Seminar on Coastal Marine Science

The 4th VAST-JSPS Joint Seminar on Coastal Marine Science was held in Hai Phong, Vietnam from 26-28 October 2009. The seminar jointly organised by Japanese Society for the promotion of science and Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. More than 150 participsnts were in the symposium. There were 63 scientific papers were presented and 21 papers were authoured and co-authoured by Malaysian Scientists. Malaysia was represented by 13 scientists, consists of 3 Professors from UPM (Prof Ahmad Ismail, Prof. Fatimah Md. Yusof and Prof Japar Sidek Bujang), 3 Professors from UKM, 1 Professor from UTM, 1 Professor from USM, 2 Associate Professors from UPM (Dr. Aziz Arshad and Dr. Mohd Pauzi Zakaria), 1 Associate Professor from USM, I assistant Professor from UNIMAS and one tutor from UPM (Syaizwan Zulkifli-now studying in ORI The Tokyo Universty, Otsuchi). Malaysia dominated the contribution by presenting more that 20 presentation(>30%)and actively participated in the discussion. From this historic JSPS-UPM collaboration, UPM should lead in marine sciences in the country. Faculty science (Biology, Physic, Chemistry and Mathematic) should take this opportunity and focus in marine science. Faculty science have the stength and facilities to champion in marine science. More research grants should be allocated and capacity bulding should be developed. Perhaps Faculty Science, UPM should strengten the tradition and culture in biodiversity, marine sciences and related to those fields.