As the world celebrated the 65th anniversary of Antarctic Day on December 1, we are reminded of the importance of Antarctica, not just as a remote, frozen wilderness but as a region critical to understanding global climate dynamics.
Believe it or not, Antarctica is shockingly fast in getting greener, with a 14-fold increase in plant coverage since 1986 due to warming.
Antarctica’s ice sheets hold 70% of the world’s freshwater, making it a linchpin in the Earth’s climate system. Changes in this region have profound implications for global sea levels, ocean currents, and weather patterns. Thus, research in Antarctica has never been more vital, particularly in climate change and sustainability.
For Malaysia, involvement in Antarctic research may seem distant. However, over the past few decades, our country has made significant strides in contributing to the global scientific community’s understanding of this pristine continent. At the forefront of this effort, the Yayasan Penyelidikan Antartika Sultan Mizan (YPASM) is instrumental in promoting Malaysian participation in Antarctic research.
Malaysia’s entry into Antarctic research dates back to the late 1990s. Malaysian researchers have been actively involved in studying Antarctica’s unique ecosystem, the impacts of climate change on its environment, and how changes in Antarctica influence global systems, including Southeast Asia.
In 2011, Malaysia acceded to the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) as the first ASEAN country. The establishment of YPASM in 2012 by the Malaysian government marked a pivotal moment in expanding the nation’s Antarctic research capabilities.
YPASM has been a key driver in funding, facilitating, and promoting Antarctic research by Malaysian scientists. Through grants and scholarships, YPASM has enabled Malaysian researchers to collaborate with international research stations, primarily at Scott Base and other scientific hubs in Antarctica. This collaboration has allowed our researchers to explore diverse topics, from marine biology and glaciology to atmospheric sciences.
Research by our scientists
One notable achievement is the polar ecosystem research undertaken by Malaysian scientists. This research focuses on understanding how Antarctic marine life, particularly plankton and krill, is affected by warming oceans and melting ice. These organisms form the foundation of the Antarctic food web, and any disruption to their populations has cascading effects on larger marine species and global fish stocks.
Additionally, Malaysian researchers have contributed to studies on Antarctic biodiversity, which is crucial for understanding how climate change is impacting life in extreme environments. By analysing microbial life and other organisms that thrive in harsh Antarctic conditions, scientists gain insights into how species may adapt to rising temperatures or increased ocean acidity, the knowledge that could inform conservation strategies globally.
YPASM plays a vital role in ensuring that Malaysian scientists have the resources, networks, and platforms to contribute meaningfully to Antarctic research. The foundation provides financial support through its research grants, such as the YPASM Research Fellowship, which encourages scientists to pursue Antarctic-related research. These grants have facilitated fieldwork expeditions to Antarctica, access to specialised scientific equipment, and international collaboration opportunities.
Moreover, YPASM’s engagement goes beyond research alone. Through partnerships with universities, government bodies, and international organisations, YPASM promotes educational outreach, raising awareness among Malaysians about the importance of Antarctica and polar research. This is crucial in ensuring that Malaysians understand that what happens in Antarctica affects global weather patterns, including the frequency of floods and monsoons in Southeast Asia.
Young scientists
YPASM Antarctic training and expedition programmes also aim to cultivate young scientists by offering practical training experiences in polar research. These programs equip participants with the skills necessary for conducting scientific studies in extreme environments, helping Malaysia build a strong pipeline of polar researchers for the future.
Why should Malaysians care about Antarctic research? The answer lies in the growing urgency of climate change. Antarctica’s ice sheets and glaciers are melting at an alarming rate, contributing to rising sea levels that threaten coastal regions worldwide, including Malaysia. The impact of climate change on weather patterns, agriculture, fisheries, and biodiversity is already being felt across the globe, and Antarctica holds critical clues to future climate scenarios.
Antarctic research helps scientists better understand these changes, offering predictive models of how the Earth’s climate might evolve over the coming decades. For Malaysia, this information is invaluable as it informs climate mitigation strategies, such as improving coastal defence, adapting agricultural practices, and developing sustainable policies for natural resource management.
Moreover, Antarctica is considered a natural laboratory for sustainability studies. Preserving its pristine environment is paramount, and the Antarctic Treaty System mandates the protection of its ecosystem. The lessons learned from Antarctica’s conservation efforts can be applied to global sustainability initiatives, particularly in protecting fragile ecosystems like tropical rainforests and coral reefs, which are equally vulnerable to climate change.
Expanding our role
As we look to the future, it is vital to encourage greater Malaysian involvement in Antarctic research. While YPASM has laid a strong foundation, there is potential to expand our role further.
First, increasing government and private sector investment in polar research will ensure that Malaysian scientists have the resources to continue their work in Antarctica. Second, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial. Antarctic research spans various fields, from oceanography and geology to environmental science and engineering. By bringing together experts from different disciplines, Malaysia can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the global impacts of Antarctic change.
Finally, raising public awareness through media campaigns, educational programs, and community engagement will help Malaysians understand the significance of Antarctica in global climate issues and highlight the link to Malaysia’s sustainability goals.
Through the efforts of YPASM and the dedication of our researchers, Malaysia has positioned itself as a key player in Antarctic science. Moving forward, we must continue to invest in research, education, and collaboration to ensure that future generations of Malaysians can contribute to the global understanding of this vital region.
As we commemorate Antarctic Day and reflect on Malaysia’s contributions to polar research, it is clear that our involvement in Antarctica is not only a matter of national pride but also a crucial part of addressing global climate change.
NOTE: The author is an Associate Professor at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia leading the Plant Functional Genomics Research Group at the Institute of Systems Biology.
Malaysia’s pioneering role and way forward in Antarctic Research
“In 2011, Malaysia acceded to the Antarctic Treaty System as the first ASEAN country. It marked a pivotal moment in expanding the nation’s Antarctic research capabilities
