A group photo of the VIP and notable speakers
Southeast Asia is embracing rapid change in economy and influence as its role in balancing great powers rises. As such, prosperity and security are important determiners for peace and stability in the maritime space of the Indo-Pacific. In this respect, not many fully comprehend the crucial factors of the Indo-Pacific and the role of countries pursuing it, such as Australia, India, Japan, and countries in the EU and the UK could lend to preserve the stability, peace, and economic prosperity in the 21st century. Endowed with vast seas that offer a diverse range of living and non-living resources, the surrounding waters are of tremendous environmental, socio-economic, and strategic value to countries in Southeast Asia and the users of the commons.
Given that, on the 17 June 2021, the Centre for Straits of Malacca (SOM) – Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA) as the organiser and host supported by the Japanese Embassy, and the Australian High Commission in Malaysia have organised a webinar on Economic Security, Cyber Domain, and Technology: Vulnerabilities and Prospects for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
YBhg. Datuk Isham Ishak, the Secretary-General Ministry of Transport (MoT) officiating the webinar
We were honoured to have the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Transport YBhg. Datuk Isham Ishak presents the Keynote Address and officiates the webinar. In his address, he emphasised how vulnerable the marine sector is to cyberattacks, particularly during the epidemic, and the need to explore digitalisation.
Each notable speaker gave their perspectives based on their areas of expertise. They emphasised how and why nations should collaborate in multilateral settings to protect their economic interests and promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific maritime area. More than 90 participants joined the webinar, which we believe will be helpful to everyone. It was an interactive webinar with a Q&A session at the conclusion.
YBhg. Dato’ Mohamed Suffian Awang, the Chairman of MIMA delivering the Opening Speech
His Excellency, Ambassador Oka Hiroshi of the Japanese Embassy delivering the Opening Note
His Excellency, Ambassador Andrew Goledzinowski, Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia delivering his Opening Note
We want to take this opportunity to thank the webinar’s sponsors, which include Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport, Japan’s Embassy, Australia’s High Commission, and other foreign embassies in Kuala Lumpur. They have both, directly and indirectly, helped to shape the Indo-Pacific discourse. Not to mention all of the employees that worked tirelessly to make this possible despite the pandemic obstacles. Congratulations!
