Forum “Peace, Science and Sustainability; Malaysia’s Role In Antarctica
This forum was a central component of the Antarctica Day 2025 Launching Ceremony, held on 8 December 2025 at Dewan Seri Sarjana, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN). Designed as an intellectual anchor to the nationwide celebration, the forum provided a strategic platform to discuss Malaysia’s engagement in Antarctica within the framework of the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS), focusing on the principles of peace, scientific cooperation, and environmental sustainability. The session explored Malaysia’s contributions to Antarctic research, capacity building, education, and international collaboration, as well as the nation’s aspirations as a responsible observer country.
Held at Dewan Seri Sarjana, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), and broadcast live via YouTube (YPASM and UNITEN cross-platform), the forum reached students across 12 Malaysian universities and eight international research institutions. In total, 1,329 participants joined physically and virtually, making it one of Malaysia’s largest Antarctic-focused academic engagements to date.
Key discussions included the role of science diplomacy, the importance of protecting Antarctica as a natural reserve devoted to peace and science, and how Malaysia can strengthen its involvement through research institutions, policy support, and regional cooperation. The forum also aimed to raise public and stakeholder awareness of Antarctica’s global significance and Malaysia’s role in supporting its long-term preservation.
The forum convened an exceptional panel representing the breadth of the international Antarctic ecosystem, spanning governance, climate science, and youth diplomacy. The panel consists of:
- Prof. Dr. Paul Arthur Berkman, a world-leading expert in science diplomacy and Antarctic governance. He co-chaired the 2009 Antarctic Treaty Summit commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty and his work during the summit had inspired the establishment of Antarctica Day.
- Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Azizan Abu Samah, a pioneer of Malaysia’s Antarctic scientific journey and a key figure who enabled Malaysia’s early Antarctic expeditions and built the foundation for Malaysia’s polar research development.
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Japareng Lalung, a representative of emerging Malaysian polar researchers with a passion to capture the essence of Antarctica through his lens.
- Sanjeef Kumr Subramaniam, representing the next generation of polar stewards as he represents Malaysia at Polar Educators International (PEI) and the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS).
