KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is strengthening its role in global seabed mapping by hosting an international meeting and data sprint. The event brings together experts from 33 countries to advance ocean mapping and data sharing.
Royal Malaysian Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain officiated at the opening of the Seabed 2030 Indo-Pacific Ocean Mapping Meeting and Data Sprint 2026 here.
The event saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the Melaka and Singapore Straits Electronic Navigational Charts and a Seabed 2030 data-sharing agreement.
The signatories included National Hydrographic Centre director-general Rear Admiral Dr Najhan Md Said, Indonesian Navy Hydro-Oceanographic Centre (Pushidrosal) Commodore Edward Halomoan Sibuea and Japan Hydrographic Association representative Dr Masayuki Fujita. A representative of Singapore's Maritime and Port Authority and Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project director Jamie McMichael-Phillips also signed the agreements.
Organised by the NHC, the event has attracted 250 participants from 33 countries, including hydrographers, government representatives, research institutions and maritime industry players.
The plenary session runs until today, followed by a data sprint today and tomorrow. The sprint provides hands-on experience in preparing, demonstrating and integrating bathymetric data.
Zulhelmy said the ocean was central to Malaysia's identity, economy and security.
"For Malaysia, the ocean is fundamental to who we are. Our geography, economy, security and future are inseparable from the maritime domain.
"Effective maritime policy begins with knowledge. We cannot manage what we do not understand. We cannot protect what we cannot see."
The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project aims to accelerate the mapping of the world's seabed by 2030. Up to April, only 28.7 per cent of the ocean floor had been mapped to modern standards, leaving more than 70 per cent inadequately mapped.
"This is a significant knowledge gap with implications for science, development and security," said Zulhelmy.
He thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the allocation in the 2027 Budget to acquire two new survey motor launches, saying the vessels would expedite hydrographic survey operations and help address priority data gaps.
Zulhelmy also thanked the National Security Council for facilitating approval for Malaysia's first national research vessel, describing it as a strategic investment in the country's maritime future.
On data sharing, he said arrangements must respect national requirements, security considerations, data ownership and agreed conditions of use.
"This gathering can boost Malaysia's role as a regional hub for seabed mapping and marine geospatial cooperation," he said.
In a separate address, Najhan said the meeting built on a Seabed 2030 gathering held in Nadi, Fiji, in 2024.
"I sincerely hope that every delegate will return home with valuable insights, new skills and practical experiences."
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