RESEARCH THEMES
Research at the Centre will focus on issues which will affect the structure and shape of the maritime security in the region, especially the protection and promotion of Malaysia's maritime interests, and to foster a spirit of understanding and cooperation between regional states.

1. MARITIME CONFIDENCE-BUILDING
One of the main thrust of centre research is to promote maritime confidence-building. Among the main components of maritime confidence-building developed by this centre is the Prevention of Incidents at Sea Agreement (INCSEA) project. MIMA has conducted a series of workshops on INCSEA since 1996 with the objective of enhancing mutual safety among navies in this region. This is done by creating mutual understanding at the operational level and to defuse tensions between government vessels especially when they are operating in disputed waters. Focus will be maintained on this Confidence Building Measure (CBM).

2. SOUTH CHINA SEA DISPUTES
The Spratly Islands area is often described as a potential maritime flashpoint with six claimant countries involved in maritime disputes. Thus the area needs special attention and the situation there must be carefully monitored. There is a need to find a solution to the disputes and to keep tabs on military and the economic activities and potential of the area. China's pivotal role is also being researched and analysed.

3. MARITIME RESOURCE PROTECTION
This project will deal essentially with maritime policies and strategies in protecting the regional marine environment and resources. It is pertinent also to look at the maritime interests of the ASEAN countries and what measures they are undertaking or will undertake to safeguard these interests.

MIMA is also developing Integrated Maritime Enforcement concept for this region. This project, a joint effort with Dalhousie University, Canada is to enhance the effectiveness of maritime enforcement and surveillance at the policy and operational level simultaneously, based on specific national interests. So far, MIMA's initiative in this area has resulted in the Malaysian government studying the pros and cons of setting up a single agency for maritime enforcement.

4. ASIA-PACIFIC SECURITY ISSUES
Asia-Pacific especially ASEAN security has been undergoing a distinct maritime re-orientation over the past decade. This re-orientation has serious implications for the region, given the number of maritime disputes and the potential for confrontation in the region. At the same time the burgeoning ASEAN economies since 1985 has resulted in a regional surge in arms acquisitions, despite the economic downturn of 1997.

The fact that a significant proportion of the acquisitions has been maritime platforms, including maritime air strike capability, is another cause of concern. The expansion and modernisation of naval fleets also has of security implications for the region.

Of fundamental interest will be whether this maritime re-orientation is stabilising or destabilising for the region. There appears to be a need to discuss and debate overall maritime concerns and threat perceptions. In the final analysis, there is a real need for confidence-building measures to moderate any potentially destabilising effect of the maritime build-up. It would also appear that more transparency in arms acquisitions might have a positive effect on inter-state relations.

5. MIMA MARITIME SECURITY FORUM LECTURE SERIES
This lecture series is designed to persuade the Asia-Pacific countries to present the official view on the ongoing maritime defense build-up in the region. Asia-Pacific chief of navies have been invited for this series of lectures. These lectures are joint collaboration with the Royal Malaysian Navy.