennie Lee; Mr Affendi Yang Amri

Discussion on ecosystem status, indicators, and monitoring priorities.[cite: 1]

Day 1 Wrap-up

17:00–17:05

Rapporteur Summary

Rapporteur

Summary of the day's sessions and key points.[cite: 1]

17:05–17:10

Announcements / Day 2 Reminders

Master of Ceremonies

Friday, 4 September 2026 — Ecosystem Health & Fisheries (cont'd); Restoration, Livelihoods & Sustainable Energy

Roundtable — Monitoring Needs for Pulau Perhentian

08:30–08:35

Moderator Introduction and Objectives

Moderator

08:35–09:10

Short Interventions (≈5 min each, up to 7 speakers)

UMT/UM; DoF Marine Parks; Ocean Ranger; PMRS

Identifying monitoring gaps and collaborative needs.[cite: 1]

09:10–09:30

Open Floor Discussion & Summary

All Panellists

Seminar 2 — Fish, Fisheries & Ecosystem Connectivity

09:30–09:35

Session Framing

Session Chair / Moderator

09:35–09:55

Reef–fish linkages; local fisheries context

Mr Yusri Yusuf (UMT)

09:55–10:15

Marine Park management; fisheries regulations; enforcement challenges

Department of Fisheries (DoF), Malaysia

10:15–10:45

Moderated Q&A and Discussion

Mr Yusri Yusuf; DoF

10:45–11:00

Coffee Break

Interactive Clinic — Integrating Science into Fisheries & Park Management

11:00–11:10

Framing Presentation

UM / DoF / UMT

11:10–11:40

Case Presentations (10 min each): zoning/restoration; community monitoring; enforcement

PMRS/UMT; Ms Kelly Ong (UMT); DoF

11:40–12:15

Facilitated Small-Group Discussion

All Participants

Practical steps to integrate science into decisions and park rules.[cite: 1]

12:15–14:00

Lunch Break

Keynote Presentation

14:00–14:40

"Innovations in Marine Ecosystem Restoration in the South China Sea"

Dr Tries Blandine Razak (Indonesia) Online / Pre-recorded

Virtual presentation / pre-recorded keynote video session.

14:40–15:00

Keynote Q&A

Dr Tries Blandine Razak

Moderated dialogue with local managers and practitioners (Virtual / Hybrid Q&A).[cite: 1]

Seminar 3 — Ecosystem Restoration & Sustainable Energy for Green Islands

15:00–15:05

Session Framing

Session Chair / Moderator

15:05–15:20

Local restoration / community-based projects (coral, youth engagement, ESG)

Ocean Ranger Malaysia

15:20–15:35

Sustainable energy solutions / green island initiatives

Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB)

15:35–15:50

Coral and seagrass restoration, reef health, community engagement

Perhentian Marine Research Station (PMRS)

15:50–16:15

Moderated Q&A and Discussion

Ocean Ranger; TNB; PMRS

16:15–16:30

Coffee Break

Seminar 4 — Sustainable Livelihoods & Marine Tourism for Conservation

16:30–16:35

Session Framing

Session Chair / Moderator

16:35–16:50

National tourism strategies; marine tourism positioning and standards

Tourism Malaysia

16:50–17:00

Role of the National Heritage Department re: underwater heritage

Mr Ruzairy bin Arbi (National Heritage Dept.)

17:00–17:10

Underwater archaeology management and research

Mr Muhammad Termizi Hasni (National Heritage Dept.)

17:10–17:25

Local communities, co-management, livelihood–conservation linkages

Dr Serina Rahman (NUS Singapore; Kelab Alami)

17:25–17:45

Moderated Q&A and Discussion

All four speakers

Day 2 Wrap-up

17:45–17:50

Rapporteur Summary

Rapporteur

17:50–17:55

Announcements / Day 3 Reminders

Master of Ceremonies

Saturday, 5 September 2026 — Synthesis, Closing & Field Site Visit

Dive Safe, Respond Right — Medical Challenges Underwater

08:30–08:35

Session Framing

Session Chair / Moderator

08:35–08:47

Beyond the Dive: Early Recognition and Management of Decompression Illness

Prof. Dato' Dr. Nik Hisamuddin Nik Ab Rahman (HUSM Hyperbaric Unit)

08:47–08:59

Beyond a Single Breath: Medical Risks and Emergencies in Freediving

Dr Mohamad Masykurin Mafauzy (HUSM Hyperbaric Unit)

08:59–09:05

Moderated Q&A and Discussion

Both speakers

Synthesis Seminar — Partnerships & Collaboration

09:05–09:15

Moderator Framing (Partnerships, Quadruple Helix, ESG links)

