Information Fusion Centre Maritime Security Webinars 2020

“ I am confident that even during these challenging times, we will continue to find innovative ways to do what we can to continue strengthening practical cooperation and information exchange. ”

- Rear Admiral (RADM) Yong Wei Hsiung, Commander Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF) / Maritime Security (MARSEC) Command in his opening address

The Information Fusion Centre (IFC) and the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) co-organised the IFC Maritime Security (MARSEC) Webinars 2020 from 23 to 25 Nov 2020. More than 630 registered participants from navies, coast guards, enforcement agencies, and the shipping community all over the world joined the three-day session. 

The IFC MARSEC Webinars 2020 is a useful platform for maritime stakeholders to maintain awareness on the latest regional MARSEC developments, and also exchange perspectives and strengthen collaboration between the MARSEC and shipping community. 

Over the virtual sessions, invited speakers comprising academics, senior military officers, and subject matter experts from the shipping industry, shared interesting insights and exchanged professional views on contemporary MARSEC issues. Issues discussed ranged from updates on the regional MARSEC situation, legal perspectives on MARSEC issues to maritime cybersecurity concerns.

Panel discussion on regional MARSEC developments with Dr Geoffrey Till – Advisor, Maritime Security Studies Program, RSIS (top right), and VADM Amarulla Octavian – Rector, Indonesia Defense University (top left)

The MARSEC webinars' panel discussions were moderated by Ms Jane Chan – Senior Fellow and Coordinator of the Maritime Security Programme, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.

Sharing on INTERPOL's response to crimes in the maritime domain by Mr Tim King – Assistant Director, Maritime Security Sub-Directorate, Counter-Terrorism Directorate, INTERPOL

The 36th Shared Awareness Meeting (SAM) was a highlight in this series of webinars. It saw over 300 participants, the highest ever since the initiative was first started. During the 36th SAM, Mr Michael Phoon, Executive Director of the Singapore Shipping Association was appointed as the first IFC Shipping Industry Advisor.

Appointment Ceremony for IFC Shipping Industry Advisor, Mr Michael Phoon – Executive Director, Singapore Shipping Association

The 36th Shared Awareness Meeting panel discussion featured subject matter experts from various industries, speaking on topics concerning the shipping industry.

“ The strong participation from enforcement agencies, shipping community and academics is particularly significant amidst the COVID-19 global pandemic, as it bears testament to how international MARSEC stakeholders remain committed to the safety and security of the waters in this region. ”

- Head IFC, Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Lester Yong, in his closing remarks on the last day of the three-day webinars

The IFC MARSEC Appreciation Brief presented by LTC Lester Yong – Hd IFC

(Article written by CPT Chong De Xian, IFC. Photographs provided MAJ Toh Swee Kim, CPT Chong De Xian, and LTA Sellick Lai from IFC.)