Director / Distinguished Research Fellow - Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taiwan
2024 Mario Markus Prize Awardee
With extensive fieldwork experiences across Asia and the Indo-Pacific, Dr. Benny K.K. Chan investigates the distribution, speciation, and environmental responses of intertidal and fouling organisms. He integrates taxonomy, molecular tools, and ecological modeling to explore marine biogeography and evolutionary patterns. His scientific contributions enabled us to understand the ecological resilience of various organisms in rapidly shifting marine habitats.
Distinguished Professor - National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan
Prof. Tse‑Min Lee investigates the molecular physiology and ecological roles of macroalgae and seagrass, with a focus on stress responses, blue carbon sequestration, and bioenergy applications. His research integrates oxidative and antioxidant processes with environmental resilience across marine ecosystems . His innovative works provided crucial insights that support sustainable marine resource use, climate change mitigation, and the conservation of coastal ecosystems.
Director General - Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, Kaohsiung Office, Taiwan
Bringing years of experience in East Asian diplomacy, Director General Masafumi Oku specializes in strengthening regional partnerships. A seasoned diplomat, he is strongly committed to building ties, fostering collaboration, and promoting understanding. His thoughtful and strategic approach to long-term cross-cultural engagement consistently bridges communities across borders.
Vice-Chancellor I Professor - Division of Social Sciences, University of the Philippines - Visayas
Executive Director - Too Big To Ignore (TBTI) Philippines
Prof. Alice Joan G. Ferrer is a leading researcher in small-scale fisheries social science, focusing on fisheries governance, gender inclusion, and community-based policy analysis in Southeast Asia. She has led impactful projects on health economics, coastal resource management, and climate-smart agriculture that inform policy and empower fishing communities. She also served as a previous president of the Asian Fisheries Society (AFS).