Search

Begin New Search Topic Maritime Commerce Political Geography Southeast Asia

1. Maritime Hotlines in East Asia

Author:
Euan Graham
Publication Date:
05-2014
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies
Abstract:
"Hotline" communication channels or Direct Communication Links (DCLs) have the potential to serve limited but important crisis management and confidence-building functions in East Asia's increasingly tense maritime security environment. Their primary purpose is to provide a secure communications channel between national command authorities for clarifying intentions in near real time in order to prevent unintended military conflict, especially where territory is actively in dispute. This has clear policy relevance given East Asia's maritime geography, the existence of overlapping sovereignty and boundary claims, and the rising tide of incidents at sea and in the airspace above. This pertains not only to armed forces but extends to paramilitary and civilian law enforcement vessels and aircraft.
Topic:
Science and Technology, Sovereignty, and Maritime Commerce
Political Geography:
East Asia and Southeast Asia

2. Fisheries in Malaysia: Can resources match demand?

Author:
Evelyn Teh
Publication Date:
06-2012
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Maritime Institute of Malaysia
Abstract:
Fisheries have been a long practiced means of food acquisition by mankind. It has maintained its importance as the top natural protein provider in the diet of many nations in the world, with 75% of the global fish production meant for direct human consumption. The highest fish consuming nations are from developing countries. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Malaysia is one of the top fish-consuming countries in Asia (above 40kg/capita/year), almost double the average in Thailand and China, although it is still below the levels in Japan and South Korea. Figure 1 for instance shows that the trend in fish consumption among Malaysians is increasing, which is mainly based on Malaysian population data from the national consensus and data on national fish consumption. This essentially means that in 2010 an average Malaysian consumed more fish (54kg/year) compared to 20kg in 1970; a dramatic increase in demand for fish over four decades that is compounded by rapid population growth.
Topic:
Demographics, Development, Human Welfare, Maritime Commerce, and Food
Political Geography:
Malaysia, Israel, and Southeast Asia

3. Protecting Malaysia's Marine Biodiversity for Future Generations: Issues, Challenges and The Way Forward

Author:
Cheryl Rita Kaur
Publication Date:
06-2012
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Maritime Institute of Malaysia
Abstract:
International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) was celebrated on 22 May 2012 with the theme Marine Biodiversity. The IDB provides Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and other interested stakeholders an opportunity to raise awareness of the issues and increase practical actions towards protecting and promoting biodiversity. This article describes the status of marine biodiversity conservation, achievements, and major challenges involved in safeguarding Malaysia's marine ecosystems and environment.
Topic:
Development, Environment, International Trade and Finance, and Maritime Commerce
Political Geography:
Southeast Asia

4. Stirring up the South China Sea (II): Regional Responses

Publication Date:
07-2012
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
International Crisis Group
Abstract:
The South China Sea dispute between China and some of its South East Asian neighbours – Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei – has reached an impasse. Increasingly assertive positions among claimants have pushed regional tensions to new heights. Driven by potential hydrocarbon reserves and declining fish stocks, Vietnam and the Philippines in particular are taking a more confrontational posture with China. All claimants are expanding their military and law enforcement capabilities, while growing nationalism at home is empowering hardliners pushing for a tougher stance on territorial claims. In addition, claimants are pursuing divergent resolution mechanisms; Beijing insists on resolving the disputes bilaterally, while Vietnam and the Philippines are actively engaging the U.S. and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). To counter diminishing prospects of resolution of the conflicts, the countries should strengthen efforts to promote joint development of hydrocarbon and fish resources and adopt a binding code of conduct for all parties to the dispute.
Topic:
Conflict Prevention, Maritime Commerce, Natural Resources, and Food
Political Geography:
China, Malaysia, Israel, Vietnam, Southeast Asia, and Brunei

5. Rising to the occasion

Author:
Nazery Khalid
Publication Date:
01-2011
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Maritime Institute of Malaysia
Abstract:
The announcement by Minister of Transport, Dato' Seri Chong Kong Ha on 11 January 2011 that Malaysian p orts handled a total of 18. 4 mil. TEU in 2010 should bring a smile to port operators in the country.
Topic:
Security, International Trade and Finance, and Maritime Commerce
Political Geography:
Asia and Southeast Asia

