PENANG is set to reach another milestone as it gears up to host the much-anticipated ‘6th World Conference on Marine Biodiversity’ (WCMB 2023) next month.
The conference, which is organised by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), will be held at the Jen Hotel from July 2 to July 5.
Being chosen as the first-ever host city in Malaysia and ASEAN for a global conference by the International Association for Biological Oceanography (IABO) is a significant achievement for Penang.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said the objective of WCMB is also in tandem with Penang’s efforts to promote sustainable tourism practices.
“This (WCMB) is a testament to the significance of our region’s marine biodiversity and its role in addressing the challenges posed by climate change and conservation.
“By focusing on the importance of marine conservation, the conference raises awareness about the fragility of our oceans and encourages responsible handling of our natural resources,” Yeoh said during a press conference today at Komtar.
Yeoh also shared that by hosting the conference, the local scientific community will have the opportunity to interact with leading minds in the field which will help to foster innovation and bring advancements in marine biodiversity research.
“It showcases Penang as a destination that is committed to protecting and preserving our marine ecosystems,” he added.
Centre For Marine & Coastal Studies (CEMACS), Universiti Sains Malaysia director Prof Dr Datuk Aileen Tan Shau Hwai, who is also the WCMB 2023 chairman, said there are 418 participants from 50 countries have registered for the conference currently.
“Registration is open until the event day.
“We have a total of 14 institutional organisations, both local and international, who are our co-organisers.
“We are also supported by France Embassy, British High Commission, China Embassy and Japan Embassy,” Tan said while adding that the biodiversity of the marine ecosystem is the foundation of our wealth which should be given importance.
Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran said that the conference is expected to generate an estimated economic impact (EEI) of RM3.2 million.
“Over the years, science conferences have significantly contributed to Penang’s economy generating close to RM40 million from 8,056 delegates.
“The science industry is the leading sector that we are focusing on for the coming years,” Ashwin said.
Also present was Prof Datuk Dr Zulfigar Yasin from CEMACS USM.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alissala Thian