About Our Network
The XoGerum Community Network brings together over 150 coastal fishing communities across Malaysia who are implementing sustainable fishing practices and building resilient livelihoods. What started as individual community programs has evolved into a powerful peer-learning network where communities share experiences, support each other, and collectively advocate for improved policies.
Network members benefit from:
- Peer learning and experience exchange
- Access to shared resources and expertise
- Collective advocacy and policy influence
- Business partnerships and market connections
- Regional workshops and training events
- Online community platform for ongoing communication
What Makes Our Network Special
Peer Learning
Communities learn best from each other. Our network facilitates exchange visits, shared problem-solving, and mutual mentoring between fishing communities facing similar challenges.
Over 120 community exchange visits organized annually
Collective Advocacy
A unified voice from 150+ communities carries significant weight in policy discussions. Network members collaborate on advocacy campaigns for fisheries policies that serve small-scale fishers.
Successfully influenced 8 major policy changes since 2018
Market Access
Network connections open market opportunities. Communities partner to meet large orders, share transportation, and access premium buyers who value network affiliation and sustainability commitments.
Network members achieve 35% higher average prices
Capacity Building
Regional workshops bring communities together for advanced training on specialized topics. Community members become trainers, sharing their expertise with peers across the network.
42 regional training events in 2024
Online Platform
Our digital community platform enables daily interaction between members. Share photos of catches, ask technical questions, discuss market prices, and celebrate successes together.
Over 600 active members on online platform
Recognition Program
Annual awards celebrate outstanding communities and individuals demonstrating leadership in sustainable fishing, innovation, conservation, and community development.
15 awards presented annually at network conference
Regional Networks
East Coast Network
Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang
58 communities focused on small-scale coastal fishing, mangrove restoration, and marine protected area management. Known for strong traditional knowledge integration.
Featured Communities:
Kampung Mangkok, Terengganu: Pioneers of rotational fishing zones
Pulau Perhentian: Community-managed marine protected area
Kuantan Communities: Leading mangrove restoration efforts
West Coast Network
Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor
42 communities specializing in direct marketing, value-added products, and urban market access. Strong focus on women's economic empowerment.
Featured Communities:
Langkawi Women's Cooperative: Value-added product leaders
Selangor Communities: Digital marketing pioneers
Penang Networks: Restaurant partnership specialists
Sabah Network
Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau
28 communities combining fishing with marine tourism. Strong youth engagement and innovation in technology adoption for sustainable fishing.
Featured Communities:
Kota Kinabalu Villages: Youth entrepreneurship leaders
Tawau Communities: Seaweed farming integration
Sandakan Groups: Eco-tourism development
Sarawak Network
Miri, Sibu, Kuching
22 communities working on river-coastal fishing integration, indigenous fishing rights, and ecosystem-based management in unique coastal environments.
Featured Communities:
Kuching Communities: River-coastal management
Miri Networks: Indigenous knowledge documentation
Sibu Villages: Estuarine conservation
Specialized Interest Groups
Women in Fisheries Network
380 women members across 85 communities focused on business development, leadership, and economic empowerment.
- Quarterly women's forums
- Business skills workshops
- Leadership development
- Microfinance access
Youth Fisher Network
220 young fishers (ages 18-35) driving innovation, technology adoption, and next-generation leadership.
- Annual youth conference
- Innovation challenges
- Mentorship programs
- Entrepreneurship support
MPA Managers Network
95 members from 38 community-managed marine protected areas sharing management experiences and challenges.
- Bi-monthly manager calls
- Technical exchanges
- Monitoring protocols
- Enforcement strategies
Cooperative Leaders Network
145 cooperative leaders and managers building organizational capacity and business excellence.
- Leadership training
- Governance workshops
- Financial management
- Strategic planning
Upcoming Network Events
Annual Community Network Conference
Kuala Terengganu
Three-day gathering bringing together 300+ network members for workshops, awards ceremony, and strategic planning sessions. Keynote speakers include government fisheries officials and international experts.
Open to all network members. Registration details available through training programs.
Women in Fisheries Regional Forum
Langkawi, Kedah
Special forum for women network members focusing on business scaling, market access, leadership development, and financial inclusion. Includes marketplace showcasing women's fisheries businesses.
Women network members only. Childcare provided during sessions.
Youth Fisher Innovation Summit
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Young fishers showcase innovative approaches to sustainable fishing, technology adoption, and business development. Innovation challenge with prizes for best community solutions. Mentorship matching sessions.
Youth network members (ages 18-35). Travel scholarships available.
MPA Management Training Workshop
Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu
Advanced training for marine protected area managers covering enforcement techniques, monitoring systems, adaptive management, and sustainable financing. Field visits to successful MPA sites.
MPA managers and committee members. Limited to 40 participants.
Voices from the Network
"Being part of this network changed everything for our community. We learned direct marketing from Selangor communities, adopted gear modifications from Terengganu, and now we're teaching our mangrove restoration methods to others. We're stronger together."
"As a young person, I felt isolated - the only person my age in fishing. The Youth Fisher Network connected me with hundreds of young people facing the same challenges. Now I have mentors, friends, and business partners across Malaysia. I'm not leaving fishing anymore."
"When government proposed new regulations that would have hurt small-scale fishers, our network mobilized 80 communities to present evidence and alternative proposals. They listened because we spoke with one voice. The policy was changed to protect our interests."
Join Our Growing Network
Whether you're just beginning your sustainability journey or have years of experience to share, there's a place for your community in our network. Together, we're building a future where coastal fishing communities thrive while protecting the marine ecosystems we depend on.
Connect With Us See Network Impact