Maritime Institute of Malaysia

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘃𝗶𝗮 𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦, 𝗜𝗠𝗢, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗔𝗢 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝗨𝗨 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀
𝟭𝟳 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 (𝟭𝟮:𝟬𝟬 𝗔𝗠) - 𝟮𝟰 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 (𝟭𝟭:𝟱𝟵 𝗣𝗠)

Date: 17-24 August 2026
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Application Deadline: 22 June 2026

Enroll in MTCP Course on Strengthening Maritime Safety and Security via UNCLOS, IMO, and FAO Frameworks to Combat IUU Fishing and Promote Sustainable Seas

The Government of Malaysia, through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), in collaboration with Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA) will be organising an MTCP Course: Strengthening Maritime Safety and Security via UNCLOS, IMO, and FAO Frameworks to Combat IUU Fishing and Promote Sustainable Seas.

Who should apply?

✅ Managerial-level government officials.

✅ Proficient in English.

✅ Officially nominated by the government.

✅ For International Participants.

🔗 Explore the course details and submit your application via the MTCP Portal: https://mtcp.kln.gov.my/courses/detail2/116

Brochure – Brochure_IUU Fishing
https://www.mima.gov.my/event/strengthening-maritime-safety-and-security-via-unclos-imo-and-fao-frameworks-to-combat-iuu-fishing-and-promote-sustainable-seas

𝗔𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗠𝗢 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝗚𝗛𝗚 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆

Date: 22 – 29 June 2026
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Application Deadline: 27 April 2026

Apply the MTCP Course on Aligning National Maritime Decarbonisation Policies with the IMO 2023 GHG Strategy under the Paris Agreement Framework for Port Operational and Environmental Security

The Government of Malaysia, through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), in collaboration with Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA) will be organising Aligning National Maritime Decarbonisation Policies with the IMO 2023 GHG Strategy under the Paris Agreement Framework for Port Operational and Environmental Security:

Who should apply?
✅ Senior and middle level officers from ports, environmental policymakers and practitioners.

✅ Proficient in English.

✅ Officially nominated by the government.

✅ For International Participants.

🔗

Explore the course details and submit your application via the MTCP Portal: https://mtcp.kln.gov.my/courses/detail2/115

Brochure
– Brochure_Decarbonisation = https://www.mima.gov.my/event/aligning-national-maritime-decarbonisation-policies-with-the-imo-2023-ghg-strategy-under-the-paris-agreement-framework-for-port-operational-and-environmental-security

𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘀 𝗞𝗲𝗸𝗼𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝗝𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻 𝗜 𝗩𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲
For more Information:

COMPANY SECRETARY
Secretary – MIMA | Maritime Institute of Malaysia
https://www.mima.gov.my/careers/secretary

𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗨𝗠 𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗡: 𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗦-𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗢𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

The Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA) participated in the Forum on ASEAN: ASEAN Centrality and Cross-Regional Cooperation held on 30 April 2026 at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur, organised by the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR).

Representing MIMA were Mr Haikal Amran and Ms Nurismarina from the Centre for Maritime Security and Diplomacy (MSD), alongside Mr Nazmi from the Centre for Straits of Malacca (SOM).

The forum brought together policymakers and experts to discuss ASEAN’s evolving role amid growing global fragmentation and intensifying major power competition. Discussions highlighted strategic autonomy, ASEAN centrality, maritime security, digital transformation and AI governance, sustainable infrastructure development, as well as the importance of strengthening a rules-based international order.

The session also emphasised the need for enhanced regional cooperation in areas such as digital resilience, supply chain stability, and crisis response mechanisms to ensure ASEAN’s continued relevance and unity in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

The Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA) was pleased to welcome a delegation from Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Philippines for an academic visit on 6 May 2026.

The session brought together academics, researchers, government officials, media representatives, and civil society practitioners from FES Philippines and affiliated institutions, providing a valuable platform for knowledge sharing and meaningful dialogue on key maritime and environmental governance issues through a roundtable discussion.

The dialogue was moderated by Dr. Sumathy Permal alongside speakers including Dr. Muhammad Arif bin Othman Haikal Amran and Fatin Anis Azzahara.

The participants gained valuable insights into maritime security, ASEAN cooperation, and environmental governance through presentations and engaging discussions with MIMA researchers, further strengthening regional understanding and collaboration on maritime affairs.

𝗧𝗘𝗔 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗢-𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖

On 7 May 2026, MIMA convened a Tea Talk presentation titled “Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific: Strengthening Critical Infrastructure Resilience, Law Enforcement, Economic Stability, and Maritime Rules-Based Order in the South China Sea.”

The presentation was delivered by Haikal Amran, Researcher at the Centre for Maritime Security and Diplomacy, MIMA, and attended by Dato’ Monaliza binti Suhaimi, Director General of MIMA; Dr. Sumathy Permal, Acting Director of Research; and fellow MIMA researchers.

The session introduced a proposed research project examining evolving challenges to the maritime rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the South China Sea. Grounded in UNCLOS 1982, the presentation explored issues surrounding selective compliance, great power rivalry, unilateral state practices, and grey-zone activities at sea.

