GEORGE TOWN: The country will take a lead role in ocean science with a Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) senior official elected to a key Unesco post.
Prof Datuk Dr Aileen Tan (pic) is the new chairman of the UN agency’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (Westpac), which aims to develop, coordinate and implement marine scientific research, observations and services.
The USM Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies director has also made history by being the first woman and Malaysian to be elected to the post since the inception of the sub-commission in 1979.
“This will be a good opportunity for Malaysia to take charge of our commitment to the ocean, especially as a maritime nation.
“We need to address the challenges facing marine ecosystems and figure out actionable solutions to solve issues impacting the environment.
“This can be done by engaging the right stakeholders while focusing on improving the livelihood of the coastal communities through sustainable approaches,” she said in an interview.
Prof Tan, who will take charge for the 2025-27 term, said her priorities included setting up a Regional Training and Research Centre of IOC Westpac in Malaysia.
“This will develop and strengthen the capacity and capabilities of human resources, particularly young researchers from member countries in the Western Indo-Pacific region, and put Malaysia on the global map of ocean science,” she said.
Prof Tan, who served as first vice-chairperson (2023 to 2025) and vice-chairman (2021 to 2023) of the body, said her election showed the confidence in Malaysia to play a lead role on the issue.
As chairman, she said she is expected to spearhead efforts to bolster regional networks and programmes to ensure a unified, cohesive response to the vital issues related to marine science and sustainability in the region.
“I will need to engage with member states as they must continue to support the development of transformative ocean science solutions.
“We also need to enhance mutual assistance and cooperation to accelerate the development of ocean-based solutions for a sustainable ocean and economy,” she said.
The 59-year-old, who learnt diving during her doctorate research on giant clam conservation, said it was by chance that she ended up as a marine scientist.
“I did not plan to pursue a career in marine and coastal studies during the early days, yet I landed myself in this field due to job opportunities.
“I wanted to explore the ocean to address challenges and solutions to issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss,” she added.
The Sub-Commission is recognised as a key catalyst, advocate, coordinator and facilitator in the region to promote ocean knowledge and sustained observations.
With 22 member states under it, the body brings together governmental agencies and marine scientific communities.
It also ensures marine biodiversity and seafood safety, safeguards ocean ecosystem health and enhances knowledge of emerging ocean science issues.
