The MSU Naawan Director for Research, Dr. Ruby C. Gonzales represented the Philippines as a plenary contributor in the Archipelagic Island Forum 1st Research and Development Conference in Mulia Hotel, Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia on October 9-11, 2023. It was attended by 30 delegates from 21 countries. The objectives included the dissemination of cutting-edge research, knowledge exchange and collaboration, exploration of emerging trends and future directions, as well as facilitating networking and professional development. The conference focused on the following themes: Marine Biotechnology Innovations; Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture; Ocean and Technology; and the Blue Economy.

Dr. Gonzales' participation in the 1st AIS High Level Meeting and the 1st AIS R&D Conference is sponsored by the Government of Indonesia, UNDP-Indonesia, and MSU at Naawan, paving the way for exciting research, extension, and innovation collaborations at MSU Naawan.