Venue: PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Date: 2-3 September 2026

One of the most important waterways, the Straits of Malacca (SOM) connects the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, linking major Asian economies, including India, China, Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN with the rest of the world. The Straits play a pivotal role for the Littoral States, especially in ensuring the waterway is kept open, safe, secure and clean in support of the globally increasing maritime trade. The tremendous growth in international trade has resulted in a corresponding increase in the volume of commercial traffic plying through this major sea lane of communication.

Acknowledging the importance of the Straits, MIMA has conducted a series of international conferences on the Straits of Malacca since 1993. The then Deputy Prime Minister launched the MIMA’s Centre for Straits of Malacca (CSOM) on 21st October 2008, which marked the beginning of a new chapter for MIMA towards elevating the management paradigm of the Straits and transforming it into a modern and dynamic maritime passageway. MIMA has been working very closely with the Ministry of Transport Malaysia, Malaysia Maritime Department, and other national and international stakeholders on the area since.

MIMA’s research focuses on promoting the Straits’ economic sustainability, navigational safety and security, and safeguarding its marine and maritime environment. MIMA focuses on exchanges at the national, regional, and international platforms on policy and management initiatives to foster socio-economic and strategic development of the Straits towards realising a common vision aimed at enhancing the management of the Straits and its viability as an economic catalyst for the region and beyond.

The 11th International Conference on the Straits of Malacca 2026 will therefore further the engagements with key stakeholders on further deliberating and addressing current and emerging challenges in ensuring safety of navigation and environmental protection in the Straits for economic prosperity.

For the tentative program, you may refer to the document here: Tentative Program