Final presentation of the Maritime Safety and Security Policy Program was held.
24 June, 2022
7th batch of the Maritime Safety and Security Policy Program, hereinafter referred to as MSP students, the five students (two from Bangladesh, two from Sri Lanka, and one form Japan) have been attending lectures since arriving at the JCG Academy on April 6. They have been working hard in lectures and writing research papers, which is equivalent to 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 were nervous in front of the large audience, but they presented the results of their research to date, and also expressed their own ideas in response to questions from their advisors. The discussion was heated right up to the end, with some harsh criticisms from the advisors.
All participants applauded the MSP students for their hard work and dedication to their research, and the presentation ended with a round of applause for their efforts.
The MSP students will continue to work hard on writing their research paper for final submission based on the points raised in this presentation.
Comments by the students after the final presentation
Iwashita, Japan Coast Guard
Title of paper: Expanding Focus of Capacity-Building Training Conducted by United States Coast Guard and Its Influence
Completing my draft presentation was very tough for me. Thanks to Andy and Yasmin, who were the assistant teachers and helped us manage our draft on the right track, finally, I could finish it.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we did not have enough opportunities to meet GRIPS faculties in person. I was happy to conclude my research paper in front of them. I really appreciate the support from JCGA.
Lasith, Sri Lanka
Title of paper: The Use of Sea Routes for Drug Trafficking in Sri Lanka: Counter Measures and Challenges
I conducted my research presentation recently. Completing research paper was the most challenging task I faced among the academic modules of the MSP Programme. After submitting the final draft, I was able to complete my research presentation successfully in front of the academia of GRIPS and invited guests. My heartiest gratitude goes to the advisor of GRIPS Prof. Takagi, advisor of JCGA Prof. Okuzono, Doctor Yasmin and Mr. Andy who provided their invaluable assistance in completing my research.
Bayzid, Bangladesh
Title of paper: Chinese FDI Funded Maritime Port Projects in the South Asian Countries: Analysis of the Major Factors Behind Different Results and Lease Agreements
I had many gray ideas on academic research, which I could overcome from the classes of Prof. Katerina Petchko and Prof. Gavin O Neil. From the very beginning I was interested in researching issues related to maritime economy, which is also closely linked to the maritime safety and security. I am thankful to the MSP Course Director Professor Yoko Iwama for guiding me in topic selection.
I am grateful to both my research advisors Prof. Veeronath Kanchochat and Captain Kentaro Furuya for their timely guidelines, special concerns, and encouragement while completing my paper. Special thanks to Dr. Yasmin Adam and Mr. Andy, who helped me in writing what actually I wanted to say, in a more academic manner. I deeply appreciate the support from both GRIPS and JCGA officials.
I am ever grateful to my wife, my newborn babies, and other close family members for their exceptional sacrifice and dedications in trying to keep me motivated throughout the whole program. Lastly, my all gratitude and gratefulness to the almighty God, who has given me the capability of thinking analytically and expressing the thoughts in the right way. I do believe, success of this paper actually lies in 'some extent contribution' for the academics or professionals in their area of work in future.
Prashan, Sri Lanka
Title of paper: Cross-Border Illegal Fishing, Drug and Contraband Trafficking at Sea: A Case Study on the Intersection between Cross-Border Illegal Fishing and Drug/ Contraband Trafficking in Palk Bay, Sri Lanka
After spending so much time conceptualizing, analyzing, writing, and revising it, I'm relieved that it's finished and proud of myself for completing it successfully. After successfully defending my research, I felt confident enough to embark on another adventure, such as doctoral research.
It was a fantastic opportunity for me to present alongside SSP students and in front of a prominent audience. I must thank the MSP program's GRIPS course director for organizing such a forum, as well as JICA for sponsoring me to participate as a research student. I had more difficulty acquiring unpublished data for my research from Sri Lanka. Finally, I'd like to thank Professor Takagi and Professor Shintani for their untiring commitment and invaluable advice. Finally, I'd like to express my gratitude to Dr Yasmin for her continuous consultations and JCG for all the assistance in need to accomplishment of my research.
Amirul, Banglradesh
Title of paper: Changes in Narcotics Production in Myanmar and its Impact on Smuggling Processes in other Coastal Neighboring Countries: Case Study on Bangladesh & Myanmar Maritime Drug Trade
The successful completion of the research work is a joy for any student; I am also delighted to finish my research successfully. In this regard, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the faculty members. In particular, my advisors, Professor Dr. KUDO Toshihiro and Captain FURUYA Kentaro have given me various guidelines and advice for over ten months; otherwise, continuous progress would not have been possible. I would especially like to thank Yasmin and Andy, who have assisted me in many ways, including the research framework.
I want to thank JCGA, JICA, and GRIPS for giving me the opportunity to research an essential topic like sea-based drug smuggling. The convenience offered to me by the organizations mentioned above, even during the Covid-19 epidemic, is genuinely unparalleled.
