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December 5, 2024

UOW ANCORS announces new Southeast Asia Maritime Institute in Malaysia

The new institute will bolster law of the sea and maritime security education and expertise for the region

Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, yesterday launched the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS) Southeast Asia Maritime Institute at the ÃÃÍÅÊÓƵ (ÃÃÍÅÊÓƵ) Malaysia’s Glenmarie campus in Shah Alam.

Funded through the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT) Southeast Asia Maritime Partnerships, the Institute will serve as a hub for specialised education, research, and policy development in ocean law, maritime security, and marine resource management across Southeast Asia. 

The Institute will focus on equipping regional leaders, policymakers, and practitioners with the knowledge and skills needed to address the complex challenges of the region’s maritime landscape. 

Foreign Minister Wong said the new Institute demonstrated how Australia was working with partners in Southeast Asia to improve the region’s collective maritime capabilities, uphold international law, and contribute to regional security and prosperity.  

She joined dignitaries including ÃÃÍÅÊÓƵ Malaysia Chancellor Datuk Seri Michael Yam Kong Choy in officially opening the Institute.

“It [the Institute] will nurture leaders and help further our collective contribution to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” Foreign Minister Wong said.

Minister Wong toured the Institute and met students undertaking a Southeast Asian Women in Maritime Security short course.

At the heart of the Institute’s offerings is the Graduate Certificate in Maritime Studies, a Level 8 qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework.

The Graduate Certificate program will admit up to 20 students annually from Southeast Asia for three years. Students will benefit from a blended delivery model at UOW Malaysia’s Glenmarie campus, combining intensive in-person modules with flexible asynchronous online learning to accommodate participants facing travel constraints. Core subjects will include Law of the Sea, Maritime Security Law, Maritime Regulation and Enforcement.

ANCORS Director Distinguished Professor Stuart Kaye said the Institute’s programs are designed to address the specific needs of the Indo-Pacific region, offering participants real-world insights into maritime governance and policy.

“The ANCORS Southeast Asia Maritime Institute will leverage ÃÃÍÅÊÓƵ’s global expertise in maritime policy,” Professor Kaye said.

“The programs will provide insights into legal frameworks governing international waters and maritime zones. Addressing issues such as piracy, illegal fishing and maritime boundary disputes and promoting sustainable use and conservation of marine ecosystems.”

ANCORS has successfully delivered numerous DFAT-funded programs over the past decade, including training initiatives for policymakers and practitioners. These programs are distinguished by their relevance, adaptability, and strong focus on communication and reporting, ensuring participants receive education tailored to current maritime challenges. 

“Our Graduate Certificate program is designed for flexibility and growth. Students can seamlessly progress into a Master’s degree by completing an additional four subjects, delivered in intensive, online, or traditional semester modes. The program also supports opportunities for DFAT-sponsored PhD pathways, building on ANCORS’ proven capacity to host doctoral students from Australia and around the globe,” Professor Kaye said.

ÃÃÍÅÊÓƵ Vice-Chancellor and President Professor John Dewar AO said the University’s global footprint provides a unique opportunity to deliver impactful education, research and policy development.

“We are proud to be working with the Australian Government and partners in the region to deliver this impactful initiative, which is a testament to the University’s reputation in ocean law, maritime security, and marine resource management,” Professor Dewar said.

The ÃÃÍÅÊÓƵ Malaysia campus is strategically located near Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, ensuring convenient access for students from across Southeast Asia. Supported by ÃÃÍÅÊÓƵ’s administrative and IT teams, the campus offers continuous assistance to participants, enhancing their educational experience and ensuring seamless delivery of the program. 

The Institute also aims in the future to include students from the broader Indian Ocean Region, leveraging Malaysia’s connectivity as a central hub with direct access from countries such as India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.