UMS hosts Canon’s ocean awareness photography initiative

In conjunction with World Oceans Day 2024, Canon Marketing Malaysia partnered with the Borneo Marine Research Institute (BMRI) at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) to launch a transformative initiative aimed at fostering ocean conservation through visual storytelling. The highlight of this collaboration was the “Exploring Ocean Awareness Through Photography” workshop and photo exhibition, held on June 24, 2024, at the Azman Hashim UMS Gallery.

Capturing the Essence of Marine Conservation

Led by renowned underwater photographer and Canon EOS Master, Ipah Uid Lynn, the workshop attracted a diverse audience ranging from government agencies to NGOs, universities, and the general public. Ipah’s expertise guided participants through essential techniques for capturing the vibrant marine life while emphasizing ethical practices to minimize environmental impact. The workshop not only equipped attendees with practical photography skills but also instilled a deeper appreciation for Malaysia’s rich marine biodiversity.

Complementing the workshop was a captivating photo exhibition featuring stunning underwater images printed using Canon’s imagePROGRAF Pro Series. Ipah’s photographs vividly showcased the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems, illustrating the urgent need for conservation efforts. The exhibition served not only as a visual feast but also as a poignant reminder of the critical role oceans play in sustaining life on Earth.

Calvin Liew, Head of Kota Kinabalu Branch at Canon Marketing Malaysia, emphasized the initiative’s alignment with Canon’s corporate ethos: “This workshop and photo exhibition embodies our ‘Kyosei’ philosophy of living and working together for the common good. By equipping participants with the knowledge to capture the wonders of the underwater world and showcasing Ipah’s captivating imagery, we hope to ignite a passion for marine conservation and inspire action to protect our precious oceans.”

Commitment to Sustainability: Beyond Photography

The success of the “Exploring Ocean Awareness Through Photography” program underscores Canon’s broader commitment to sustainability. From nationwide tree planting initiatives to corporate social responsibility drives, Canon Malaysia continues to integrate environmental stewardship into its core business practices. The collaboration with BMRI and UMS exemplifies Canon’s proactive approach in leveraging technology and partnerships to address pressing environmental challenges.

Speaking at the launch of Ocean Celebration 2024 at the Azman Hashim UMS Gallery, UMS Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Kasim Hj Mansor, encouraged the public to safeguard and rejuvenate the vitality of the oceans, securing a more promising future for generations to come.

Canon and BMRI remain committed to advancing ocean conservation initiatives, aiming to inspire a global movement towards marine preservation. As they look to the future, their partnership continues to foster environmental awareness and empower communities to protect our planet’s invaluable marine resources.