The celebration of the World Oceans Week (WOW) by Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) on 8 June this year was a little different than in previous years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

WOW is part of UMT’s social responsibilities which aims to inculcate the love for marine environment among its staff as well as the communities.

UMT has been organizing WOW for the past 10 years, in line with its status as a university focusing on marine science and aquatic resources.

Associate Professor Dr Mohd Fadzil Mohd Akhir, Director of the Institute of Oceanography and Environment, UMT, said that most of the activities were carried out online.

“This year’s programme is a bit different as most of it was conducted using a digital platform because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr Mohd Fadzil. “But, we need to share our studies with the public so that they will change their attitude and behaviours and think about how their actions will affect the marine environment.”

The programme received positive responses with many participations especially in the drawing competition and the short video competition even though there were no physical activities taking place, he said.

The marine awareness campaign also received support from UMT Vice Chancellor Professor Dato’ Dr Nor Aieni Mokhtar.

She congratulated all especially INOS for having successfully organized WOW this year even though physical activities such as beach clean-up and knowledge transfer programmes with communities and school students could not be carried out.

“What is important is that the message We Care for Our Oceans reached every level of the society,” she said.

For further information:

Assoc. Prof. Dr Mohd Fadzil Mohd Akhir
Director
Institute of Oceanography and Environment
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu
019-2830385

Published by:

Corporate Communication Centre
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu