Perhentian International Marine Symposium 2026
Symposium Successfully Concluded 3 – 5 September 2026 | TEMU, Mimpi Perhentian Resort, Pulau Perhentian

Restoring Balance:
Marine Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

PIMS 2026 has concluded with resounding success on Pulau Perhentian. Together, marine scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, and island communities have established the official Executive Declaration & 5 Priority Actions to safeguard marine ecosystems in the Terengganu Marine Park Islands and across the South China Sea.

EXPLORE RESOLUTIONS & ACTION PLAN OFFICIAL PROGRAMME ARCHIVE
150+
Attendees & Researchers
12+
Expert & Keynote Speakers
5
Priority Actions Adopted
1
Joint Marine Declaration

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.

View Resolution • Action 1
Fish, Fisheries & Ecosystem Connectivity

Fish, Fisheries & Ecosystem Connectivity

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

View Resolution • Actions 1 & 4
Restoration & Sustainable Energy

Restoration & Sustainable Energy

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

View Resolution • Action 3
Sustainable Livelihoods & Marine Tourism

Sustainable Livelihoods & Marine Tourism

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

View Resolution • Actions 2 & 5
EXPLORE RESOLUTIONS & NEXT STEPS
Official Faculty & Contributors

Distinguished Keynote & Invited Speakers

Leading marine scientists, conservation practitioners, medical specialists, and policymakers as recorded in the official PIMS 2026 Programme Book.

Open Live Programme Book (progbook.pims.my)

Keynote Addresses

Prof. Dr. Thamasak Yeemin
Opening Keynote

Prof. Dr. Thamasak Yeemin

President, Association of Marine Biodiversity Conservation and Education (AMBCE), Thailand
Ramkhamhaeng University, Thailand

Keynote Topic

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

Dr Tries Blandine Razak
Keynote Speaker • Virtual

Dr Tries Blandine Razak

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

Keynote Topic

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

Invited Expert Speakers & Researchers

Assoc. Prof. Dr Jennie Lee
Seminar 1 Speaker

Assoc. Prof. Dr Jennie Lee

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)

Ecosystem health indicators & long-term monitoring in Terengganu Marine Parks

Mr Affendi Yang Amri
Seminar 1 Speaker

Mr Affendi Yang Amri

Universiti Malaya / MSMS

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

Dr Serina Rahman
Seminar 4 Speaker

Dr Serina Rahman

National University of Singapore / Kelab Alami

Local community co-management & livelihood-conservation linkages

YBrs. Encik Ruzairy bin Arbi
Seminar 4 Speaker

YBrs. Encik Ruzairy bin Arbi

Timbalan Pesuruhjaya Warisan

Jabatan Warisan Negara, Malaysia

Role of National Heritage Department regarding underwater cultural heritage

Mr Yusri Yusuf
Seminar 2 Speaker

Mr Yusri Yusuf

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)

Reef–fish linkages and local sustainable fisheries context

Prof. Dato' Dr. Nik Hisamuddin
Day 3 Dive Safety

Prof. Dato' Dr. Nik Hisamuddin

Head, Hyperbaric Unit, HUSM

Beyond the Dive: Early recognition and management of decompression illness

Dr Mohamad Masykurin Mafauzy
Day 3 Dive Safety

Dr Mohamad Masykurin

Hyperbaric Medicine, HUSM

Beyond a Single Breath: Medical risks and emergencies in freediving

Mr Muhammad Termizi Hasni
Seminar 4 Speaker

Mr Muhammad Termizi Hasni

National Heritage Department, Malaysia

Underwater archaeology management, survey methods and research

Ms Hidayah Halid
Community & Restoration

Ms Hidayah Halid

Perhentian Marine Research Station (PMRS)

Coral and seagrass restoration, reef health, and community engagement

Institutional Presenters & Contributor Panels

Department of Fisheries Malaysia

Department of Fisheries (DoF)

Marine Park Management

Fisheries regulations, compliance, and marine park enforcement challenges

Jabatan Warisan Negara

Jabatan Warisan Negara

Underwater Cultural Heritage

YBrs. Encik Ruzairy bin Arbi, Timbalan Pesuruhjaya Warisan

Tourism Malaysia

Tourism Malaysia

National Tourism

Marine tourism standards and responsible positioning strategies

Perhentian Marine Research Station (PMRS)

