3 – 5 September 2026 | Pulau Perhentian, Malaysia

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.

200+
Global Attendees
25+
Expert Speakers
10+
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

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

Fish, Fisheries & Ecosystem Connectivity

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

Restoration & Sustainable Energy

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

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 & Plenary Speakers

Keynote Speakers

Prof Dr Chaolun Allen Chen

Prof Dr Chaolun Allen Chen

Taiwan

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

Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa

Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa

Indonesia

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

Invited Speakers

Day 1 • Session 1
Ecosystem Health

Prof Dr Thamasak Yeemin
Prof Dr Thamasak Yeemin
(Thailand)
Dr Tries Blandine Razak
Dr Tries Blandine Razak
(Indonesia)

Day 1 • Session 3
Fisheries & Connectivity

Prof. Dr Cleto L. Nanola Jr.
Prof. Dr Cleto L. Nanola Jr.
(Philippines)
Assoc Prof Dr A Aldrie Amir
Assoc Prof Dr A Aldrie Amir
(Malaysia)

Day 2 • Session 4
Ecosystem Restoration

Dr Apple Chui Pui Yi
Dr Apple Chui Pui Yi
(Hong Kong)
Dr Karenne Tun
Dr Karenne Tun
(Singapore)

Day 2 • Session 5
Livelihoods & Tourism

Dr Serina Rahman
Dr Serina Rahman
(Singapore)
Prof TPr Dr Goh Hong Ching
Prof TPr Dr Goh Hong Ching
(Malaysia)

Secure Your Spot Today

Early bird rates apply until 20 August 2026

Category Early Bird Fee (RM) Standard Fee (RM)
Regular Participant 600 750
Student 300 400
Local Community / NGO 250 350
Business / Corporate 3,500 4,500

Fee includes access to all sessions, symposium materials, lunch, coffee breaks, and consideration for final report/academic publication submissions.

PIMS 2026 Logo

Official Symposium Programme

Restoring Balance: Marine Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

Day 1

Thursday, 3rd Sept 2026
  • 08:30 - 09:00
    Registration and Morning Coffee
    Arrival and registration of participants.
  • 09:00 - 09:30
    Opening Remarks
    Welcome by host institution or organising committee; address by representative from Terengganu State or Marine Park Department.
  • 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
    Networking break for all participants.
  • 10:30 - 12:00
    Session 1: Marine Ecosystem Health and Biodiversity Monitoring
    Two invited talks (20 minutes each), two short contributed talks (12-15 minutes each), and combined Q&A.
  • 12:00 - 13:30
    Lunch Break
    Lunch and informal networking.
  • 13:30 - 15:00
    Session 2: Marine Ecosystem Health: Tools, Indicators and Case Studies
    Five to six contributed talks (12-15 minutes each) and combined Q&A on monitoring tools and regional case studies.
  • 15:00 - 15:30
    Coffee Break
  • 15:30 - 16:45
    Session 3: Fish, Fisheries, and Ecosystem Connectivity
    Two invited talks (20 minutes each), two to three contributed talks (10 minutes each), and combined Q&A.
  • 16:45 - 17:30
    Poster Session 1
    Posters on ecosystem health, biodiversity, fisheries, and habitat connectivity; informal networking and poster judging.

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
    Two invited talks (20 minutes each), two to three contributed talks (10 minutes each), and combined Q&A.
  • 11:15 - 11:30
    Coffee Break
  • 11:30 - 13:00
    Session 5: Sustainable Livelihoods and Marine Tourism for Conservation
    Two invited talks (20 minutes each), two to three contributed talks (10 minutes each), and combined Q&A.
  • 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
    Posters on ecosystem health, biodiversity, fisheries, and habitat connectivity.
  • 16:15 - 17:00
    Closing Session
    Summary of key messages, presentation of symposium highlights, recommendations and way forward.
  • 19:00 - 21:00
    Gala Dinner and Closing Ceremony
    Networking dinner with invited guests and participants. Presentation of awards and closing remarks.

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.

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. Detailed travel guides will be emailed upon registration.
Are accommodations included in the fee?
Accommodation is not included in the registration fee. However, we have partnered with several resorts on the island to offer discounted rates for PIMS delegates. A list of recommended accommodations with negotiated rates will be provided upon registration.
What is the abstract submission deadline?
The call for abstracts opens on 1 July 2026. The submission deadline is 31 July 2026. Notification of acceptance will be sent by 15 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 can register at the discounted rate of RM 300 (early bird) or RM 400 (standard). Student status will be verified at registration.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made before 20 August 2026 will receive a full refund minus a RM 50 administrative fee. Cancellations between 21 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 17-628 2367, or visit our website at pims.my. Our office is located at Pertubuhan Renjer Lautan Malaysia (Ocean Ranger), Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.

Strategic Partners

Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF) Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) RHB Bank Ocean Ranger Malaysia Malaysian Society of Marine Sciences (MSMS)