The Ministry of Transport Malaysia (MOT), in collaboration with the Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA) and the Malaysia Marine Department (MMD), successfully concluded the International Maritime Conference held in Langkawi, Malaysia, on 23rd May 2023.
The conference, organised in conjunction with the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023 (LIMA’23), provided a crucial platform for government agencies, maritime experts, academicians, policymakers, and stakeholders to convene and explore the concept of a resilient maritime Southeast Asia.
As a maritime nation, Malaysia aspires to capture the opportunities and benefits offered by the maritime domain in collaboration with industry partners and with other states.
Malaysia is committed to ensure that our shipping lanes, particularly the Straits of Malacca, vital to international trade, remain safe, secure and open for navigation. The conference is being attended by nearly 250 participants from over 25 countries.
Under the theme of “A Resilient Maritime Southeast Asia: Safe, Secure and Sustainable Ocean,” the conference fostered in-depth discussions aimed at improving maritime hard and soft connectivity in the region, thereby bolstering the regional economy.
Throughout two engaging sessions, the conference addressed critical topics:
Session 1 – Global Trade and Shipping Trends
Against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of international trade and transporting goods and people by sea has grown significantly. Autonomous shipping has emerged as a prominent trend in the maritime industry, offering enhanced efficiency, better time management, and increased output.
However, the path to its adoption has been challenging. This session delved into the trends in global maritime trade and the shipping industry, seeking to analyze how international players can navigate the evolving maritime seascape and work towards a positive global economic outlook. Discussions emphasised the resilience required for post-pandemic recovery.
Session 2 – Global Security in SEA
The security of Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) holds paramount importance for Southeast Asia’s economic growth and regional prosperity. Unfortunately, the significance of maintaining a safe and secure maritime highway for unimpeded trade often goes underestimated. With geopolitical interests, political contests, and overlapping goals of Indo-Pacific strategies, the implications on shipping and the economy are multifaceted.
A case in point is the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, where maintaining the supply chain has been challenging. This session focused on maritime security’s pressing issues and intricate relationship with the global economy.
Participants deliberated the impact of conflicts on maritime transport, port operations, and alternative navigation options, aiming to identify strategies to ensure economic stability in the face of such challenges.
The International Maritime Conference brought together diverse perspectives and expertise, facilitating fruitful discussions, knowledge exchange, and networking opportunities. Participants shared valuable insights, identified best practices, and explored collaborative approaches to enhance maritime resilience in Southeast Asia.
The conference’s success can be attributed to the collective efforts of the organisers, speakers, participants, and sponsors. The valuable contributions and commitment to the conference’s objectives have undoubtedly set the stage for further advancements in maritime resilience in Southeast Asia.
