2nd Information Fusion Centre Maritime Security Webinar

This week, participants from various navies, coastguards, enforcement agencies, shipping communities, and academia joined a two-day maritime security (MARSEC) webinar on 15 and 16 Nov 2022. Jointly organised by our Information Fusion Centre (IFC) and the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), the 2nd IFC MARSEC Webinar provided updates on the latest MARSEC developments through presentations and panel discussions. 

Kickstarting day one virtually were Professor Geoffrey Till from the United States Naval War College, and Professor Christian Bueger from the University of Copenhagen. They spoke on "Regional MARSEC Developments", where both emphasised the importance of regional and extra-regional cooperation, given the transnational nature of MARSEC threats. Thereafter, they also engaged with participants in a panel discussion, moderated by Ms Jane Chan from RSIS.

The first speaker on day two was RADM Gusti Kompiang Aribawa from the Indonesian Coast Guard (BAKAMLA). Under the theme of "Adapting Roles of Our Community against Maritime Crimes", he spoke of maritime threats and issues that concerned Indonesia, and Indonesia Maritime Information Center's role in countering these threats.

Similarly, AIRCDRE Guy Wilson from Australia's Maritime Border Command shared on his country's approach to the evolving MARSEC challenges, and highlighted successful operations undertaken. He also emphasised on the importance of working with various agencies on security matters. 

Other speakers at the webinar included Professor Anna Sergi from the University of Essex and Professor Kentaro Fury from the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies & Japan Coast Guard Academy. 

All four speakers from day two then joined in an engaging panel discussion. 

“ The past two days have indeed been professionally enriching as we had the opportunity to hear from renowned academics and subject matter experts. Thank you all for contributing to the success of the 2nd IFC MARSEC Webinar. ”

- Colonel (COL) Rinson Chua, Deputy Commander Maritime Security Task Force / MARSEC Command in his closing address

COL Chua also expressed his gratitude to all of the invited speakers for taking the time to share their expert insights and views, as well as his appreciation for Ms Jane Chan who moderated the sessions over both days. 

We hope that participants were able to gain useful takeaways from the 2nd IFC MARSEC Webinar, and we look forward to next iteration. More information on the presentations given during the webinar can be found on IFC's website: http://www.ifc.org.sg/

Inputs provided by Tan Kian Hao from IFC.