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.

Early Bird registration has been extended until 31 August 2026.

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 & Invited Speakers

Keynote Speaker

Speaker 01

More names will be revealed soon

Keynote Speaker

Speaker 02

More names will be revealed soon

Invited Speaker

Speaker 03

More names will be revealed soon

Invited Speaker

Speaker 04

More names will be revealed soon

Invited Speaker

Speaker 05

More names will be revealed soon

Invited Speaker

Speaker 06

More names will be revealed soon

Secure Your Spot Today

Early bird rates apply until 31 August 2026

Category	Early Bird Fee (RM)	Standard Fee (RM)
Regular Participant	600	750
Student	380	450
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.

Corporate Package Benefits

1 Pax Brand Display Twin Sharing Room

Symposium Programme

Restoring Balance: Marine Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

Day 1

Thursday, 3rd Sept 2026

08:30 - 09:00
Registration and Morning Coffee
09:00 - 09:30
Opening Remarks
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
10:30 - 12:00
Session 1: Marine Ecosystem Health and Biodiversity Monitoring
12:00 - 13:30
Lunch Break
13:30 - 15:00
Session 2: Marine Ecosystem Health: Tools, Indicators and Case Studies
15:00 - 15:30
Coffee Break
15:30 - 16:45
Session 3: Fish, Fisheries, and Ecosystem Connectivity
16:45 - 17:30
Poster Session 1

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
11:15 - 11:30
Coffee Break
11:30 - 13:00
Session 5: Sustainable Livelihoods and Marine Tourism for Conservation
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
16:15 - 17:00
Closing Session & Closing Ceremony
Summary of key messages, presentation of symposium highlights, recommendations and way forward.

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.
19:00 - 21:00
Gala Dinner
Networking dinner with invited guests, sponsors, and participants. Presentation of awards.

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. Another nearby option is Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR), Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan, which is also within reasonable reach of 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, participants who express an interest to register may email our secretariat, and we will gladly suggest recommended places to stay on the island.

What is the abstract submission deadline?

The call for abstracts opens on 15 July 2026. The submission deadline is 7 August 2026. Notification of acceptance will be sent by 17 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 and an accompanying supervisor's letter can register at the discounted rate of RM 380 (early bird) or RM 450 (standard). Student status will be verified at registration.

The organizing committee is currently in the final stage of discussions to secure full sponsorship/subsidy for the publication fee for the Student category. An official announcement will be made in due course.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations made before 13 August 2026 will receive a full refund minus a RM 50 administrative fee. Cancellations between 14 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 11-3582 9158, or visit our website at pims.my. Our office is located at Pertubuhan Renjer Lautan Malaysia (Ocean Ranger), Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.

Strategic Partners

Majlis Daerah Besut (MDB)

Malaysia Scuba Diving Association (MSDA)

Institute of Ocean & Earth Sciences (IOES)

Perhentian International Dive Festival (PIDF)