BLUE CAREERS DAY 2026 CONNECTS USM STUDENTS WITH SUSTAINABLE BLUE ECONOMY OPPORTUNITIES

The event brought together students, industry players, researchers, government agencies, and civil society organisations to strengthen awareness and exposure to career opportunities in the sustainable blue economy.

Co-hosted with the USM Centre for Policy Research (CPR) and supported under the SustainaBlue Erasmus+ Project, the programme aimed to connect students with potential employers and ocean-related sectors while advancing the project’s agenda of student employability, labour market relevance, and sustainable career pathways.

The one-day event held on 2 April, featured industry and expert presentations, networking sessions, and discussions on women’s empowerment in the blue economy, alongside the balance between economic growth and ocean health.

These efforts reflect SustainaBlue’s strategic goals of promoting sustainability, collaboration, and inclusivity in ocean-based professions.

Speaking on behalf of the organising committee, the Director of CEMACS, Associate Professor Dr. Mahadi Mohammad, emphasised that the programme was designed to move beyond conventional career fairs by embedding sustainability and innovation into workforce development.

“Blue Careers Day 2026 is about enabling students to understand their place in the future ocean economy, the competencies demanded by the market, and the importance of integrating sustainability into professional practice. This is where academia, industry, government, and civil society must converge,” he said.

Students engaged directly with representatives from diverse sectors, including environmental consulting firms, research organisations, NGOs, government-linked entities, and industry stakeholders.

Among the participating organisations were the Malaysian Nature Society Penang Branch, TNB Research Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia Aquaculture Development Association (MADA), Alpha Ocean Resources Berhad, Nan Rong Agriculture Group Sdn. Bhd., WorldFish, WWF, Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve, Penang Hill Corporation, and Kedah Regional Development Authority (KEDA).

Mahadi added, “A major feature of the programme was its emphasis on empowering women in the blue economy, highlighting the need to increase female representation and recognise women’s contributions to marine sustainability.”

“This aligns with SustainaBlue’s framework, which prioritises awareness-building among students with special attention to female participation,” he said.

He also said, by linking classroom learning with real-world opportunities, the event provided insights into industry needs and skills across marine science, policy, sustainability, aquaculture, coastal governance, and conservation.

“As the blue economy grows into a mainstream sector, such initiatives are vital in preparing interdisciplinary talent with sustainability literacy.

“Blue Careers Day 2026 underscores USM’s commitment to blending academic excellence with stakeholder-driven talent development.

“Rather than treating employability as a graduate outcome, the programme adopts a pipeline approach, integrating awareness, exposure, networking, and skills early in the student journey,” he explained further.  

Indeed, Blue Careers Day 2026 serves as a strategic platform for stakeholder engagement, student visibility, and partnerships, reinforcing USM’s role in shaping future-ready talent for the sustainable blue economy.

Text: Dr. Annette Jaya-Ram, Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS), USM/Editing: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin & Tan Ewe Hoe/Photo: CEMACS, USM