ICAMB Successfully Hosts the ‘Distinguished Scholar Talk 2025’

The Institute of Climate Adaptation and Marine Biotechnology (ICAMB) successfully organised the Distinguished Scholar Talk 2025 on 3 December 2025 at the Sulaiman Auditorium, PSNZ, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). The programme featured two esteemed ICAMB Visiting Professors: Emeritus Prof. Dr. Andrew McMinn from the University of Tasmania, Australia, and Prof. Dr. Ocky Karna Radjasa from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia.

The event was attended by approximately 40 participants comprising postgraduate students, academic staff, researchers, and UMT administrative personnel.

Emeritus Prof. Dr. Andrew McMinn delivered an insightful presentation on viruses in extreme environments, with a particular focus on their dynamics and survival in the exceptionally cold regions of Antarctica. His talk highlighted the unique ecological challenges and scientific importance of studying viruses in polar ecosystems.

Prof. Dr. Ocky Karna Radjasa presented on coral diseases affecting Indonesian waters, emphasising the alarming increase in disease prevalence over the years. He further discussed how these impacts are exacerbated by global climate change, posing serious threats to coral reef ecosystems and marine biodiversity.

The Distinguished Scholar Talk 2025 was held in conjunction with the official visit of both scholars to UMT as ICAMB Visiting Professors. Their engagement provided valuable knowledge exchange and strengthened collaborative links in the fields of marine science, climate adaptation, and biotechnology.