3 – 5 September 2026 | Pulau Perhentian Besar

Restoring Balance:
Marine Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

Join scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders in the heart of the South China Sea to shape the future of marine conservation.

100+
Attendees
10+
Expert Speakers
5+
Countries Represented
3
Days of Impact

A Living Laboratory for Marine Resilience

The Perhentian International Marine Symposium 2026 focuses on the Terengganu Marine Park Islands and the broader South China Sea. We are bringing together scientists, governmental organisations, non-governmental organisations, and regional stakeholders to promote the understanding, management, and restoration of marine ecosystems.

This symposium serves as a cooperative forum for sharing scientific findings, practical experiences, and management strategies that support healthy coral reefs and associated habitats.

  • Showcase current research and monitoring efforts on marine ecosystem health.
  • Evaluate approaches to marine ecosystem restoration, identifying best practices.
  • Strengthen linkages among scientists, managers, and industry actors.
Coral Reef

Exploring Critical Frontiers in Marine Conservation

Thematic Areas for Oral & Poster Presentations

Marine Ecosystem Health & Biodiversity

Marine Ecosystem Health & Biodiversity

Advancing scientific assessment of ecological conditions, long-term monitoring, and biodiversity trends using emerging tools.

Fish, Fisheries & Ecosystem Connectivity

Fish, Fisheries & Ecosystem Connectivity

Examining linkages between coral reefs, seagrasses, and fish populations to inform sustainable ecosystem-based fisheries management.

Restoration & Sustainable Energy

Restoration & Sustainable Energy

Exploring techniques for coral recovery, habitat rehabilitation, resilience, and integration of renewable energy for green islands.

Sustainable Livelihoods & Marine Tourism

Sustainable Livelihoods & Marine Tourism

Integrating responsible tourism models, standards, and community-based initiatives to align local livelihoods with conservation.

Learn from the Region's Leading Marine Experts

Distinguished Keynote & Invited Speakers

Prof Dr Thamasak Yeemin
Keynote Speaker

Prof Dr Thamasak Yeemin

Ramkhamhaeng University, Thailand

Dr Tries Blandine Razak
Keynote Speaker

Dr Tries Blandine Razak

Director,
School of Coral Reef Restoration (SCORES),
Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB) University,
INDONESIA

Dr Serina Rahman
Invited Speaker

Dr Serina Rahman

National University of Singapore, Singapore

AP Dr Lee Jen Nie
Invited Speaker

AP Dr Lee Jen Nie

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia

Mr Yusri Yusuf
Invited Speaker

Mr Yusri Yusuf

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia

Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB)
Invited Speaker

Tenaga Nasional Berhad

Khazanah Nasional

Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DoF)
Invited Speaker

Department of Fisheries Malaysia

Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

Tourism Malaysia
Invited Speaker

Tourism Malaysia

Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture

HUSM Hyperbaric Unit
Invited Speaker

HUSM Hyperbaric Unit

Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia

Scientific Committee

Abstract Review & Scientific Programme

Mr Affendi Yang Amri
Chairman

Mr Affendi Yang Amri

Universiti Malaya, Malaysia

Associate Prof Dr Jillian Ooi
Member

Associate Prof Dr Jillian Ooi

Universiti Malaya, Malaysia

Dr Yeong Hui Yin
Member

Dr Yeong Hui Yin

Universiti Malaya, Malaysia

Associate Prof Dr Amy Then
Member

Associate Prof Dr Amy Then

Universiti Malaya, Malaysia

Associate Prof Dr Bong Chui Wei
Member

Associate Prof Dr Bong Chui Wei

Universiti Malaya, Malaysia

Symposium Passes

Registration Rates

Select your delegate category to secure full access to scientific sessions, workshops, networking dinners, and symposium materials.

Most Popular
Professional

Regular Participant

RM 750
Full Delegate Access
  • Full Access to All 4 Track Sessions
  • Symposium Kit & Printed Book of Abstracts
  • Official Daily Meals & Coffee Breaks
  • Certificate of International Attendance
  • Academic Report / Proceedings Entry
Student Special
Academic

Student

RM 450
Valid Student ID Required
  • Full Access to All 4 Track Sessions
  • Digital Symposium Kit & Abstract Book
  • Daily Buffet Lunches & Coffee Breaks
  • Certificate of Participation
Community Rate
Grassroots & NGO

Community / NGO

RM 450
Local Island & NGO Rate
  • Full Access to Plenary & Community Tracks
  • Island Community Action Workshop Access
  • Official Daily Meals & Refreshments
  • Digital Delegate Kit & Materials
  • Certificate of Attendance
Corporate Access
Enterprise

Business / Corporate

RM 4,500
Full Corporate Delegation
  • Priority VIP Seating at Opening & Keynotes
  • Full Access to All 4 Track Sessions
  • Symposium Kit & Printed Book of Abstracts
  • Official Daily Meals & Coffee Breaks
  • Certificate of International Attendance
  • Academic Report / Proceedings Entry
  • Networking Reception & Gala Access
  • Certificate of Corporate Partnership

Pass Inclusions: All registration tiers include access to scientific track sessions, official symposium kit, daily lunch & coffee breaks, and consideration for final report/academic publication submissions.

Partner With Us

Sponsorship & Partnership Packages

Position your organization as a pioneer in marine conservation and sustainability. Connect with key regional decision-makers and ocean leaders at PIMS 2026.

