Tan is spearheading the conservation efforts at Pulau Bidong. -- FAIHAN GHANI/ The Star
When you mention coral reefs, places like the Great Barrier Reef and Maldives come to mind.
But did you know that Malaysia's coral reefs are celebrated among the world's most diverse, with over 550 hard coral species?
These fragile ecosystems face mounting threats from global warming, mass bleaching events across our pristine islands and catastrophic tropical storms.
Beyond being underwater wonders, coral reefs are guardians of biodiversity, shields for our coastlines and a vital source of livelihood for communities.
At the helm of Malaysia's coral conservation is Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), home to the Marine Research Station at Pulau Bidong.
Through the leadership of UMT Associate Professor Dr James Tan Chun Hong, senior lecturer at the Faculty of Science and Marine Environment as well as Research Fellow of Institute of Oceanography and Environment, UMT has emerged as a regional pioneer in coral reef science and restoration, inspiring both local communities and international partners to protect the treasures of the sea.
Swiss watch brand Luminox's latest endeavour unites the brand's enduring heritage with UMT's efforts to protect the coral reefs, as part of the sales proceeds from the Luminox Pirate Watch will be donated toward this cause.
This timepiece celebrates the fearless spirit of the high seas and is now a protector of marine life for future generations.
Luminox has introduced five watches alongside the conservation efforts.
Luminox regional director Bill Young with some of the Luminox watches introduced at the launch.
Luminox Pirate
Luminox's bold new timepiece in its legendary Navy 3050 Series is the special edition Pirate Watch LM3051.PIR.LE, limited to just 888 pieces globally.
Its defining visual element is the luminous Jolly Roger insignia placed at 9 o'clock, coated in Super-LumiNova and glowing against the sandblasted blackout dial when charged by natural light.
The Pirate Watch boasts a 44mm Carbonox case with an IP black stainless-steel screw-on caseback, engraved with the Jolly Roger flag, known for its skull symbol, and its unique limited-edition number.
Rated water-resistance of up to 200m and fitted with a unidirectional bezel, the watch offers both practical diving functionality and symbolic presence.
At its heart lies the Swiss Ronda 515 quartz movement, and the Luminox Light Technology (LLT) ensures full visibility in all conditions.
Secured with a Velcro strap, it comes with an additional rubber strap for versatile styling.
Luminox Recon
The Recon Navigation Specialist 8830 Series (NAV SPEC) is a rugged mission-ready wristwatch built for precision and reliability in any terrain.
Developed with Andrea Micheli, a former Swiss Army Military Security NCO (non-commissioned officer), this watch was designed for military professionals, adventurers and explorers who rely on dependable navigation tools.
Featuring a 46mm Carbonox case, the watch is ultra-light yet extremely durable.
Powered by a Swiss quartz Ronda movement with a GMT hand, it tracks two time zones, while a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating ensures clear visibility.
With 20 ATM water resistance, it performs flawlessly across challenging conditions.
The black rubber strap integrates ruler markings and a detachable compass, transforming it into a practical navigation instrument.
The SET model includes an extra military green webbing strap for versatility.
Practical and tactical, the strap also features three map scales for quick distance measurement.
It's available in Grasshopper Green and Deep Navy Blue, each with a matching webbing strap.
The Bear Grylls Survival Land 3710 Series is a new collection crafted from Alumi-Nox, an aerospace-grade aluminum that's ultra-light, anti-corrosive and anti-magnetic.
This marks a major innovation in Luminox's material development, offering exceptional strength-to-weight performance and long-term durability for extreme conditions.
Since partnering with Bear Grylls in 2020, the Swiss brand has launched over 30 watches inspired by Grylls' survival expertise.
The 3710 Series embodies this spirit, combining a clean field-watch design with robust construction for explorers and outdoor professionals.
Featuring a 43mm Alumi-Nox case, Swiss quartz Ronda movement and sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, the 3710 is built for resilience and comfort.
Luminox Light Technology (LLT) ensures constant visibility for up to 25 years, while a 10 ATM water-resistance rating guarantees performance in all environments.
Distinctive details include a sand-textured dial, orange crown, Bear Grylls logo at 10 o'clock and his "Never Give Up" mantra engraved on the caseback.
There are Sand and Anthracite colour options, with matching rubber straps.
The new Navy SEAL 3220 Series Gold-Colour Edition - LM3221.NSF - comes in a striking gold and blackout design, crafted with a 43mm gold tone IP stainless steel case, matching unidirectional bezel and a stealth blackout dial.
Built for adventure, it offers water resistance up to 200m, and the brand's signature Luminox Light Technology (LLT) on the dial, hands and bezel provides unmatched visibility in all conditions up to 25 years.
The yellow and ice blue illumination represent Luminox's commitment to making their outdoor watches "Always Visible."
Luminox Red Bull
Luminox unveils the Limited-Edition Master Carbon Automatic LM3863.ARB, the latest creation born from its partnership with Red Bull Ampol Racing.
Limited to 350 pieces worldwide, this exclusive timepiece was inspired by one of Australia's most successful racing teams and combines Luminox's legendary durability with design cues that celebrate the thrill of the track.
Its 45mm case, made from Carbonox+, is three times lighter than titanium and twice as durable as standard Carbonox, offering outstanding strength and scratch resistance.
At its heart is the Swiss-made Sellita SW220-1 automatic movement, delivering exceptional precision with a day-date display visible through an exhibition caseback.
Built for high performance, the LM3863.ARB is water-resistant up to 200m and has a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating and a unidirectional black IP stainless-steel bezel with a screw-down crown for maximum reliability under pressure.
Racing DNA runs through every detail - from the team logo at 6 o'clock and checkered pattern at 9 o'clock, to the navy blue dial and strap accented in yellow and blue.
Luminox Light Technology ensures up to 25 years of constant night visibility, while the brand's mantra "every second counts" - seen between 12 and 3 o'clock - underscores its commitment to precision.
The LM3863.ARB stands as a true collector's edition, merging Swiss engineering excellence with Red Bull Ampol Racing's competitive edge.