For most people in Fiji, the ocean is a place of leisure — a spot to swim, surf, or simply admire from the shore.
But for Tyler-Rae Chung, the sea is much more than that, it’s her laboratory, and now, her gateway to one of the world’s most ambitious deep-sea research missions.
The 31-year old Master of Science graduate from James Cook University, Australia, comes from a family of four siblings.
She’s the second eldest although the eldest granddaughter on both sides of her family.
Being the eldest granddaughter comes with its fair share of responsibilities, particularly with her younger sisters and cousins looking up to her. Both her grandfathers were connected to the ocean; her paternal grandfather was a marine engineer and her maternal granddad owned a boat called the Lagakali.
“You could say that seafaring runs in my blood, and the ocean has always been a part of who I am,” said Ms Chung.
With a humble upbringing filled with faith and family, she learned early on that life’s greatest blessings don’t come from wealth or status, but from love, gratitude, and belief in the great divine.
“For me, it’s always been God first, then family, and everything else after that,” she added.
Ms Chung is striving to be a trailblazer and a positive role model for the young girls in her family and around the nation.
“The opportunities I’ve been part of were never about my own abilities or intellect, but a reflection of God’s grace and purpose in my life.” she said.
When asked what inspired her to pursue ocean science, she said she wanted to understand more about how the ocean gives so much to us – emotionally, physically and for sustenance.
“How can something so vast and powerful be so generous?
“And how can we give back to protect and sustain it for generations to come?
“We live in a world that often takes more than it gives.”
Ms Chung hopes that through the science she gathers and the knowledge she has acquired, she can give back to both the people and the ocean.
She said that in the field of deep ocean science in Fiji and across the Pacific, there are not many female role models, and that her love for the coral reefs has made her heart yearn to uncover the unknown spaces of the deep.
Having had the chance to sit at the table where the Pacific Ocean was the topic of discussion, it inspired her to pursue ocean science and to bridge the gap between science and policy in whatever capacity.
Now, she is the technical supervisor for Frontline Monitoring (FLM) under the Social Empowerment and Education Programme (SEEP). She recently joined the NUS–Ocean X Deep-Sea Biodiversity Expedition aboard the Ocean Xplorer as also the only Pacific Islander and scientist.
The expedition, launched earlier last month, is exploring the largely uncharted waters of the eastern Indian Ocean.
Before setting sail, Ms Chung spent several days at the Tropical Marine Science Institute at the National University of Singapore where she prepared specialised sampling equipment and took part in the expedition’s soft launch at Keppel Marina.
Her work involves collecting biological samples, observing marine life, and helping document ecosystems that few humans have ever seen.
“Growing up in Fiji, I’ve always felt a deep connection to the ocean,” she said. “To now explore its depths and bring a Pacific perspective to international research is both humbling and inspiring.”
Life aboard the Ocean Xplorer is no easy feat. Researchers face long hours, unpredictable weather, and the demanding logistics of deep-sea sampling. Yet, she embraces every challenge with enthusiasm.
“It’s as physically demanding as it is intellectually stimulating,” she shared. “But knowing that our findings can help protect marine ecosystems for generations makes it all worthwhile.”
Once the expedition concludes, she will return to Singapore to process and analyse the collected specimens, helping prepare the data for scientific publication.
Her participation represents more than personal achievement — it highlights the growing recognition of Pacific Island scientists in global marine research and the importance of including their voices in conversations about ocean health.
As the Ocean Xplorer sails across the vast blue expanse, Ms Chung carries with her the pride of Fiji, the spirit of discovery, and a deep respect for the mysterious world beneath the waves.
