Opening & Keynote Address
Day 2 commenced with an opening address by
H.E. Danielle Heinecke
High Commissioner of Australia to Malaysia.
Followed by a keynote address delivered by
YM Raja Dato’ Nushirwan Zainal Abidin
Director General, National Security Council, Malaysia.
Both speakers emphasised the crucial role of international collaboration and secure maritime spaces in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Session 4: The Importance of UNCLOS 1982 & Peaceful Dispute Resolution in Maintaining Order in the SCS
Moderated by Prof. Dr. Jason Chuah, Dean, Faculty of Law, Universiti Malaya.
This session explored how UNCLOS 1982 remains the legal backbone for managing maritime rights, responsibilities, and dispute settlement in the South China Sea.
Panel Speakers:
- Prof. Leszek Buszynski – Strategic & Defense Studies, Australian National University, Australia
- Khairil Shah Mat Lazim – Research Division, Prime Minister Department, Malaysia
- Aristyo Rizka Darmawan – Australian National University / Universitas Indonesia
- Dr. Chen Xidi – China Institute for Marine Affairs, China
Key Insight:
Strengthening legal frameworks and peaceful dispute mechanisms builds trust, prevents escalation, and enables cooperative solutions.
Special Address
MIMA were honoured to hear insights from
H.E. Rafael Daerr
Ambassador, Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia.
His address highlighted the EU’s commitment to supporting a stable, rules-based maritime order, strengthening multilateral partnerships, and enhancing cooperation in areas such as maritime security, sustainable ocean governance, and regional dialogue.
The segment concluded with the Presentation of Memento to mark the occasion.
Key Message:
Collaborative engagement between regional and international partners is essential for safeguarding peace and long-term prosperity in the South China Sea.
Session 5: The Importance of ASEAN Unity in Responding to Challenges in the South China Sea
This concluding session highlighted the critical role of ASEAN cohesion in navigating regional security, maintaining stability, and managing complex geopolitical dynamics in the South China Sea.
Moderator:
- Prof. Dato’ Dr. Zakaria Ahmad
- Pro-Chancellor, HELP University, Malaysia
Panel Speakers:
- Dr. Scott Edwards – Senior Lecturer, Department of International and Strategic Studies, Universiti Malaya, Senior Research Fellow, Yokosuka Council on Asia Pacific Studies (YCAPS)
- Julio Amador III – President, Foundation for the National Interest, Philippines
- Dr. Tang Siew Mun – Senior Fellow, ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
The session concluded with an interactive Questions & Answers segment that allowed participants to exchange perspectives and explore pathways to strengthening unity and cooperation.
CLOSING REMARKS
The conference ended with closing remarks by
YBhg. Dato’ Monaliza Suhaimi,
Director General, Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA),
She expressed appreciation to all delegates, speakers, and partners for their commitment to constructive maritime dialogue.
Final takeaway:
A cohesive ASEAN voice is essential for preserving peace, supporting rule-based order, and advancing sustainable maritime cooperation in the region.
