MUMGP recognised for genomics contribution to record-breaking biodiversity expedition
The Monash University Malaysia Genomics Platform (MUMGP) has been recognised for its contribution to the landmark Banding Trail Adventure 2026 (BTA2026), a major biodiversity expedition that documented 1,470 species across three biological domains and was subsequently recognised by both ASEAN Records and Asia Records.
As part of the expedition, MUMGP provided high-quality sequencing and advanced bioinformatics support to help identify and profile 547 bacterial and archaeal populations, demonstrating the role of advanced genomics technologies in supporting large-scale biodiversity research.
Professor Qasim Ayub, Director of the Monash University Malaysia Genomics Platform, said: “We have barely scratched the surface in terms of molecular characterisation of biodiversity in Malaysia, which is amongst the world’s most biodiverse countries.”
Organised by the Pulau Banding Foundation in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), the UMK Tropical Rainforest Research Centre, Belum Rainforest Resort and Yayasan EMKAY, BTA2026 brought together researchers and partners to document the rich biodiversity of Pulau Banding in Perak. The program was supported by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Setia Haruman and the EMKAY Group.
MUMGP's contribution brought specialised sequencing and bioinformatics capabilities to the expedition, enabling researchers to examine microbial diversity that is challenging to identify with conventional approaches.
The identification and profiling of 547 bacterial and archaeal populations formed part of the expedition's broader effort to catalogue the biodiversity of Pulau Banding. The work demonstrates how genomics can complement field-based biodiversity research by providing deeper insights into microbial communities and supporting more comprehensive biological documentation.
The scale of BTA2026 was recognised through ASEAN Records and Asia Records, following the documentation of 1,470 species across three biological domains during the trial program.
MUMGP's contribution was further recognised at the BTA2026 closing ceremony on 21 August 2026, when the platform received the Biodiversity Science Excellence Partnership Award for its contribution to the biodiversity documentation program.
The award was presented by YB Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, during a ceremony attended by researchers, academic and industry partners, and representatives of the organisations involved in BTA2026.
The recognition highlights MUMGP's growing role in applying advanced genomics, sequencing and bioinformatics capabilities to real-world research challenges, while strengthening collaboration between Monash University Malaysia and partners in biodiversity and environmental research.
The BTA2026 program also marked the beginning of further conservation research, with RM250,000 from the National Conservation Trust Fund for Natural Resources, under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, presented to the Pulau Banding Foundation to support a new research initiative in the Temengor Forest Reserve.
For MUMGP, the collaboration demonstrates the potential of genomics-enabled research to contribute to the understanding, documentation and conservation of Malaysia's rich biological diversity.