By Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maizah Mohd Abdullah, Faculty of Marine Science and Environment

A second-year Marine Biology student from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) was recently selected from over 300 global applicants to join the prestigious OceanX Young Explorer Program, a transformative initiative empowering youth in ocean science, exploration, and storytelling.

From 9 to 17 April 2025, Muralidhara Ram Murugan embarked on an unforgettable expedition aboard the world-class OceanXplorer vessel, sailing from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain to Schiedam, Netherlands. He was part of a dynamic cohort of young explorers representing diverse continents and cultures, all united by a shared passion for marine conservation.

Throughout the journey, participants were immersed in hands-on experiences designed to bridge science, innovation, and communication. They took part in a series of media and storytelling workshops focused on science communication, equipping them with tools to engage the public and advocate for ocean health.

A key highlight for Muralidhara was the submarine shadowing session, where he had the opportunity to sit inside OceanX’s submersible and learn the mechanics and navigation systems essential for deep-sea exploration. In the eDNA lab session led by the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI), he conducted DNA extraction using his own saliva, gaining firsthand insights into genomic techniques that are revolutionizing marine biology.

The program also included a fire drill simulation, providing a realistic understanding of emergency protocols at sea. Muralidhara participated in a cutting-edge AR/XR workshop on Unreal Engine conducted by MAGES Studio, exploring how immersive media can revolutionize environmental storytelling.

Additionally, the explorers engaged in seminars on climate policy, an increasingly vital topic for the next generation of conservationists. They were also introduced to technical components of oceanographic operations such as hydroacoustic mapping and bathymetry, crucial tools for understanding seafloor landscapes. Time spent on the ship’s bridge offered insights into navigation and vessel maneuvering, while visits to the engine room highlighted the essential but often overlooked contributions of the engineering crew, truly the backbone of the expedition.

“This journey was nothing short of transformative,” Muralidhara said. “Being among passionate young changemakers from across the globe while learning from world-class mentors gave me a renewed purpose.”

“I now carry a deeper appreciation not only for marine science, but for the unseen hands that keep ocean missions alive,” he added.

He extended his heartfelt gratitude to OceanX for their exceptional hospitality and support, to GMGI and MAGES Studio for their eye-opening workshops, and to the Faculty of Science and Marine Environment (FSSM) and UMT for their ongoing encouragement and continued support in his academic development.

UMT is proud to celebrate Muralidhara’s achievements and looks forward to the positive ripple effect his experiences will bring to the university, the region, and the wider marine conservation community.