MUARA NAVAL BASE, 31 MAY 2022 – The Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) participated in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Plus Experts’ Working Group (EWG) on Maritime Security future leaders’ programme via video conference. Representing RBN were Lieutenant (LT) Mohd Suwady Syakin bin Suffari, RBN and Lieutenant Junior Grade (Lt JG)
Aiman Syahirah binti Dato Paduka Haji Abd Rahman. This programme was also attended by 44 other participants from 17 members states and ASEAN secretariat delegation, including; Australia, Kingdom of Cambodia, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Japan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Republic of the Union of Myanmar, New Zealand, Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Republic of Singapore, Kingdom of Thailand, United States of America and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
This ADMM-plus EWG mainly focused on the concept of the blue economy and the opportunity for sustainable development; with discussions on the incorporation of the Women Peace and Security (WPS) into the sustainable development itself. The programme began with an opening remark by the chairmen of this conference; Vice Admiral Supapat Yuthavong from the Kindom of Thailand and Rear Admiral Adam Brett Sonter from the United States of America. Both representatives mentioned the importance of participating in these conferences as it helps further facilitate cooperation between nations which concurrently strengthens their existing bonds. The hosts also highlighted how this programme will also give opportunities for young leaders especially women leaders to discuss further about the contribution of women in the peace and stability of the maritime domain. This was then followed by a keynote and a panel presentation from 3 member states. Before proceeding with the closing remarks, 14 member states were given the opportunity to share their viewpoints on WPS and the Blue Economy.
During this viewpoint exchange, representatives from the 14 member states discussed their perspectives on incorporating WPS in maritime security for sustainable blue economy development, in which includes the possible challenges and opportunities that arose with the integration of female participation. Representing Brunei Darussalam during the exchange was Lt JG Aiman Syahirah binti DP Hj Abd Rahman. The co-hosts then ended the ADMM-plus EWG Future Leaders’ Programme with a closing remark stating that the main aims and goals of the programme was met. with the rise of female participation in the maritime domain and in their contribution to the blue economy, it is important for all to encourage the integration of women in a traditionally male-dominated work-force. Which by doing so, creates a safer space for female and male seafarers, further facilitating the integration while also contributing to a more sustainable blue economy.
