Latest news with #AntonBruunMedal
Malaysiakini
03-07-2025
- Science
- Malaysiakini
USM's Tan receives Unesco award for marine research
Marine scientist Aileen Tan Shau Hwai made international headlines by being awarded the prestigious Anton Bruun Medal. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), in a statement yesterday, said this recognition acknowledges her dedication to ocean and marine research...
The Star
03-07-2025
- Science
- The Star
USM prof wins Unesco award for contributions to ocean science
Photo courtesy of USM, via Facebook GEORGE TOWN: Malaysian marine scientist Professor Datuk Dr Aileen Tan Shau Hwai, who is also the director of the Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (Cemacs) at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), has once again made headlines internationally by being awarded the prestigious Anton Bruun Medal. USM said on Thursday (July 3) that this is the highest international recognition in the field of ocean science, acknowledging Tan's dedication to ocean and marine research, thereby elevating the name of USM and Malaysia on the global stage. "The prestigious award was presented to Tan in conjunction with the 33rd Session of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) Assembly under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), in Paris recently. "This recognition not only reflects Tan's excellence in the field of marine ecosystem management and conservation but also proves USM's capability as a leading higher education institution in world-class research," the statement said. In conjunction with the medal conferment, Tan also delivered the prestigious Anton Bruun Memorial Lecture titled "Co-Generating Ocean Solutions: Empowering Coastal Communities through Science and Policy Integration". According to USM, in Tan's lecture, she emphasised the critical need for science to be utilised for the well-being of all humanity, not merely for the scientific community. She also urged the implementation of a comprehensive approach that includes all levels of society in sustainable ocean governance. The statement noted that Tan stressed that science connects humans, and humans are connected to nature. She called for cross-disciplinary and cross-sectoral collaboration to ensure inclusive and implementable ocean solutions, with people at the core of every effort. "As a leader in community-based marine conservation and sustainable aquaculture, Tan also shared success stories resulting from her collaborations with coastal communities in Malaysia, where science has been humanized and created tangible impact and value, translated through increased income, gender empowerment, and continuous ecosystem care," it said. The statement said that from oyster farming initiatives to eco-youth entrepreneurship, Tan also emphasised the importance of prioritising people, delivering information concisely and clearly, and impactful communication. Tan's practical approach, rooted in local culture and knowledge transfer, has garnered global attention as an effective and inclusive model for ocean action, according to USM. The Anton Bruun Medal is awarded to individuals who have made important and significant contributions to the advancement of earth solid studies, physical and chemical oceanography, meteorology, and marine biology, in conjunction with the biennial IOC Assembly. The Anton Bruun Medal also recognises individuals' outstanding contributions in advancing marine science. This award is not only an acknowledgment of Tan's decades of dedication in marine science and coastal community development but also symbolises Malaysia's growing prominent role in the global ocean agenda under the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. - Bernama
New Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Science
- New Straits Times
USM marine scientist awarded prestigious Anton Bruun Medal
GEORGE TOWN: Universiti Sains Malaysia's (USM) marine scientist and Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies director Professor Datuk Dr Aileen Tan Shau Hwai has once again made her mark on the international stage. Most recently, Tan was chosen to receive the prestigious Anton Bruun Medal — one of the highest international recognitions in ocean science — during the 33rd session of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Assembly under United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. In conjunction with the award, Tan delivered the distinguished Anton Bruun Memorial Lecture titled "Co-Producing Ocean Solutions: Empowering Coastal Communities Through Science and Policy Integration." Her address underscored the urgent need for science to serve humanity, not merely the scientific community, but also advocate for a whole-of-society approach to ocean governance. "Science connects people. People connect to nature," she reminded the global audience, calling for collaboration across disciplines and sectors to ensure inclusive, actionable ocean solutions, with the people at the heart of it. A trailblazer in community-based marine conservation and sustainable aquaculture, Aileen shared success stories from her work with coastal communities in Malaysia, where science has been humanised and created impacts and bringing values —translated into better livelihoods, gender empowerment, and ecosystem stewardship. From oyster farming initiatives to youth eco-entrepreneurship, she believed strongly in serving the people first, simplifying information, impactful communications and most of all, creating trust and staying true to the mission and vision, which captured global attention as a practical and culturally rooted approach to ocean action. Established in 1970, the Anton Bruun Medal is dedicated to the memory of the noted Danish oceanographer and first chairman of the Commission, Dr Anton Frederick Bruun. The medal is awarded to those who make important developments in the fields of solid earth studies, physical and chemical oceanography and meteorology, and marine biology during the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission's Assembly, every two years. The Anton Bruun Medal recognises individuals for outstanding contributions to the advancement of marine science. This award recognises not only Tan's decades-long dedication to marine science and coastal community development, but also of Malaysia's growing leadership in the global ocean agenda under the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
