FOR CENTURIES, coastal cities have thrived at the intersection of human civilisation and the natural world, drawing their identity, economy and way of life from the sea. Penang and Tongyeong are two such cities—both rich in maritime heritage, both reliant on fisheries and aquaculture, and both celebrated for their unique blend of history, arts and culture.

Yet, as I embarked on my two-month academic attachment at the Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) in Tongyeong, South Korea, as its 5th Sejahtera Fellow, I noticed a fundamental difference: marine conservation is deeply embedded in Tongyeong’s everyday life in ways that Penang has yet to fully embrace.

This experience has been a revelation, a case study in how an entire city can be mobilised to protect its marine environment, while ensuring sustainable economic growth. As Penang grapples with coastal development pressures, land reclamation and marine pollution, there are invaluable lessons to be learned from Tongyeong’s success.

Conservation As A Way Of Life

One of the most striking aspects of Tongyeong is how marine conservation is not an isolated effort driven by a handful of environmental groups; it is instead a shared responsibility embraced by the entire community.

Fisherfolk practise sustainable fishing methods, understanding that overexploitation would harm future generations. Coastal businesses and tourism operators take proactive measures to ensure that their industries do not degrade the very ecosystem that sustains them. Restaurants proudly advertise locally and sustainably sourced seafood, and waste management— particularly marine debris monitoring and reduction—is an active and continuous effort, not just a seasonal campaign.

In contrast, while Penang has various marine conservation programmes, their impact is often limited by fragmented implementation and low community involvement. A shift is badly needed—from seeing conservation as a niche activity led by scientists and NGOs to making it a collective cultural and economic practice.

The Role of Education: Raising A Generation of Ocean Stewards

One of the most inspiring experiences of my time in Tongyeong was visiting Yongnam Elementary School, where sustainability is built into the education system. Children are taught from a young age about marine conservation—not just in theory, but through real-life, hands-on experiences. They visit coastal areas, participate in environmental clean-ups, and engage in projects that teach them about the fragility and importance of marine ecosystems.

By the time they reach adulthood, sustainability is no longer just an abstract concept—it is a mindset and a responsibility they carry into their daily lives, professions and social consciousness.

Penang, too, has made strides in marine education, with various outreach programmes led by universities, NGOs and government agencies. However, many of these initiatives are sporadic and often do not reach students at a young enough age to create lasting behavioural changes. Imagine if every school in Penang incorporated marine conservation into its curriculum, infrastructure and culture, much like Yongnam Elementary does. The long-term impact on our oceans would be profound.

Arts and Culture As Vehicles For Conservation

Beyond science and education, another remarkable feature of Tongyeong is its seamless integration of arts and culture with environmental awareness. As Korea’s UNESCO Creative City of Music and contemporary art heritage site, Tongyeong uses music, theatre and visual arts to communicate conservation messages in ways that resonate deeply with people.

One evening, I attended a concert by the Korean National Symphony Orchestra at the stunning Tongyeong Concert Hall surrounded by the sea. As the orchestra played Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 6”, visuals of climate change, habitat destruction and marine degradation were projected on a screen—an emotional and thought-provoking reminder of our role in protecting the planet.

This approach is something Penang could adopt. Given Penang’s vibrant creative scene, marine conservation messages could be effectively communicated through music, murals, theatre and digital media, inspiring public awareness and action. Penang’s George Town Festival, street murals and cultural performances already draw massive audiences. Why not channel this creative energy into marine conservation? Public art installations, music performances and storytelling sessions that highlight the beauty of Penang’s marine ecosystems—and the threats they face—could spark conversations and inspire action on a much larger scale.

Geographical and Cultural Parallels: A Shared Destiny

Penang and Tongyeong share striking geographical similarities—both are coastal, island-linked cities with a heavy reliance on fisheries, aquaculture and eco-tourism. Both have deep cultural and historical roots, evident in places like Dongpirang, Sebyeonggwan and Cheongnyeolsa in Tongyeong, which remind me of George Town’s heritage zones.

However, where Tongyeong excels is in its ability to create a paradigm shift in environmental consciousness. Marine conservation is not seen as an economic burden, but as an economic advantage. Sustainable tourism is heavily promoted, with clear efforts to balance development with ecological preservation.

In contrast, Penang continues to face challenges with extensive developments, where land reclamation projects threaten marine biodiversity, fisheries and coastal resilience. While there is growing environmental awareness, it has yet to translate into a large-scale, community-driven movement for sustainable change.

A Vision For Penang's Future

As I bade farewell to Tongyeong, I left with a renewed sense of hope and determination. What I witnessed here is proof that consistent, purposeful efforts can lead to significant environmental change.

Penang, too, has the potential to foster a paradigm shift in marine conservation. The key lies in education, community involvement, and leveraging arts and culture as powerful tools for change.

If we can integrate marine conservation into daily life the way Tongyeong has, Penang can emerge as a model coastal city that thrives economically, while protecting its most valuable asset—the ocean. The sea has shaped our history, culture and way of life. Now, it is our responsibility to shape its future, ensuring its protection for generations to come.