MUARA, Monday, 21 February 2022 – The Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) participates in the 25th Indo-Pacific Naval College Seminar (IPNCS) organised by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The 4-day seminar, which commenced today, is joined by 18 other ASEAN and International Navies. This year's seminar is conducted in a hybrid approach, with in-person attendance of officers working in Japan and participation through webinar for officers abroad. The senior officer representing the RBN is Captain Khairil Haji Abdul Rahman, RBN, Fleet Commander RBN.
The seminar was officiated with the opening remarks delivered by the President of JMSDF Command and Staff College, Vice Admiral Madono Tomohiko, followed by a key note speech by Professor Mori Satoru. Amongst the issues addressed during the key note speech were:
- Free and open Indo-Pacific, particularly on the Freedom of Navigation and Global Economic Freedom.
- Human – one of the factors to be considered where comprehensive approach in managing with a collaborative effort will ensure the sustainability of future socio interaction.
- The shifting of International Order, which can be sought through competition and/or power.
- The rise of Defence Innovation competition, which affects the roles of Military Power.
- Other factors including Technological Competition, Geostrategic Competition, Military Competition, Economic and Industrial Competition and Human Values.
This year, the 25th IPNCS is centred around the theme 'Build a Sustainable Future for Indo-Pacific Navies'. In line with the theme, the seminar will include discussions on three different session themes namely: Navies' Effort on Climate Security, Lesson Learned from Naval Activities amid COVID-19 Pandemic: Prepare for the Next Pandemic, and The Future of Manned Naval Surface Ships.
IPNCS was previously known as the Asia Pacific Naval College Seminar (APNCS), however it changed its name starting this year onwards. The seminar aims to promote the understanding of navies within the Asia Pacific region in the intellectual area, as well as to promoted defence exchange and mutual understanding among participating countries through exchange of views.
RBN remains committed to contributing towards a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific by continuously engaging with its regional partners and building a sustainable future by sharing best practices and lessons learned.