6. Bay of Bengal: ITLOS' first ruling in favour of Bangladesh

Author:
Jalila Abdul Jalil
Publication Date:
05-2011
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Maritime Institute of Malaysia
Abstract:
Wednesday, 14th March 2012, marked an important date when the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) delivered its judgment on a maritime boundary delimitation dispute between Bangladesh and Myanmar in the Bay of Bengal. The ruling, by a vote of 21 to 1, awarded Bangladesh territorial and full 200 nautical miles (nm) economic rights as well as a substantial share of the outer continental shelf beyond 200 nm. The Tribunal also awarded a full 12 nm territorial sea around St. Martin's Island to Bangladesh. The conclusion of the dispute now opens up opportunities for exploration and exploitation of petroleum and natural gas in the bay.
Topic:
Economics, International Law, International Trade and Finance, Maritime Commerce, and Territorial Disputes
Political Geography:
Bangladesh, South Asia, Island, Southeast Asia, and Myanmar

7. Aligning the maritime industry towards realizing the New Economic Model aspirations

Author:
Nazery Khalid
Publication Date:
04-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Maritime Institute of Malaysia
Abstract:
Malaysia is at a crossroad. It has done well to boost economic growth, thanks to sound economic strategies and management. From being a developing nation dependent upon commodities and agriculture to power its economic growth, Malaysia is now one of the top 20 trading nations. However, it has found itself 'stuck' in so-called 'middle income trap'. The economy, while more diversified today compared to three decades ago, is still reliant upon labor intensive activities and, inevitably, cheap labor. Malaysia's vulnerability to external shocks, as seen during the recession and credit crunch, underscores the urgent need for the nation's economic planners and policymakers to take drastic actions to make the economy more robust and move it up the value chain.
Topic:
Economics, International Trade and Finance, and Maritime Commerce
Political Geography:
Malaysia and Southeast Asia

8. The case for a National Merchant Shipping Policy for Malaysia

Author:
Nazery Khalid
Publication Date:
05-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Maritime Institute of Malaysia
Abstract:
For a country with Malaysia's size and population, it certainly does not punch within its weight class in merchant shipping. As of 1 January 2009, Malaysia ranked 25th in the list of the most important maritime nations by way of its 0.79% contribution (9.39 mil. DWT) to the global merchant shipping tonnage (UNCTAD, 2009). MISC is the world's largest owner / operator of LNG tankers and a key player in international seaborne energy transportation. A growing number of Malaysian owners/operators of offshore service vessels (OSV) provide their services abroad, and Malaysian captains and officers are coveted for their skills and experience are sought by shipping lines worldwide.
Topic:
International Trade and Finance and Maritime Commerce
Political Geography:
Malaysia and Southeast Asia

9. Preparing for a low carbon future in the maritime sector

Author:
Nazery Khalid
Publication Date:
05-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Maritime Institute of Malaysia
Abstract:
The need to address the issue of climate change has become a matter of priority, and players in the shipping industry must stand up and be counted to play their part to reduce carbon emissions. Being a crucial facilitator of trade and at the forefront of activities such as offshore oil and gas exploration and production, expectation is high for the shipping industry to take urgent, meaningful action to adopt green practices.
Topic:
Climate Change, Energy Policy, Environment, and Maritime Commerce
Political Geography:
Southeast Asia

10. Towards Realising the Potential of Malaysia's Shipbuilding Industry

Author:
Nazery Khalid
Publication Date:
03-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Maritime Institute of Malaysia
Abstract:
The tremendous growth of shipping activities in Malaysia over the years underlines the value of the maritime sector to its economic well-being and the importance of the seas to the lives of its people. Malaysia has emerged as a leading maritime nation in terms of merchant shipping capacity. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) ranked Malaysia 18th in a list of 35 most important maritime countries and territories as of 1 January 2008 in terms of deadweight tonnage (DWT) of its merchant vessels (including national and foreign flagged).
Topic:
Development, Industrial Policy, International Trade and Finance, and Maritime Commerce
Political Geography:
Malaysia, United Nations, and Southeast Asia