The second quarter of 2010 has passed us. The seemingly quick passing of the time reflects the fast pace of today' s world.
MIMA realises the need to remain relevant. In the maritime field changes and developments occur a at rapid pace. There are always issues that need analysis and warrant policy intervention. In helping to safeguard Malaysia' s maritime interests and advancing the frontiers of maritime knowledge, MIMA is aware that it has to be alert to current and potential issues to come up with sound analysis and solid policy options of the various strategic maritime issues.
MIMA has made steady progress to achieve premier maritime think-tank status in the region. The institute has reached a stage where it can confidently impart its experience and knowledge at the international level. Our researchers have, for a number of years now, been invited to speak and chair at various international forums and conferences on a wide range of maritime topics. Being sought to share their knowledge and views reflects the increasing calibre of MIMA researchers in their subjects and the stature MIMA enjoys. MIMA will continuously strive to broaden this base of expertise and provide increased opportunities for researchers to be exposed to national and international fora.
On June 8th 2010, MIMA celebrated the World Oceans Day for the first time. Themed 'Oceans of Life', we organized an awareness campaign cum exhibition at Aquaria Education Centre with our collaborators, the Department of Marine Park, Help Our Penyu (HOPE), Ocean Elements, Project AWARE, ReefCheck and Wetlands International. It was the first time Malaysia has celebrated the annual World Oceans Day though it has been celebrated on impressive scale in other countries. The main purpose of our event was to educate the public especially the younger generation on ocean conservation and the importance of marine lives to the ecosystems. The event highlighted the ecological importance of marine biodiversity and attracted a good crowd, both children and adults.
The announcement of the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP) augurs well for the development of the nation' s maritime sector . The mention of ports in the objective of establishing world-class infrastructure to support growth and enhance productivity is an acknowledgment of the importance of ports as key trade facilitators. The Government is committed to continue upgrading ports to enhance their access by increasing multimodal connectivity via building roads and rails linking them to the hinterland. The 10MP also specifically mentions the Government' s intention to deepen port channels and upgrade the country' s major seaports. MIMA lauds these commitments that will boost Malaysia' s port competitiveness and pledges its support to the Government to make the country a globally competitive maritime nation through its policy research and activities.
Having attained a considerable track record both at the national and international stage, it is timely to shift the focus to developing countries. We are confident that Malaysia, with its significant maritime achievements, has much valuable experiences to share with aspiring maritime nations, especially from the developing countries, in the spirit of the South-South cooperation advocated by the Government.
To this end, MIMA will organise for the first time the Training Course on Strategic Management of the Maritime Sector for Officials from CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam) countries from 19-30 July 2010 as part of the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia. The course covers various aspects of the maritime sector including economics, law, environment and security.
We understand the challenges of having this inaugural training programme and sharing MIMA's expertise with officials from fellow ASEAN countries. We hope to conduct more such courses in the future in other fields of the maritime realm, not only at home but also abroad. But to get to the stage where we can offer such courses regularly it is important that we conduct the inaugural course well and ensure that the participants derive maximum benefit from it. We can then count on their endorsements to promote the course to their colleagues and contacts.
In line with its aspirations to become financially independent, MIMA has identified several income-generating activities. It will endeavour to generate revenues through organising seminars, conferences and courses, undertaking consultancy studies and through the sale of publications. In doing so, we need to consistently deliver work of the highest quality and prove our mettle as an efficient organisation to attract participants to our events, to be considered for consultancy jobs and to be able to move our publications from the shelves.
I am confident that with the system and team currently in place at MIMA, the institute can attain greater heights. I am a firm believer of the Malay saying sedikit sedikit, lama lama jadi bukit, which figuratively means modest gains will eventually lead to big achievements. MIMA is proud of its achievements and mindful of certain traditions that have served it well; but it fully acknowledges that it needs to adjust to an increasingly dynamic and ever-changing world to serve its stakeholders better.
In attaining its lofty ideal to become a centre of excellence in maritime policy research, MIMA will not only need to produce high-quality research but also rely on the support of the Government, its Board and its stakeholders. We also count on the support of our readers to provide feedback on MIMA's publications with a view to improving it to benefit stakeholders and contribute meaningfully to the vast body of maritime literature.
Thank you
