Final presentation of the Maritime Safety and Security Policy Program was held.
27 June, 2023
8th batch of the Maritime Safety and Security Policy Program, hereinafter referred to as MSP students, the seven students (one from India, Indonesia, Maldives, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and two from Japan) have been writing research papers, which is equivalent to a master’s thesis. The final presentation of the research paper was held jointly with the Strategic Studies Program* at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) on June 24. In addition to their academic advisors, the presentation was attended by military officers from embassies of various countries and officials of related organizations and was also streamed online, making it a grand event.
*Strategic Studies Program (SSP): This is a program jointly administered by GRIPS and the National Institute for Defense Studies, NIDS, of the Ministry of Defense for senior officials of government agencies related to defense and security, etc., with participation from the Ministry of Defense and the Self Defense Forces.
The MSP students confidently presented the results of their research and responded to their advisors' inquiries with their own thoughts. The discussion was heated and, finally, ended with a round of applause for their efforts.
The MSP students will continue to work hard on writing their research papers for final submission based on the points raised in this presentation.
Comments by the students after the final presentation
PK, India
Title of paper: Apprehension of Drugs at Sea: India’s Perspective
I am grateful to the Indian Coast Guard, Japan Coast Guard, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies for providing me with this esteemed opportunity under the Maritime Safety and Security Policy Program. This is my first attempt at writing a research paper, however, the curriculum design at GRIPS and continuous guidance from the faculty members and the advisors have given clarity about the structure and content to make the paper readable. I have tried keeping the language as layman's as possible so that even non-experts can also read and understand it.
Sea-Based Drug Trafficking is a growing concern in the 21st century. I have attempted to research the factors which decide the success in the apprehension of drugs at sea. My paper can act as a base for intra-organizational research for the Maritime forces.
Finally, I extend my gratitude to my family for their support throughout the course.
Gessy, Indonesia
Title of paper: IUU Fishing in Southeast Asia: Practical Solution and Cooperation
After a few months of sleepless nights, I finally can finish this paper and am proud of myself for completing it. In this regard, I am truly thankful to Professor Yusuke Takagi, Director of the MSP Program, for his invaluable guidance and assistance in selecting the topic. I want to thank my awesome advisors, Professor Guanie Lim and Professor Shintani Kazuaki, for their invaluable input, fruitful guidance, and unwavering support throughout this research paper. I also would like to thank Dr. Yasmin for her endless support and guidance and Professor Gavin O'Neill, Mr. Peter Kawamoto, and Mr. Andrew Wolff for their assistance in proofreading the academic writing and refining the structure of this research.
It was a great experience for me to present my paper alongside SSP students. Also, I would like to express my gratitude to National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), Japan Coast Guard Academy (JCGA), and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for giving me the opportunity to pursue my master’s degree in Maritime Safety and Security Policy Program in Japan.
Last but not least, for my MSP colleagues, finally… we did it!
Siyam, Maldives
Title of paper: Sea Based Drug Trafficking in the Maldives via Southern Sea Route: Comparative Analysis with Sri Lanka
I am deeply grateful and would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to all the faculty members and advisors who have played a pivotal role in the successful completion of my research work. In particular, I extend my sincerest thanks to Prof. KUDO Toshihiro and Prof. FURUYA Kentaro for their invaluable input and guidance throughout this journey. Their expertise and mentorship have been instrumental in shaping the outcome of my research. Additionally, I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Yasmin, whose assistance and support in various capacities have been truly invaluable. Lastly, I extend my profound thanks to GRIPS, JCGA, and JICA for providing me with the opportunity to study in Japan and conduct research on the crucial topic of sea-based drug trafficking in Maldives. This opportunity has allowed me to contribute to an essential issue for the Maldives, and I am truly honored to have been granted this chance.
Clariza, Philippines
Title of paper: Waste Management Practices in Selected Philippine Ports: An Assessment
Completing my research paper posed the most significant challenge in obtaining my master's degree. I had numerous vague ideas for academic research, and it took months of struggle before I finally finished the paper, feeling a sense of joy and gaining a fresh perspective on academic research. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my two advisors, Professor TAKAGI Yusuke and Professor YAMAJI Tetsuya, who played a crucial role by raising thought-provoking questions, providing valuable feedback, and offering suggestions that helped me gain a better understanding of my paper. I am also immensely thankful to Dr. Yasmin for her unwavering patience and guidance throughout the process of completing my paper, as well as to the dedicated staff at GRIPS and JCGA for their consistent assistance.
Being a part of the MSP 8th batch was a wonderful experience, as it allowed me to interact with and learn from fellow participants, which greatly expanded my knowledge about the coast guard and the different countries represented. I am sincerely grateful to JICA and GRIPS for granting me the opportunity to participate in this program.
I feel incredibly blessed to have had the unwavering support of my mother, husband, and children throughout this program. Their wholehearted encouragement has been invaluable. Finally, I want to express my thankfulness to the all-powerful God for giving me courage, wisdom, and good health throughout this voyage.
Prasanna, Sri Lanka
Title of Paper: Curbing Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing in Sri Lanka: Factors, Strategies and the Role of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard
It was an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to present a research paper in front of a distinguished academic & professional audience, including Mr. Rodney Perera, the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Japan. After dedicating nine months to this research project, which involved heavy workloads and sleepless nights, I felt immense pride and relief upon successfully completing the research paper. This accomplishment has given me great confidence to further advance in my academic and professional career.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the course director of the MSP program for organizing such a valuable forum and also grateful to JICA for sponsoring my participation as a research student in Japan. Lastly, I would like to extend my appreciation to Professor Takagi and Professor Furuya for their invaluable guidance throughout the research process. Additionally, I would like to acknowledge Dr. Yasmin for her continuous consultations and express my gratitude to JCG for their assistance in the successful completion of my research.
Ota, Japan Coast Guard
Title of paper: China’s Increasing Engagement in the Pacific Islands Region: Responses and Impacts
Completing my research paper was a big challenge for me. However, this simultaneous process has greatly helped me grow a lot. My research would be incomplete without the advisors' kind guidance, assistance, and support. I would like to express them, and I want to express profound appreciation to the GRIPS, JICA, and JCG that gave a precious opportunity to participate in this program.
Hashizume, Japan Coast Guard
Title of paper: Changes in Armed Robbery in the Malacca and Singapore Straits
Having successfully completed my final thesis presentation, a wave of relief and satisfaction engulfs me. I am deeply grateful to Professor Andrea Pressello, my esteemed research supervisor at GRIPS, whose invaluable guidance and unwavering dedication have played a pivotal role in the remarkable achievements of this project. Likewise, I extend sincere appreciation to Professor Kentaro Furuya, my supervisor at JCGA, for his expert instruction and enlightening mentorship. Additionally, heartfelt gratitude goes to Dr. Yasmin Adam for her tireless support and invaluable research consultations. Lastly, I want to express profound appreciation to the non-academic staff of GRIPS, JCGA, and JICA, whose kind assistance has significantly contributed to the multifaceted success of my academic pursuits. This accomplishment signifies the culmination of my hard work and the support of everyone involved, and I look forward to a new avenue of work.
