Asia Oceania Geosciences Society (AOGS) was established in 2003 to promote geosciences and its application for the benefit of humanity, specifically in Asia and Oceania and with an overarching approach to global issues. This year, the 20th Annual Meeting of AOGS took place in Singapore, from 30 July to 4 August at Suntec City Convection Centre Singapore. Co-sponsored by COASTAL-SOS, an interdisciplinary panel themed Coastal Issues - SOS (Support Ocean Sustainability) was held during AOGS2023 on 1 August.

The panels consisted of invited speakers from industries and academic institutions: Gizem Mestav SARICA, Aon Singapore; El Lynn YEOH, Prudential Insurance; Hsiao-Wen WANG, National Cheng-Kung University; Punyasloke BHADURY, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata; Phaik Eem LIM, University of Malaya. The panel was chaired by Robin Robertson and COASTAL-SOS was represented by Phaik-Eem Lim.

During the session, all panels agreed that to have a successful and impactful research project that may support and contribute to ocean sustainability, it needs to be interdisciplinary and this is in line with the objectives of COASTAL-SOS where interdisciplinary and various stakeholders are involved in the project. Some challenges in doing collaborating research among academic institutions, industries and communities were highlighted. All agreed that open and active communication is an important factor to address the differences and this will help to formulate a good research project that will benefit all. The interdisciplinary project is especially important in addressing the uncertainties due to climate change, even though science might not be able to give all the solutions but at least with active communication and engagement from all parties, we may combine all resources for the healthy ocean.

The invited panels are on stage sharing their opinions and discussing with all participants. From right: Hsiao-Wen WANG, Phaik Eem LIM, Punyasloke BHADURY, Gizem Mestav SARICA and El Lynn YEOH.

Phaik-Eem LIM introducing about the COASTAL-SOS programme.

(By Professor Phaik-Eem LIM, University of Malaya)