The Marine Plastic School 2024, led by Dr. Fikriah Fauzi from the Department of Marine Science, IIUM, was featured on Instagram in October 2024 as part of the IIUM Scout STEM Festival 2024. The initiative engaged more than 2,000 secondary school students through four interactive modules — Marine Plastic Talk, Recycle Program, Microplastic CSI, and Plastic Footprint Challenge. The program aimed to raise awareness about marine pollution, recycling, and the impact of microplastics on ocean ecosystems. By integrating science education with hands-on learning, this outreach directly supported SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), reinforcing IIUM’s commitment to sustainability and youth ocean literacy.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DCZuEANTNIw
The FPG–IIUM Kebun Bakau Kuantan programme was held on 7 September 2024 at Pantai Seberang Balok, Kuantan, jointly organized by FPG Oleochemicals Sdn. Bhd. and the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) through the Institute of Oceanography and Maritime Studies (INOCEM). This initiative formed part of a Sponsored Research grant titled “Mangrove Planting Initiative for Coastal Resilience Enhancement and Coral Conservation at Pantai Balok, Kuantan,” led by Dr. Mohd Fuad Miskon. Collaborating partners included the IIUM Marine School, ACRI IIUM, AG-Tech Research Group, CAT Research Group, and the Kulliyyah of Science. The programme aimed to enhance shoreline protection, improve water quality, and promote community awareness of mangrove and coral ecosystem linkages. This joint effort demonstrated a strong industry–university partnership contributing directly to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through integrated research, conservation, and community engagement.
Kebun Karang Kuantan is a marine conservation project initiated by a research group called Advanced Coastal Research and Innovation (ACRI), IIUM to integrate ocean science with community engagement through coral restoration and conservation. ACRI proposes to setup coral garden for research and community engagement purposes in Kuantan Nearshore Reefs area. Among the objectives are to restore degraded nearshore reefs affected by human disturbances and to educate and empower local community on coral conservation. This project is a co-organized by INOCEM and Department of Marine Science in collaboration with FPG Oleochemicals Sdn. Bhd.
2. ICC 2024
On 21 September 2024, INOCEM led the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) at Pantai Cherok Paloh, mobilizing volunteers from IIUM, local communities, Rumah Kanak-kanak Sultanah Hajah Khalsom, and Pasukan Gerakan Awam.
Collaborators: Penghulu Mukim Penor, JPKK Kg. Cherok Paloh, Wadira Permatang Serdang, Alam Flora, SWCorp Malaysia, Forestry Department, Kulliyyah of Nursing, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Science, Sultan Ahmad Shah Medical Centre@IIUM, and Pahang Scouts.
Sponsors: Harum Serantau Sdn. Bhd., Variasi Biz Trading, Vista Two Resources.
The initiative targeted marine pollution reduction and ocean conservation awareness, combining beach cleanup with environmental education and community engagement under SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
On 14 June 2024, the Institute of Oceanography and Maritime Studies (INOCEM), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), welcomed students and teachers from SRI Nadi al Baghdadi, Kulai, Johor, for an educational visit aimed at inspiring interest in marine science. The session began with a talk on microplastics and marine ecosystems by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Normawaty Mohamed Noor, Head of INOCEM. Students then participated in a fish-anatomy activity conducted in the INOCEM laboratory, guided by Dr. Nurfairunnajiha Ridzuan and the academic team. The program fostered early engagement in ocean literacy and sustainability awareness among school students, aligning with SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).
The Marine Plastic School, in collaboration with Let’s Sea Camp 3.0, was organised by the Institute of Oceanography and Maritime Studies (INOCEM), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), to promote ocean literacy and awareness of marine pollution among youth. The 2024 programme engaged school students in hands-on science and environmental education modules, combining marine biodiversity exploration with activities focused on microplastic detection, recycling practices, and the 3R/6R concepts. Facilitated by marine science lecturers, postgraduate students, and volunteers, the initiative empowered students to understand the links between plastic use, ocean health, and sustainability. This collaboration embodies IIUM’s commitment to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through experiential learning and community engagement.
Community Engagement on Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Awareness and Fishermen Perception Study
Researchers from the Department of Marine Science, IIUM, collaborated with the Department of Fisheries Malaysia (IPP Batu Maung) to conduct a community-based study in Kuala Gula, Kerian, Perak. The activity aimed to assess local fishermen’s and aquaculture operators’ awareness and perception of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and to support the development of an early warning system for bloom events. Field sessions involved structured interviews at jetties and village centres, allowing direct dialogue on environmental risks, monitoring practices, and adaptive responses. This engagement strengthened links between science and local livelihood resilience, advancing SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through ecosystem protection, sustainable fisheries, and stakeholder education.
INOCEM Webinar Series: Ocean Talk – “The Scientific Legacy of 50 Years of Recreational Tagging of Pelagic Fishes in Australia”
On 3 September 2024, the Institute of Oceanography and Maritime Studies (INOCEM) hosted an Ocean Talk webinar titled “The Scientific Legacy of 50 Years of Recreational Tagging of Pelagic Fishes in Australia.” The session featured Dr. Julian Pepperell, an internationally recognised marine scientist and angler, with Dr. Fikriah Faudzi of IIUM as moderator. The talk explored long-term marine tagging programmes, the use of citizen science in pelagic fish research, and implications for sustainable fisheries management. Participants gained insights into global approaches to marine data collection, conservation, and resource stewardship, strengthening IIUM’s academic engagement in SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through research-driven knowledge exchange and awareness of sustainable fisheries.
On 20 March 2024, Dr. Juliana Mohamed represented the Department of Marine Science, IIUM, as a featured expert in Petrosains PlaySmart Kuantan’s “Meet the Expert” series, themed Biodiversity & Ecosystem (Feb–Apr 2024). Her talk, titled “Pemeliharaan dan Pemuliharaan Biodiversiti Marin di Malaysia,” introduced school students and the public to Malaysia’s rich marine biodiversity and current conservation challenges. The session highlighted sustainable marine practices, coral reef protection, and the role of science in ecosystem management. This outreach event strengthened public understanding of marine stewardship and supported SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by promoting ocean-literacy, community awareness, and responsible action for marine ecosystem preservation.
Experience with OceanX: Advancing IIUM’s Frontier in Marine Exploration
