HE Ms Danielle Heinecke, Australia’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, was present and delivered remarks highlighting Australia’s collaboration with ANCORS and UOW Malaysia.

L-R: Mr Karisma Putera Abd Rahman, Dr Saidatul Nadia Abd Aziz, Associate Professor from Taylor’s University, Professor Dr Jason Chuah, Dean of the Faculty of Law at Universiti Malaya, HE Mr Noriyuki Shikata, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, Professor Stuart Kaye, Director of ANCORS

By UOW Malaysia 

On 5 May 2025, the Australian High Commission hosted a seminar on “Regional Perspectives and the International Legal Framework on Freedom of Navigation” at the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS) Southeast Asia Maritime Institute, located at the UOW Malaysia Glenmarie Campus.

This event marked the first seminar held on campus since the institute’s launch on 4 December 2024 by Australia’s Foreign Minister, the Hon. Penny Wong. Her Excellency Ms Danielle Heinecke, Australia’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, was present and delivered remarks highlighting Australia’s collaboration with ANCORS and UOW Malaysia in establishing the university as a regional hub for maritime policy and the law of the sea.

The seminar brought together a distinguished panel of experts to discuss the critical issue of freedom of navigation. The session was expertly moderated by Mr Karisma Putera Abd Rahman and featured insightful contributions from Professor Stuart Kaye, Director of ANCORS, who provided an overview of the international legal framework governing freedom of navigation, His Excellency, Mr Noriyuki Shikata, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, who offered a key regional perspective on the topic, Professor Dr Jason Chuah, Dean of the Faculty of Law at Universiti Malaya, brought his expertise in legal scholarship to the discussion, and Dr Saidatul Nadia Abd Aziz, Associate Professor from Taylor’s University, who contributed valuable insights from her research and experience.

The seminar underscored the importance of open dialogue and expert engagement in navigating the complex legal and geopolitical landscape surrounding maritime issues in the region. The Australian High Commission and the ANCORS Southeast Asia Maritime Institute expressed hope to host many more such events in the future, fostering greater understanding and cooperation on critical ocean-related matters. This inaugural seminar signals a promising start for the Institute as it establishes itself as a vital centre for maritime expertise in Southeast Asia.