Day 1 Highlights
The first day of the conference kicked off at Park Royal Collection Kuala Lumpur, gathering diplomats, maritime experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to strengthen dialogue on peace, stability, and cooperation in the South China Sea.
The event was officiated by YB Datuk Haji Hasbi Habibollah, Deputy Minister of Transport, with welcoming remarks by Dato’ Mohamed Suffian Awang, Chairman of the Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA).
Day 1 featured keynote speeches, special addresses from ambassadors, and deep-diving sessions on trade, tariffs, and economic resilience.
Special Addresses – Diplomatic Perspectives
Participants listened to the compelling insights from ambassadors representing China and the United States.
- H.E. Ouyang Yujing, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Malaysia
- H.E. Edgard D. Kagan, Ambassador of the United States to Malaysia
Both highlighted the importance of constructive engagement and regional collaboration in ensuring peace and economic stability in the South China Sea.
Session 1: Tariffs, Trade & Maritime Economic Resilience in the SCS
Moderated by Captain K. Subramaniam, General Manager of Port Klang Authority & Distinguished Fellow at MIMA.
𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀:
- Dr. You Ji – University of Macau, China
- Gregory Poling – Senior Fellow and Director, Southeast Asia Program and Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, Centre for
- Strategic and International Studies, United States
- Dr. Benjamin Blandin – Maritime Security Expert, France
This session explored how trade flows, tariff regimes, and maritime infrastructure shape the economic security of the region, and why resilience strategies are vital amid global uncertainty.
Key takeaway: Stability at sea is the foundation for prosperity on land.
Luncheon Address
Delegates continued their discussions over a networking luncheon featuring a keynote address by:
H.E. Noriyuki Shikata
Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia
His remarks highlighted the importance of strengthening maritime cooperation, advancing shared prosperity, and enhancing regional stability through continuous dialogue and partnership between Japan, Malaysia, and ASEAN.
The session concluded with the Presentation of Memento in appreciation of H.E. Noriyuki Shikata’s contribution to the conference.
A meaningful exchange that reinforced the value of collaboration and bilateral engagement in navigating future challenges.
Session 2: The Role of Indo-Pacific States in Navigating Great Power Rivalry & Shifting Power Dynamics in the SCS
Moderated by Prof. Dr. Kuik Cheng-Chwee, Principal Fellow, Institute of Malaysian and International Studies, National University of Malaysia
This session brought together leading regional policy voices to explore how Indo-Pacific states balance strategic interests amid intensifying major-power competition in the South China Sea.
Speakers included:
- Prof. Bec Strating – La Trobe Asia / La Trobe University, Australia
- Thomas Daniel – Director, Foreign Policy and Security Studies, ISIS Malaysia
- Prof. Kentaro Furuya – National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, Japan
Key Discussion Focus:
Small and middle powers continue to play a decisive role in shaping stability and cooperation in the region through diplomacy, resilience, and multilateral engagement.
Session 3: Law Enforcement & Marine Resource Management in the SCS
Moderated by Lt. Gen. Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng, National Resilience College, Malaysia.
This session highlighted maritime governance challenges and opportunities for strengthening legal cooperation, resource management, and enforcement mechanisms.
Speakers Included:
- Dr. Xu Xiaodong – Huayang Centre for Maritime Cooperation & Ocean Governance, China
- Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Huong – Director, Center for International Law, East Sea Institute,
- Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam
- Dr. Hafiizh Hashim – Academy of Brunei Studies, Universiti Brunei Darussalam
Key Takeaway:
Sustainable resource management and collaborative enforcement are critical in preventing disputes and supporting long-term regional prosperity.
