KOTA KINABALU: Global science organisation OceanX is proposing a science mission in the waters of Sabah next year.
This proposal, presented to state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew during a recent courtesy call to her office, aims to foster a deeper appreciation for conservation and the blue economy.
Asia Pacific (APAC) Head of Science Partnerships Dr Felicia Shaw, who led the delegation, shared that OceanX's mission is to explore the ocean and bring it back to the world.
"How is this being executed? We achieve this through a global network of explorers, scientists, and storytellers, working together to educate, inspire and drive positive change," she said.
APAC, together with OceanX Partnerships Manager Zi Jin Wong from OceanX's regional office, discussed collaboration with Sabah on scientific discovery and mutual learning with local scientists and students.
Dr Shaw said by involving Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and local scientists in their mission aboard its advanced research vessel, the OceanXplorer, they hope to uncover the ocean's mysteries while engaging students through impactful initiatives.
According to her, OceanX has travelled to more than 20 countries, five oceans, and mapped over 150,000 square kilometres in its science mission over the last 12 years.
"At OceanX, we are committed to a five-year expedition across Southeast Asia, a region of extraordinary biodiversity,” she said.
"Through these efforts, we aspire to foster a deeper appreciation for conservation and the blue economy," Dr Shaw added.
On this note, Liew welcomes these plans of OceanX to embark on a science mission in the waters of Sabah next year, through the OceanXplorer.
Equipped with next-generation technology, OceanXplorer acts as a floating research, media, and education platform, built to help OceanX deliver on its mission.
"The government supports any initiatives that bring benefits to the state and local communities," she said.
"I believe the inaugural visit of OceanXplorer will further boost Sabah's reputation as an ideal tourist destination. I understand the proposed science mission here will involve local scientists and institutions of higher learning such as UMS," said Liew.
She sees this as a timely move as Sabah also boasts the Unesco Triple Crown sites where Kinabalu Park is recognised as a Unesco Global Geopark, internationally acclaimed for its vast biodiversity.
"We (KePKAS) will look into OceanX's meaningful proposal that will have far-reaching effects on scientific progress, education, and tourism," she said.