Premier Tier

Platinum

RM 20,000
Main Event Sponsor
  • 3 Complimentary Delegate Passes
  • VIP Exhibition Booth Space (Prime location)
  • Keynote & Opening Ceremony Acknowledgment
  • Prominent Logo on Stage Backdrop & Website
  • Full-Page Promotional Advert in Proceedings
  • Exclusive Gala Dinner Co-Host Branding

Gold

RM 10,000
Major Sponsor
  • 2 Complimentary Delegate Passes
  • Exhibition Booth Space
  • Opening & Closing Ceremony Mention
  • Logo on Backdrop, Banner & Website
  • Half-Page Promotional Advert in Proceedings

Silver

RM 5,000
Supporting Partner
  • 1 Complimentary Delegate Pass
  • Logo on Backdrop & Website
  • Promotional Insert item in Delegate Bag
  • Quarter-Page Promo Listing in Abstract Book

Bronze / Supporter

RM 2,500
Friend of PIMS
  • 1 Complimentary Delegate Pass
  • Logo Listing on Official Website
  • Acknowledgment in Souvenir Program

Looking for a Tailored Partnership?

We also offer custom packages including Session Sponsorship, Student Subsidy Grants, Gala Dinner Co-Hosting, and Field Trip Sponsorship. Contact our secretariat to discuss your goals.

PIMS 2026 Logo

Symposium Programme

Restoring Balance: Marine Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

Day 1

Thursday, 3rd Sept 2026
  • 08:30 - 09:00
    Registration and Morning Coffee
  • 09:00 - 09:30
    Opening Remarks
  • 09:30 - 10:15
    Keynote 1
    "Restoring Balance: Marine Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future in the South China Sea"
  • 10:15 - 10:30
    Group Photo and Coffee Break
  • 10:30 - 12:00
    Session 1: Marine Ecosystem Health and Biodiversity Monitoring
  • 12:00 - 13:30
    Lunch Break
  • 13:30 - 15:00
    Session 2: Marine Ecosystem Health: Tools, Indicators and Case Studies
  • 15:00 - 15:30
    Coffee Break
  • 15:30 - 16:45
    Session 3: Fish, Fisheries, and Ecosystem Connectivity
  • 16:45 - 17:30
    Poster Session 1

Day 2

Friday, 4th Sept 2026

Note: Schedule may be adjusted to accommodate Friday prayers.

  • 08:30 - 09:00
    Morning Coffee and Networking
  • 09:00 - 09:45
    Keynote 2
    "Innovations in Marine Ecosystem Restoration in the South China Sea"
  • 09:45 - 11:15
    Session 4: Innovations in Marine Ecosystem Restoration
  • 11:15 - 11:30
    Coffee Break
  • 11:30 - 13:00
    Session 5: Sustainable Livelihoods and Marine Tourism for Conservation
  • 13:00 - 14:30
    Lunch Break
  • 14:30 - 15:45
    Session 6: Integrated Discussion on Restoration, Monitoring, and Management
    Synthesis presentations by session chairs followed by open discussion on research gaps, site priorities, partnerships, and next steps.
  • 15:45 - 16:15
    Coffee Break & Poster Session 2
  • 16:15 - 17:00
    Closing Session & Closing Ceremony
    Summary of key messages, presentation of symposium highlights, recommendations and way forward.

Day 3

Saturday, 5th Sept 2026
  • Full Day
    Field Trip and Site Visits
    Visit to local project sites in and around Pulau Perhentian and the Terengganu Marine Park Islands.
  • 19:00 - 21:00
    Gala Dinner
    Networking dinner with invited guests, sponsors, and participants. Presentation of awards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Pulau Perhentian?
Participants must travel to Kuala Besut Jetty in Terengganu, where official symposium speedboats will transfer delegates to the island. The nearest airport is Sultan Mahmud Airport (TGG) in Kuala Terengganu. From the airport, it is approximately a 1-hour drive to Kuala Besut Jetty. Another nearby option is Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR), Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan, which is also within reasonable reach of Kuala Besut Jetty. Detailed travel guides will be emailed upon registration.
Are accommodations included in the fee?
Accommodation is not included in the registration fee. However, participants who express an interest to register may email our secretariat, and we will gladly suggest recommended places to stay on the island.
What is the abstract submission deadline?
The abstract submission and registration deadline is 31 August 2026.
Do I need a research permit to present field data?
All abstracts presenting primary field data collected within the Terengganu Marine Park Islands must indicate that necessary research permits were obtained from the Department of Fisheries Malaysia / Taman Laut. Failure to prove authorized access may result in immediate rejection by the Scientific Committee.
Is there a student discount?
Yes. Students with a valid student ID and an accompanying supervisor's letter can register at the special student rate of RM 450. Student status will be verified at registration.

The organizing committee is currently in the final stage of discussions to secure full sponsorship/subsidy for the publication fee for the Student category. An official announcement will be made in due course.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made before 13 August 2026 will receive a full refund minus a RM 50 administrative fee. Cancellations between 14 August and 31 August 2026 will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be issued for cancellations after 1 September 2026.
Will meals be provided?
Yes. The registration fee includes lunch on all symposium days (3–5 September), as well as morning and afternoon coffee breaks. The Gala Dinner on 5 September is also included. Breakfast and dinner (except the Gala Dinner) are not included.
How can I contact the secretariat?
You can reach the PIMS 2026 secretariat via email at secretariat@pims.my, by phone at +60 11-3582 9158, or visit our website at pims.my. Our office is located at Pertubuhan Renjer Lautan Malaysia (Ocean Ranger), Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.
Official Symposium Venue
Perhentian Island Resort Logo

Perhentian Island Resort

Pulau Perhentian Besar, Terengganu, Malaysia

Teluk Pauh Beachfront

Strategic Partners

Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF) Majlis Daerah Besut (MDB) Malaysia Scuba Diving Association (MSDA) Institute of Ocean & Earth Sciences (IOES) Perhentian International Dive Festival (PIDF) Ocean Ranger Malaysia Malaysian Society of Marine Sciences (MSMS)