Key areas highlighted included emerging maritime threats, maritime blockades, critical underwater infrastructure, maritime law enforcement, ASEAN cooperation, and collaborative maritime governance.

The discussion that followed was engaging and insightful, covering perspectives on freedom of navigation, joint development, fisheries cooperation, critical infrastructure resilience, and broader questions of maritime stability in the region.
The session reaffirmed the importance of continuous research, dialogue, and knowledge-sharing in strengthening maritime security, diplomacy, and the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 (𝗖𝗠𝗜) 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.

Dr. Sumathy Permal, Senior Fellow, Head of Centre, Maritime Security & Diplomacy MIMA spoke at the Seminar on the Protection of Critical Maritime Infrastructure, in Rome, 28-30 April 2026.

The seminar was hosted by the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the European Security and Defense College (ESDC), EU’s Security Cooperation in and with Asia and the Indo-Pacific (ESIWA+) and the Italian Navy. Dr. Permal discussed the critical maritime infrastructure within the context of Malaysia’s maritime which is most strategically significant in the world due to its location along the Strait of Malacca, a major global trade and energy shipping route.

The country’s maritime infrastructure underpins national security, economic resilience, digital connectivity, and energy security. Critical maritime infrastructure includes ports, shipping lanes, offshore energy facilities, submarine communication cables, ship-to-ship transfer hubs, logistics systems, and maritime digital networks. Disruption to these systems could severely affect Malaysia’s economy, trade flows, energy supply chains, and national sovereignty.

In this regard, the protection of Critical Maritime Infrastructure (CMI) has become a national strategic imperative. The presentation also covered CMI in the legal context especially UNCLOS 1982 that does not explicitly define or comprehensively regulate “critical maritime infrastructure,” creating legal and operational ambiguities in contemporary maritime security governance.

Malaysia was also represented by Dr. Mohd Norhisyam Mohd Yusof - Deputy Director-General for Maritime Affairs, Malaysia, and Muhamad Izhar bin Mohamad from the National Security Council, Malaysia

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀: 𝗠𝗜𝗠𝗔 𝘅 𝗟𝗣𝗔

MIMA is proud to announce that the Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA) has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Labuan Port Authority (LPA) to drive strategic collaboration and maritime excellence.

This landmark partnership focuses on several key pillars:

- Knowledge Sharing: Exchanging expertise and research input to advance port and maritime development.

- Policy Input: Utilising MIMA’s 30+ years of experience as a national policy research institute to guide sustainable maritime practices.

- Strategic Planning: Supporting the development of the Labuan Port Authority on its future plannings.

This partnership is designed to foster a robust exchange of experience, expertise, and research input related to port and maritime development. It serves as a strategic platform for both organisations to work closely in areas involving maritime knowledge, policy input, and technical expertise. By leveraging MIMA’s research experience, the collaboration ensures that industry trends and sustainable maritime practices guide the long-term direction of Labuan’s port infrastructure and economic growth.

𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 & 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

On 23 April 2026, the Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA) was invited by the Ministry of Economy Malaysia to present on “Conflict in West Asia: Impacts of Closure of the Strait of Hormuz and Perspectives in the Straits of Malacca” at UTM Hotel & Residence.

Chaired by YB Dato’ Indera Mohd Shahar bin Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Economy, the session brought together senior officials and researchers from the Ministry alongside MIMA’s delegation led by Chairman YBhg Dato’ Mohamed Suffian Awang and Director General YBhg Dato’ Monaliza Suhaimi.

The presentation unpacked the geopolitical and economic ripple effects stemming from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, with particular focus on Malaysia’s position and the growing significance of the Strait of Malacca as a critical artery of global trade.

Valuable insights were also contributed by Professor Jason Chuah FRSA, whose expertise provided added perspective on the legal, strategic, and commercial dimensions of maritime security and international shipping.

The engagement underscored the need to strengthen national preparedness, enhance maritime infrastructure, and sharpen Malaysia’s strategic response to shifting regional dynamics. The session concluded on a forward-looking note, with both sides identifying opportunities to better position Malaysia within an increasingly complex maritime landscape.

𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘆 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗮𝘀𝘀𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗮 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗜𝗠𝗔

On 22 April 2026, MIMA had the honour of receiving delegates from the Embassy of France in Malaysia, represented by Dr. Yohann Breard, Attaché for Science and Higher Education, and Ms. Tanguy Marion.

MIMA representatives at the meeting included Dr. Sumathy Permal, Acting Director of Research, alongside Research Fellow, Ms. Cheryl Rita and researchers, Ms. Fatin Anis and Mr. Muhd Nazmi.

Dr. Yohann Breard emphasised on strengthening engagement and collaboration with Malaysian research institutes, marking his first visit to MIMA since assuming his new role. He expressed keen interest in enhancing bilateral cooperation moving forward.

The meeting discussed potential efforts to foster dialogue on marine research, knowledge exchange, and international collaboration in maritime policy and governance focusing on a diverse range of areas. The meeting was meaningful towards strengthening further Malaysia–France cooperation in research and maritime affairs.