Vice Admiral Tan Sri Dato' Seri Ahmad Ramli Bin Haji Mohd Nor (Ret.)
Chairman
Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA)
At MIMA, we are fully cognisant that to achieve progress, change is vital. Anchoring ourselves at the pole position of the industry must be our goal. Being a maritime policy research institute dealing with dynamic issues, we must be responsive and proactive or risk becoming irrelevant.
The latter is simply not an option. The raison d'être of MIMA's existence is to support and assist our Government in formulating maritime policies that correspond with the nation's development agenda and goals.
MIMA also functions as the national maritime resource and reference centre. It organises activities to enhance understanding and knowledge of maritime sector for the general public and other stakeholders.
Since it was formed in 1993, MIMA has provided useful input, advice and feedback to the Government, resulting in the formulation and successful implementation of key maritime policies. Our goal is to become a centre of excellence in maritime policy research as reflected in our vision of, Advancing the Frontier of Maritime Knowledge. To attain this, MIMA is aware that it must be at the forefront of cutting-edge and value-adding research. This will not only advance Malaysia's maritime interests but also fortify the Institute's position as a force to be reckoned with. In addition, MIMA realises it has to keep abreast of the latest information and equip itself with data and maritime information. These would enable us to push further the frontiers of maritime knowledge.
The maritime realm is of critical importance to Malaysia, a nation whose sea areas are greater than its land mass. Given its growing international trade, much of which is seaborne, Malaysia's increasing dependence on the maritime sector for economic development cannot be overemphasised. Managing traffic in the world's busiest waterway, the Straits of Malacca, requires skilful strategies as well as adequate capacity to ensure safety of navigation. The surrounding seas are of tremendous strategic value and as such, Malaysia has to be extremely mindful of balancing national interests with those of the international community. There is also an increasing need to reduce carbon emissions from maritime-related activities which could degrade and pollute our marine environment.
All these efforts require timely policy interventions underscoring MIMA's role to provide relevant and sound policy options and recommendations to the Government based on its research findings. Without such policies, managing the maritime sector holistically and effectively will prove difficult at best. At worst, Malaysia's national interests may be compromised.
MIMA has come up with several projects in 2010 based on the theme of Greening the Maritime Sector. These include research on greening Malaysia's ports and shipping sector as well as adopting best practices in the maritime industry to safeguard our environment. Through policy research, MIMA is committed to playing a part in helping the Government to reduce carbon emission by 40% from 2005 levels. This is targeted to be achieved by 2020, as announced by our Prime Minister during the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December 2009.
I am heartened to see the new vigour in MIMA which is vital for the Institute to carry out its huge responsibilities. MIMA needs adequate resources particularly in terms of human capital, sound strategies, strong leadership and relentless support from its stakeholders. I am confident the Institute is ready and able to set sail on its long and inspiring mission towards attaining excellence in all aspects of its work. I am appreciative of the support of the Government and other stakeholders as we embark on this challenging but fruitful journey together.
The latter is simply not an option. The raison d'être of MIMA's existence is to support and assist our Government in formulating maritime policies that correspond with the nation's development agenda and goals.
MIMA also functions as the national maritime resource and reference centre. It organises activities to enhance understanding and knowledge of maritime sector for the general public and other stakeholders.
Since it was formed in 1993, MIMA has provided useful input, advice and feedback to the Government, resulting in the formulation and successful implementation of key maritime policies. Our goal is to become a centre of excellence in maritime policy research as reflected in our vision of, Advancing the Frontier of Maritime Knowledge. To attain this, MIMA is aware that it must be at the forefront of cutting-edge and value-adding research. This will not only advance Malaysia's maritime interests but also fortify the Institute's position as a force to be reckoned with. In addition, MIMA realises it has to keep abreast of the latest information and equip itself with data and maritime information. These would enable us to push further the frontiers of maritime knowledge.
The maritime realm is of critical importance to Malaysia, a nation whose sea areas are greater than its land mass. Given its growing international trade, much of which is seaborne, Malaysia's increasing dependence on the maritime sector for economic development cannot be overemphasised. Managing traffic in the world's busiest waterway, the Straits of Malacca, requires skilful strategies as well as adequate capacity to ensure safety of navigation. The surrounding seas are of tremendous strategic value and as such, Malaysia has to be extremely mindful of balancing national interests with those of the international community. There is also an increasing need to reduce carbon emissions from maritime-related activities which could degrade and pollute our marine environment.
All these efforts require timely policy interventions underscoring MIMA's role to provide relevant and sound policy options and recommendations to the Government based on its research findings. Without such policies, managing the maritime sector holistically and effectively will prove difficult at best. At worst, Malaysia's national interests may be compromised.
MIMA has come up with several projects in 2010 based on the theme of Greening the Maritime Sector. These include research on greening Malaysia's ports and shipping sector as well as adopting best practices in the maritime industry to safeguard our environment. Through policy research, MIMA is committed to playing a part in helping the Government to reduce carbon emission by 40% from 2005 levels. This is targeted to be achieved by 2020, as announced by our Prime Minister during the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December 2009.
I am heartened to see the new vigour in MIMA which is vital for the Institute to carry out its huge responsibilities. MIMA needs adequate resources particularly in terms of human capital, sound strategies, strong leadership and relentless support from its stakeholders. I am confident the Institute is ready and able to set sail on its long and inspiring mission towards attaining excellence in all aspects of its work. I am appreciative of the support of the Government and other stakeholders as we embark on this challenging but fruitful journey together.
VICE ADMIRAL TAN SRI DATO' SERI AHMAD RAMLI BIN HAJI MOHD NOR (Ret.)