PMRS

Perhentian Marine Research

Coral/seagrass restoration and community stewardship

Ocean Ranger Malaysia

Ocean Ranger Malaysia

Lead Organiser

Community restoration, youth empowerment and ESG initiatives

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

Official Symposium Declaration

Resolusi PIMS 2026: Summary and Next Steps

"Restoring Balance: Marine Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future"
3–5 September 2026 • TEMU, Mimpi Perhentian Resort, Pulau Perhentian

Executive Declaration

Preamble & Executive Summary

The marine ecosystems of Pulau Perhentian, the Terengganu Marine Park Islands, and the broader South China Sea face critical pressures from climate change, tourism, pollution, coastal development, and habitat disturbance. While substantial conservation initiatives exist, their long-term effectiveness is currently limited by fragmented monitoring, insufficient funding, and a gap in translating scientific findings into enforceable management policies.

"To secure a sustainable future, we must recognize that reef health cannot be measured by live coral cover alone. We must foster dialogue on ecosystem-based management, restoration science, and community-inclusive conservation to align local economic benefits with conservation outcomes."

Transition Pathway: "From Data to Action"

Step 1
Observation
Continuous Monitoring
Step 2
Digitisation
Digital Data Integration
Step 3
Delivery
Scientific Delivery
Step 4
Policy
Policy Formulation
Step 5
Management Action
Policy Enforcement
Commitment to Impact

5 Priority Actions & Expected Outputs

Strategic stakeholder commitments to drive policy transitions and reinforce regional marine conservation networks.

Action 1 Target: Oct 2026

Integrated Long-Term Marine Monitoring

IOES Universiti Malaya will coordinate with key research groups to gather information for a draft map by the end of October 2026.

Expected Outputs:
  • Standardized marine monitoring protocol
  • Designation of permanent monitoring sites
  • Integrated database for coral, fish, seagrass, and human impact
Lead: IOES Universiti Malaya
Action 2 Target: Oct 2026

Community & Stakeholder Stewardship

Perhentian Marine Research Station (PMRS) will coordinate with local island communities and industry stakeholders to assess needs and priorities by the end of October 2026.

Expected Outputs:
  • Active community monitoring teams
  • Responsible tourism-operator accreditation & training
  • Conservation-compatible livelihood initiatives
Lead: PMRS & Local Community
Action 3 Target: Oct 2026

5-Year Ecosystem Restoration Programme

PMRS will assess the status of local restoration initiatives by the end of October 2026, establishing a multi-year ecological baseline.

Expected Outputs:
  • Unified coral reef restoration guidelines
  • Ecological baseline & survivorship assessments
  • Integration of sustainable energy solutions for green islands
Lead: PMRS & Restoration Partners
Action 4 Institutional

Formal Science-to-Policy Mechanism

Establishing institutional pathways to bridge scientific findings directly to governmental decisions and regulatory enforcement.

Expected Outputs:
  • Annual Science-Management Consultation Forum
  • Actionable policy briefs for state and federal agencies
  • Rapid communication network for monitoring & bleaching alerts
Scope: Cross-Sector Policy Alliance
Action 5 Enforcement & Compliance

Strengthen Enforcement & Sustainable Tourism Management

Critical measures to safeguard fragile marine habitats from unregulated tourism pressures, sewage discharge, and illegal anchoring.

Patrol & Surveillance:
  • Improved marine park surveillance & coordinated patrol
  • Strict enforcement against illegal anchoring & reef damage
Standards & Pollution:
  • Green tourism standards & operator certification
  • Comprehensive island waste & sewage management controls
Scope: DOF / Marine Parks, MDB & Local Authorities
The Way Forward

A Resilient Marine Ecosystem for Future Generations

"Marine conservation at Pulau Perhentian must evolve from isolated projects into an integrated, multi-year programme. By linking science, policy, sustainable tourism, and community stewardship, we can build a resilient marine ecosystem for the Terengganu Marine Park Islands and the wider South China Sea."

Contact Resolution Secretariat
Acknowledgements & Strategic Partners

Strategic Partners & Sponsors of PIMS 2026

Our deepest gratitude and appreciation to all co-organising institutions, principal sponsors, government agencies, academic partners, and industry collaborators who made this milestone symposium a resounding success.

Principal Event Sponsor
Tenaga Nasional Berhad
Corporate Sustainability Leadership

Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB)

Extending our heartfelt gratitude to Tenaga Nasional Berhad for their steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability and supporting resilient marine ecosystems across Terengganu and Malaysia.