Moderator

09:15–09:47

Short Inputs (8 min each): Academia; Government/Agency; NGO/Community; Industry

UM/UMT; DoF; PMRS/Ocean Ranger/MSMS/Kelab Alami; Tourism/TNB

09:47–10:20

Facilitated Discussion

All Panellists

Collaboration mechanisms, funding ideas, and follow-up actions.[cite: 1]

10:20–10:40

Coffee Break

Closing Seminar — Key Messages & Next Steps

10:40–10:55

Rapporteur Summaries of Day 1 and Day 2

Rapporteurs

10:55–11:15

Group Discussion: Priority Actions and Outputs

All Participants

Executive summary, policy brief, research agenda.[cite: 1]

11:15–11:25

Agreement on Next Steps and Timeline

All Participants

11:30–12:30

Buffer / Informal Networking

12:30–14:00

Lunch Break

Closing & Field Site Visit

14:00–14:15

Closing Remarks

Host / Invited Agency (DoF Malaysia)

14:15–14:30

Field Site Visit Briefing

Organising Committee

14:30–17:00

Field Site Visit

Guides / Boat Operators

Visit to local project sites around Pulau Perhentian and the Terengganu Marine Park Islands — restoration, conservation, and community-linked initiatives.[cite: 1]

General Information

Venue

Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu, Malaysia.[cite: 1] Venue hall and field visit meeting points to be confirmed in the delegate briefing on arrival.[cite: 1]

Registration

On-site registration opens at 14:00 on Day 1.[cite: 1] Delegates are advised to collect their name badge and delegate kit before the opening session.[cite: 1]

Attire

Smart casual for seminar sessions.[cite: 1] Comfortable outdoor/water-appropriate attire and footwear are recommended for the Day 3 field site visit.[cite: 1]

Field Site Visit Safety

Life jackets will be provided and are mandatory during all boat transfers.[cite: 1]
Delegates should follow guide and boat operator instructions at all times.[cite: 1]
A safety briefing will be conducted immediately before departure (14:15–14:30, Day 3).[cite: 1]

Meals

Coffee breaks and lunches are provided as per the programme schedule.[cite: 1] Delegates with dietary restrictions are advised to inform the Organising Committee in advance.[cite: 1]

Enquiries

For symposium enquiries, please contact the Organising Committee Secretariat.[cite: 1]

Perhentian InternationalMarine Symposium 2026

Welcome Message

About the Symposium

"Restoring Balance: Marine Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future"

Format

Objectives

Organising Committee

Programme

Registration

Welcome and Opening Remarks

"Restoring Balance: Marine Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future in the South China Sea"

Q&A and Closing Remarks

Group Photo and Coffee Break

Session Framing and Introduction of Speakers

Ecosystem health indicators; monitoring in Perhentian / Terengganu Marine Park

Coral reef status, long-term monitoring, restoration–monitoring linkages

Moderated Q&A and Discussion

Rapporteur Summary

Announcements / Day 2 Reminders

Moderator Introduction and Objectives

Short Interventions (≈5 min each, up to 7 speakers)

Open Floor Discussion & Summary

Session Framing

Reef–fish linkages; local fisheries context

Marine Park management; fisheries regulations; enforcement challenges

Moderated Q&A and Discussion

Coffee Break

Framing Presentation

Case Presentations (10 min each): zoning/restoration; community monitoring; enforcement

Facilitated Small-Group Discussion

Lunch Break

"Innovations in Marine Ecosystem Restoration in the South China Sea"

Keynote Q&A

Session Framing

Local restoration / community-based projects (coral, youth engagement, ESG)

Sustainable energy solutions / green island initiatives

Coral and seagrass restoration, reef health, community engagement

Moderated Q&A and Discussion

Coffee Break

Session Framing

National tourism strategies; marine tourism positioning and standards

Role of the National Heritage Department re: underwater heritage

Underwater archaeology management and research

Local communities, co-management, livelihood–conservation linkages

Moderated Q&A and Discussion

Rapporteur Summary

Announcements / Day 3 Reminders

Session Framing

Beyond the Dive: Early Recognition and Management of Decompression Illness

Beyond a Single Breath: Medical Risks and Emergencies in Freediving

Moderated Q&A and Discussion

Moderator Framing (Partnerships, Quadruple Helix, ESG links)

Short Inputs (8 min each): Academia; Government/Agency; NGO/Community; Industry

Facilitated Discussion

Coffee Break

Rapporteur Summaries of Day 1 and Day 2

Group Discussion: Priority Actions and Outputs

Agreement on Next Steps and Timeline

Buffer / Informal Networking

Lunch Break

Closing Remarks

Field Site Visit Briefing

Field Site Visit

Speakers & Contributors

Keynote Speakers

Invited Speakers

General Information

Venue

Registration

Attire

Field Site Visit Safety

Meals

Enquiries