A series of platforms, such as the MOST "International Science and Technology Cooperation Base", the "111" Project, the "MEL Visiting Fellowship and Open Science Fund", and the "Lingfeng Forum", have formed an effective system facilitating and stimulating cooperation and communication among our members and colleagues around the world. Furthermore, MEL has continued to cultivate partnerships with leading institutions around the world. In 2008, the Joint Institute for Coastal Research and Management was set up with the University of Delaware, and in 2009, MEL established a partnership with the State Key Laboratory for Marine Pollution, Hong Kong. Agreements have been signed between MEL and several instituions such as the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong University of Science and Tehcnology, Academia Sinica, etc. MEL has also organized quite a few influential international meetings.