Green Island Partner
Terengganu State Government Besut District Council

State & Local Authorities

Terengganu State Government & Besut District Council (MDB) for patronage, municipal facilitation, and community governance throughout the symposium.

University of Malaya IOES

Scientific Co-Organiser

Universiti Malaya & Institute of Ocean & Earth Sciences (IOES) for leading the scientific committee, peer reviews, and research agendas.

Ocean Ranger

Lead Organiser & Secretariat

Pertubuhan Renjer Lautan Malaysia (Ocean Ranger) for convening global experts, coordinating delegations, and empowering grassroots community stewardship.

Mimpi Perhentian Resort
Danai Retreat - Speaker Accommodation Sponsor

Venue & Hospitality Partners

TEMU, Mimpi Perhentian Resort (Official Venue Partner) & Danai Retreat (Speaker Accommodation Sponsor) for premier island hosting and hospitality.

Also Supported By Strategic Agencies & Industry Partners:

Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) • Tourism Malaysia • Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF) / Marine Parks • MyCEB • Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia • Healing Chambers of Asia (HCA) • National Heritage Department • Perhentian Marine Research Station (PMRS) • Danai Retreat (Speaker Accommodation Sponsor) • MSDA • MSMS • Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) • Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT).

PIMS 2026 Logo
Complete Symposium Archive

Official Programme Archive

Complete Programme Record • 3 – 5 September 2026  ·  TEMU, Mimpi Perhentian Resort, Pulau Perhentian

Restoring Balance: Marine Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

Day 1
Scientific Seminar
🗓 Thursday, 3 September 2026
🕒 14:00 – 14:30 Admin
Registration
Participant arrival and registration
🕒 14:30 – 14:40 Opening
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Organising Committee
🕒 14:40 – 15:30 Keynote
Opening Keynote
"Restoring Balance: Marine Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future in the South China Sea"
Prof. Dr. Thamasak Yeemin (Thailand)
🕒 15:30 – 15:45 Break
Group Photo & Coffee Break
Networking break
🕒 15:45 – 17:00 Session 1
Marine Ecosystem Health and Biodiversity Monitoring
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jennie Lee (UMT) Mr. Affendi Yang Amri (UM/MSMS)
🕒 17:00 – 17:10 Wrap-up
Day 1 Wrap-up
Rapporteur summary and announcements
Day 2
Scientific Seminar
🗓 Friday, 4 September 2026
Schedule may be adjusted to accommodate Friday prayers.
🕒 08:30 – 09:30 Roundtable
Monitoring Needs for Pulau Perhentian
UMT UM DoF Marine Parks Ocean Ranger PMRS
🕒 09:30 – 10:45 Session 2
Fish, Fisheries, and Ecosystem Connectivity
Mr. Yusri Yusuf (UMT) Department of Fisheries (DoF) Malaysia
🕒 10:45 – 11:00 Break
Coffee Break
Refreshments and networking
🕒 11:00 – 12:15 Clinic
Interactive Clinic: Integrating Science into Fisheries and Marine Park Management
Case studies and small-group discussions
PMRS UMT DoF
🕒 12:15 – 14:00 Lunch
Lunch Break
Networking lunch
🕒 14:00 – 15:00 Keynote
Innovations in Marine Ecosystem Restoration in the South China Sea
Dr. Tries Blandine Razak (Indonesia)
🕒 15:00 – 16:15 Session 3
Innovations in Marine Restoration & Sustainable Energy for Green Islands
Ocean Ranger Malaysia Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) PMRS
🕒 16:15 – 16:30 Break
Coffee Break
Refreshments and networking
🕒 16:30 – 17:45 Session 4
Sustainable Livelihoods and Marine Tourism for Conservation
Tourism Malaysia Mr. Ruzairy bin Arbi & Mr. Muhammad Termizi Hasni (National Heritage Dept.) Dr. Serina Rahman (NUS/Kelab Alami)
🕒 17:45 – 17:55 Wrap-up
Day 2 Wrap-up
Rapporteur summary and announcements
Day 3
Synthesis & Field Visit
🗓 Saturday, 5 September 2026
🕒 08:30 – 09:05 Special
Dive Safe, Respond Right: Medical Challenges Underwater
08:35 – 08:47: Beyond the Dive: Early Recognition and Management of Decompression Illness
08:47 – 08:59: Beyond a Single Breath: Medical Risks and Emergencies in Freediving
08:59 – 09:05: Moderated Q&A and Emergency Response Discussion
Prof. Dato' Dr. Nik Hisamuddin Nik Ab Rahman (HUSM Hyperbaric Unit) Dr. Mohamad Masykurin Mafauzy (HUSM Hyperbaric Unit)
🕒 09:05 – 10:20 Synthesis
Synthesis Seminar: Partnerships and Collaboration
Short inputs (8 min each) from Academia, Government, NGOs, and Industry, followed by facilitated discussion on collaboration mechanisms and funding.
UM / UMT DoF Malaysia PMRS Ocean Ranger MSMS Kelab Alami Tourism Malaysia Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB)
🕒 10:20 – 10:40 Break
Coffee Break
Refreshments and networking
🕒 10:40 – 11:30 Closing
Closing Seminar: Key Messages and Next Steps
Presentation of priority actions and policy recommendations
🕒 11:30 – 12:30 Networking
Networking Buffer
Informal conversations and photos
🕒 12:30 – 14:00 Lunch
Lunch Break
Networking lunch
🕒 14:00 – 14:30 Closing
Closing Remarks & Site Briefing
Official closing by Department of Fisheries Malaysia
🕒 14:30 – 17:00 Field Visit
🌊 Field Site Visit
Guided visit to local marine restoration and project sites
Common Inquiries

