Successful Conclusion of IBSC stakeholders’ Workshop 2026

Ts. Sr Dr. Kelvin Tang Kang Wee

📝 Summary

The IBSC Stakeholders’ Workshop 2026, held in conjunction with the 49th Meeting of the International Board on Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers, concluded successfully with over 70 international and local delegates in attendance. The workshop brought together stakeholders from various countries to discuss hydrographic education, competency standards, and maritime governance, and fostered closer collaboration among academia, industry, and government agencies. The event marked a significant platform for international collaboration and capacity building in the global hydrographic community.

IBSC49 Stakeholders’ Workshop successfully brought together 70 international and local delegates

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 – The IBSC Stakeholders’ Workshop 2026, organised in conjunction with the 49th Meeting of the International Board on Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers (IBSC49), concluded successfully with a Farewell Dinner attended by more than 70 delegates from industry stakeholders, government agencies, professional bodies and academic representatives around the globe.

Productive discussions at the IBSC Stakeholders’ Workshop, chaired by Rear Admiral Dr. Najhan Md Said, Chief Hydrographer of the National Hydrographic Centre, TLDM

The workshop was officially officiated by Rear Admiral Dr. Najhan Md Said, Chief Hydrographer of the National Hydrographic Centre (NHC), Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM), highlighting the importance of strategic collaboration in strengthening hydrographic competency standards, maritime safety and marine geospatial development at both regional and international levels.

IBSC49 Stakeholders’ Meeting discussed current standards, future directions and industry collaboration

The programme brought together stakeholders from Indonesia, Belgium, South Korea, Monaco, Japan, Morocco, Italy, France, Spain, and Malaysia, including representatives from NHC from TLDM, Department of Survey ad Mapping Malaysia (JUPEM), Department of Marine Malaysia (JLM), Land Surveyors Board Malaysia (LJT) and Association of Authorised Land Surveyors Malaysia (PEJUTA).

Throughout the workshop, participants exchanged knowledge and discussed future directions related to hydrographic education, competency standards, nautical cartography, offshore positioning technologies, and sustainable maritime governance.

Following the workshop, a Farewell Dinner was held to celebrate the successful conclusion of the programme while providing an excellent platform for networking, strengthening international partnerships, and fostering closer collaboration among academia, industry, government agencies and hydrographic professionals worldwide.

The session served as an important platform to strengthen international collaboration, enhance professional capacity building and explore innovative approaches in supporting the evolving needs of the global hydrographic community.

Heartfelt appreciation remarks by Prof. LSr Dr. Mohd Razali Mahmud

The event concluded with appreciation remarks delivered by Prof. LSr Dr. Mohd Razali Mahmud, Advisor of the Malaysia Steering Committee on International Federation of Surveyors (FIG)/International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)/International Cartographic Association (ICA) Hydrographic Surveying Programmes, following with closing remarks by Sobri Syawie, Chair of IBSC who expressed appreciation to all organisers, stakeholders, delegates, and participants for their strong commitment and valuable contributions towards the success of the IBSC49.

Closing remarks by the Sobri Syawie, Chair of IBSC, marked the end of a successful IBSC49

The organising committee would also like to extend its sincere appreciation to all industry sponsors and strategic partners for their generous support and valuable contributions towards the success of the IBSC Stakeholders’ Workshop 2026 and Farewell Dinner programme.

Special thanks are dedicated to Photo Laser Grammetry Sdn. Bhd., ⁠Indah Geomatik Sdn. Bhd., ⁠Armada Geo Samudera Sdn. Bhd., Ezam & Associates, ZBY Geohydro Sdn. Bhd., Nautical Solution Sdn. Bhd., RM Geometra Sdn. Bhd. and THS Geoscience Sdn. Bhd.

Appreciation to all sponsors for the generous support and contribution towards the success of IBSC49

Their contribution played an important role in ensuring the smooth organisation and success of our IBSC49 programme. The successful organisation of the programme reflects Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s (UTM) continued commitment towards advancing hydrographic and marine geospatial education while strengthening international engagement within the global hydrographic community.