Pre-Conference Workshops

From Social Capital to Sustainable Shores: Policy Strategies for Coastal Technology Uptake

Facilitator/s:

Marhaini Mohd Noor, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Workshop Description:

Through the deployment of cutting-edge technologies, researchers, government officials, and community leaders will work together to jointly examine feasible policy approaches that improve coastal sustainability. They will also examine how social networks and infrastructure affect the adoption of technology in coastal areas through evidence-based conversations and cooperative breakout sessions. Participate in hands-on exercises to design innovative policy tools and frameworks tailored to local contexts. Insights into the critical role of social capital in facilitating sustainable technology uptake. How infrastructure development can enable or hinder the implementation of sustainable solutions. Context-specific policy recommendations informed by multi-stakeholder input. Collaborative networks committed to advancing sustainable coastal development and strategic action plans and pilot initiatives to accelerate technology adoption in coastal communities.

Objectives or Learning Outcomes:

1. To explore and identify effective policy pathways that leverage social capital and infrastructure development to accelerate the adoption of sustainable technologies in coastal areas.
2. To foster collaboration among policymakers, community leaders, researchers, and technology providers to promote coastal sustainability.

Intended Audience:

The intended audience will be researchers, government officials, technology experts and community leaders/representatives.

Accessibility Considerations:
  • Diverse representation – from participants with different demographic backgrounds
  • Communication accessibility – provide materials in multiple formats (print, digital, large print, etc.)
  • Inclusive facilitation – allow multiple modes of participation (verbal, written, digital platforms).
  • Technology access – offer technical support before and during the workshop to assist with any accessibility needs.
  • Dietary and health needs – offer diverse food options considering allergies, dietary restrictions, and cultural preferences. Provide quiet spaces for rest or sensory breaks as needed.

This is to create a supportive environment where everyone can fully engage and contribute.

About the Facilitator/s:

Dr Marhaini expertise cluster bridges Maritime and Community Sciences within the broader domain of Social Sciences, with a focused emphasis on Policy Studies. It addresses critical, cross-cutting policy challenges in coastal and maritime regions through a multidisciplinary lens. Key areas include regional development, cybersecurity policy in maritime contexts, ocean governance, and the advancement of the blue economy. The scope also encompasses sustainability initiatives, coastal community development, and the role of community informatics and social capital in fostering resilient societies. Grounded in both theoretical and applied policy research, this area supports integrated approaches to governance, aligning local, regional, and global objectives for maritime communities. The work particularly contributes to policy innovation and evidence-based strategies that enhance economic, environmental, and social sustainability in coastal zones. By exploring underrepresented and emerging specialist topics, it informs decision-making at multiple levels, strengthening adaptive capacity and sustainable growth across coastal and marine sectors.

Academic Qualifications:
BA (Hons) in Economics and Business (Industrial Economic & Organisation), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), MALAYSIA
Master in Public Administration, Universiti Malaya (UM), MALAYSIA
PhD in Policy Studies, University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), AUSTRALIA

About the workshops

On Thursday, March 26, 2026, the conference will host up to 30 half-day workshops, running in both morning and afternoon sessions, before the opening keynote presentation by Professor Robert Putnam in the evening.

These workshops will span a wide range of topics connected to social capital, offering space for hands-on practice, in-depth research exploration, applied analysis, and more. They provide an opportunity for participants to engage closely with experts, develop practical skills, and exchange insights in a more interactive format than the main conference sessions.

Workshop Signup will be available with the conference registration

Registration will open in October 2025. Even before registration opens, you can register your Expression of Interest to receive timely updates, registration reminders, and program news directly from the organisers.

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Want to facilitate a workshop?

We invite proposals for workshops to be held in conjunction with Social Capital 2026. We welcome submissions from academics, practitioners, policymakers, community leaders, and others with relevant expertise or experience.

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