Blue Water Heroes

Founder, Magorium & M-Impact

Oh Chu Xian is the Founder of Magorium & M-Impact in Singapore. In 2019, she established Magorium, a pioneering initiative that converts discarded plastic waste into NEWBitumen, a sustainable alternative to oil-based bitumen for road construction. Magorium has diverted more than 8,000 kilograms of plastic waste from incineration, contributing significantly to waste reduction. Additionally, Chu Xian founded M-Impact, focusing on youth environmental literacy programs. She is passionately committed to elevating Singapore's plastic recycling rate from 4% to at least 35% by 2025, working towards a cleaner environment and waters.

Executive Director and Chief Mermaid, Save Philippine Seas

Anna Oposa work centers on shark conservation, waste management, circular economy practices, and environmental education. She played a pivotal role in establishing the first Philippine shark sanctuary and securing national protection for critically endangered thresher sharks. Anna initiated the Sea and Earth Advocates (SEA) Camp to train marine conservationists in Southeast Asia, launched the Waste Watchers program to reduce single-use plastics, and leads the Shark Shelter Project protecting thresher sharks near Monad Shoal. Despite Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, these sharks continue to attract divers, contributing to the island's revitalization.

Co-founder, Sungai Watch

Gary Bencheghib serves as the Co-founder of Sungai Watch in Indonesia, operating under the Make A Change World organization. Established in 2019 with his siblings Kelly and Sam Bencheghib, Sungai Watch is dedicated to combatting plastic pollution in Indonesia's rivers. They have successfully collected one million kilograms of plastic waste in Bali and utilized data to enhance waste management on Java Island.

CEO & Founder, Ocean Purpose Project

Mathilda D'silva is the CEO and Founder of the Ocean Purpose Project (OPP) based in Singapore. Her journey in conservation began in 2015 after experiencing polluted waters in the Philippines and being diagnosed with autoimmune diseases. OPP, established in 2020, has made substantial progress, collecting over 4,000 kilograms of plastic waste, planting 200 seaweed-mussel lines, and identifying 20 seaweed species in Pasir Ris. They promote behavioural change through community projects, converting ocean plastics into fuel and hydrogen, and using seaweed for biofiltration. Collaborating with NTU research partner Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, OPP aims to create an ocean plastic to hydrogen hub. D'silva was the official SailGP Singapore Impact Partner in 2023 and partnered with organizations for mangrove clean-up on World Clean Up Day.

Founder and Executive Director, Divers Clean Action

Swietenia Puspa Lestari, Founder and Executive Director of Divers Clean Action (DCA) in Indonesia, leads a youth-driven organization combating marine debris in small islands and coastal areas. DCA, part of the Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA), engages in global initiatives like the Our Ocean Youth Leadership Summit. Notably, Swietenia established Indonesia's first coastal and marine waste database and promotes community-based research. DCA's SOSIS program targets zero waste islands in Kepulauan Seribu through community engagement and waste separation. They collaborate with universities, government agencies, and industry partners, while also initiating the #NoStrawMovement to reduce single-use plastic straw consumption. In 2021, DCA conducted 27 cleanups, involving 500 volunteers, significantly reducing waste, including single-use plastics, and informing the 2025 Waste Management Action Plan for Kepulauan Seribu.

Founder, Mina Bhakti Segara Lestari

Made Mertaekales, also known as Pak Eka, is the Founder of Mina Bhakti Segara Lestari, a community organization in Bali. Formerly involved in destructive cyanide fishing, Pak Eka transitioned to sustainable netting in 2002, saving coral reefs. He led reef restoration efforts by installing structures and coral plantings. Collaborating with the ecotourism industry since 2012, he funds reef building and educates visitors, schools, and universities. An innovative reef designer, educator, and community leader, Pak Eka secured funding without grants or donors. He partnered with the National University of Singapore on the STARR program, introducing coral table nurseries for education and inspiring workshops on reef rehabilitation in various locations.

Founder, Carbon Ethics and Bumi Journey

Jessica Novia, Founder of CarbonEthics (CE) and Bumi Journey (BJ) in Jakarta, Indonesia, leads initiatives for climate restoration and environmental education. CE focuses on blue carbon conservation in coastal habitats, and BJ offers experiential learning trips involving mangrove and coral planting with local communities. Jessica's vision emphasizes a quadruple bottom line principle where economy, environment, social, and spirituality coexist. CE, founded in 2019, has planted over 70,000 blue carbon seeds, sequestering five million kilograms of CO2e, and increasing local farmers' income by 22 percent. In total, they've planted 77,300 biota, including 6,852 mangroves and 349 corals. Jessica Novia is also an impact investor dedicated to climate balance and community prosperity.

Chief Program Manager, Reef Check Malaysia

Alvin Chelliah, the Conservation Manager at Reef Check Malaysia, is a dedicated marine biologist leading the Cintai Tioman initiative on Tioman Island, Malaysia. His work focuses on building social and ecological resilience on the island, encompassing educational programs in local schools, empowering communities in coral reef conservation, and promoting responsible tourism. Alvin played a pivotal role in founding the Tioman Marine Conservation Group (TMCG), which has grown from five to 25 active members, trained in reef monitoring, ghostnet removal, and coral rehabilitation. TMCG, now a registered company, collaborates closely with the Department of Fisheries Malaysia and is recognized as local reef caretakers. Alvin is committed to achieving IUCN Green List certification for Tioman Island Marine Park, aiming to gain global recognition for its biodiversity and enhance community participation in natural resource management.

Founder & CEO, Seven Clean Seas

Tom Peacock-Nazil, the Founder and CEO of Seven Clean Seas, leads impactful beach cleaning efforts across several countries, mobilizing over 3,800 volunteers to recover more than 50,000 kilograms of plastic waste. His organization's holistic solutions for measuring, reducing, and offsetting plastic footprints have made a substantial difference. In 2022, Seven Clean Seas cleared a remarkable 459,722 kilograms of plastic from Indonesian coastlines, a 138 percent increase from the previous year, reaching a milestone of 1 million kilograms. Tom collaborates with global initiatives like the United Environment Programme (UNEP) and the 3R initiative to drive zero-waste leadership. He's also expanding into regional waste management and plastic recovery technology to prevent further ocean pollution.

Co-founder, Just Keep Thinking

Kong Man Jing, also known as BiogirlMJ and Co-founder of "Just Keep Thinking" in Singapore, is a passionate advocate for environmental conservation. Through her social media channel, she uses quirky illustrations to simplify and explain the science behind environmental issues, such as pollution, marine ecosystems, human-wildlife conflicts, and plastic pollution. Her unique approach has resonated with a diverse audience, including children, the elderly, schools, and green organizations. Kong Man Jing actively collaborates with various green groups to engage the community through campaigns, videos, road shows, and beach cleanups. She also serves as a nature guide, raising awareness about ethical treatment of marine creatures and contributing to the protection of marine invertebrates in collaboration with NParks. Her dedication extends to guiding underprivileged youths and youths-at-risk, sharing her knowledge of Singapore's natural world.