Deepening Maritime Security Cooperation at the 19th ASEAN Navy Chiefs' Meeting

Held annually, the ASEAN Navy Chiefs Meeting brings together ASEAN Navy Chiefs to review ongoing engagements and discuss new initiatives to enhance maritime security.

(Sixth from left) Malaysian Minister of Defence YB Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, delivered the opening remarks. Secretary-General of the Malaysian Ministry of Defence, Datuk Lokman Hakim Bin Ali (centre) was also in attendance.

(Photo courtesy of RMN)

Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral (RADM) Sean Wat was in Penang, Malaysia, from 18 to 22 August 2025 for the 19th ASEAN Navy Chiefs' Meeting (ANCM). Hosted by the Royal Malaysian Navy, the meeting brought together regional navy chiefs to discuss the theme of "Advancing the ASEAN Navies' Unity – Synergising Innovation and Technology in Strengthening ASEAN Maritime Security."

During the viewpoint exchange of the 19th ANCM, RADM Wat highlighted that even though evolving technologies present new opportunities for ASEAN navies, they also bring about new challenges. Therefore, he highlighted that it is important for our navies to work together to harness technology in tackling traditional and emerging MARSEC threats. This would allow us to enhance our collective situational awareness and coordinate responses against transnational maritime challenges.

While in Penang, CNV also met with several of his counterparts.

RADM Wat called on Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy Admiral Tan Sri (Dr.) Zulhelmy bin Ithnain. Both chiefs reviewed the slew of interactions between the RMN and RSN, including their meetings during the International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX Asia) 2025 and at the 17th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025. Both chiefs look forward to the conduct of our bilateral Exercise MALAPURA in October 2025.

RADM Wat also met with Chief of the Indonesian Navy Admiral (ADM) Dr Muhammad Ali and reaffirmed the strong bilateral relationship and people-to-people ties between both navies. Their most recent interaction was in Jakarta on 19 March 2025, where RADM Wat was conferred the Bintang Jalasena Utama (Navy Meritorious Service Star [First Class]) by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia. Our navies recently concluded bilateral exercises such as Exercise Eagle Indopura (July 2025), and look forward to the conduct of Exercise Joint Minex Pandu (Early 2026).

In addition, RADM Wat met with the Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy First Admiral Sahibul Bahari bin Haji Zainal Abidin, where both navies reaffirmed their strong bilateral ties and friendship. Our navies look forward to the conduct of the bilateral Exercise PELICAN in September 2025.

RADM Wat also met with the Commander of the Vietnam People's Navy Vice Admiral (VADM) Tran Thanh Nghiem. Both sides reaffirmed the warm and friendly relations between our two navies and welcomed ongoing interactions, including the port call of RSS Persistence to Cam Ranh Bay during this period.

(Top picture) RADM Wat (right) joined the reviewing officer, Yang Di-Pertua Negeri of Penang, TYT Tun Dato' Seri Utama Hj Ramli bin Ngah Talib (centre), and Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy Admiral Tan Sri (Dr.) Zulhelmy bin Ithnain (left), in returning the salute from RSS Vigour.

In conjunction with the ANCM, the ASEAN Fleet Review (AFR) was held at Swettenham Pier and reviewed by Yang Di-Pertua Negeri of Penang, TYT Tun Dato' Seri Utama Hj Ramli bin Ngah Talib. Our Victory-class Missile Corvette, RSS Vigour, took part in the sail-past alongside ships from participating ASEAN navies. RADM Wat, together with the ASEAN navy chiefs, was also present to witness the sail-past.

The 19th ANCM is part of regular defence exchanges among ASEAN Member States, which aim to facilitate strategic dialogue and improve practical cooperation among militaries. Such interactions contribute to confidence building and the promotion of stable military-to-military relations to enhance regional peace and stability.