BY: Dr. Wan Mohd Rauhan Wan Hussin, Deputy Director, National Antarctic Research Centre, UMT

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) played a central role as co-organiser of the recently held ASEAN Workshop on Sea Level Rise, alongside the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), Yayasan Penyelidikan Antartika Sultan Mizan (YPASM), the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation through NAHRIM, and the National Antarctic Research Centre (NARC).

The effort was also supported by the ASEAN-EU-German Climate Action Programme (through German Agency for International Cooperation – GIZ) and the ASEAN Secretariat.

The workshop aimed to advance practical regional policy and deepen understanding of the science underlying sea level rise.

Southeast Asia, with its extensive coastlines and dense coastal populations,  is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, with sea level rise among the most pressing threats. This phenomenon accelerates coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, endangering infrastructure, livelihoods, and ecosystems throughout the region.  The Asian Development Bank estimates that by 2070 – 2100, the damages from coastal flooding might amount to an astounding USD 26.8 billion, equivalent to 0.1% of the region’s GDP.

Acknowledging the urgent need for coordinated actions, Malaysia showed great leadership by organising the workshop on 11 – 12 June, as part of its ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025

Held at Raia Hotel & Convention Centre in Kuala Terengganu, the workshop gathered over 100 participants, including ASEAN policymakers, environmental experts, scientists, and climate practitioners.

Datuk Nor Yahati Binti Awang, Deputy Secretary General (Environmental Sustainability) of NRES, in her keynote speech emphasised the urgency of acting together as a region through shared information and cooperative planning.

As a leading coastal and marine science institution, UMT brought its academic strength and research experience to the table, especially in understanding the dynamics of sea level changes and their impact on coastal ecosystems. The participation of UMT demonstrates not only institutional dedication but also Malaysia’s overarching goal to support environmental solutions on a regional and worldwide scale.

As the workshop concluded, it became abundantly evident that sea level rise is a problem that cannot be solved by any single country, but rather requires coordinated efforts. With UMT’s strategic role, Malaysia is setting an example of how academic institutions can help guide ASEAN toward climate resilience.

Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, Menteri Besar of Terengganu, commended UMT for its excellent contribution in organising this workshop and said the state government is willing to engage with other agencies to address the issue of sea level rise. As a gesture of goodwill, the state also hosted dinner for delegates at Duyong Marina & Resort.