Frequently Asked Questions (Post-Symposium)

What is the official status of the PIMS 2026 Resolution and Action Plan?
The "Summary and Next Steps" document was finalized through consensus among keynote experts, delegates, and stakeholders during the symposium on 3–5 September 2026. It outlines 5 Priority Actions and the central transition pathway: "Observation → Digitisation → Delivery → Policy → Management Action" for submission to relevant government ministries and enforcement bodies.
Who is leading the implementation of the next steps?
IOES Universiti Malaya leads the coordination of Action 1 (Long-Term Integrated Marine Monitoring & draft mapping by the end of October 2026). The Perhentian Marine Research Station (PMRS), together with the local island community, heads Action 2 (Community Stewardship & Operator Training) and Action 3 (5-Year Ecosystem Restoration Programme).
How can stakeholders, researchers, or policymakers obtain the complete document?
Government agencies, researchers, corporate partners, and media requesting copies of the official declaration, policy briefs, or scientific collaboration opportunities may contact the secretariat at secretariat@pims.my.
Will the science-to-policy consultation forum continue?
Yes. Under Action 4, an institutional science-to-policy mechanism establishes an Annual Science-Management Consultation Forum to ensure the latest empirical research findings are systematically translated into management actions and conservation policies.
How can local communities and tourism operators contribute?
Under Action 2 and Action 5, initiatives such as islander-led community monitoring teams, green tourism operator certifications, boat anchoring guidelines, and island waste/sewage controls will be deployed collaboratively with resort operators, boat captains, and local dive professionals.
How do I get in touch with the symposium secretariat?
The PIMS 2026 Secretariat is hosted by Pertubuhan Renjer Lautan Malaysia (Ocean Ranger), Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. Reach us by email at secretariat@pims.my or via WhatsApp at +60 11-3582 9158.
Official Partners & Sponsors

Organisations Behind PIMS 2026

Collaborating across government, academia, industry, and civil society for sustainable marine ecosystems.

Tenaga Nasional Berhad
Kerajaan Negeri Terengganu
Majlis Daerah Besut
Ocean Ranger Malaysia
University of Malaya
Institute of Ocean & Earth Sciences
Healing Chambers of Asia
Perhentian Marine Research Station (PMRS)
Mimpi Perhentian Resort
Danai Retreat - Speaker Accommodation Sponsor
Tenaga Nasional Berhad
Kerajaan Negeri Terengganu
Majlis Daerah Besut
Ocean Ranger Malaysia
University of Malaya
Institute of Ocean & Earth Sciences
Healing Chambers of Asia
Perhentian Marine Research Station (PMRS)
Mimpi Perhentian Resort
Danai Retreat - Speaker Accommodation Sponsor
Visit Truly Terengganu 2027
Visit Malaysia 2026
Department of Fisheries Malaysia
MOTAC
Tourism Malaysia
MyCEB
Jabatan Warisan Negara
Malaysia Scuba Diving Association
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu
Visit Truly Terengganu 2027
Visit Malaysia 2026
Department of Fisheries Malaysia
MOTAC
Tourism Malaysia
MyCEB
Jabatan Warisan Negara
Malaysia Scuba Diving Association
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu