85
December
2023

One World, One Family

An Interview with

Prof. Maximo Q. Mejia Jr.
President of World Maritime University

Navigating Seas of Knowledge for
People, Peace and Prosperity
Before My WMU Days
When did you become intrigued by the marine world?
My entry into the marine world came by
way of a desire to join the army while I wasin my late teens. While I was a cadet at thePhilippine Military Academy, I was offered theopportunity to join the United States Naval
Academy, which I accepted. I flew to Annapolis
and joined as a Midshipman. I am glad tosay that the four years at the Naval Academy
formed my passion for the sea.
Because my initial intention was to join the army, deciding to join
the US Naval Academy was kind of a leap of faith. However, I becamevery happily convinced that I made the right decision. I focused oninternational relations at the Academy and my research actually
revolved around the Spratly Islands. It is very relevant today because of
the geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea. However, it has had
no direct use in my subsequent research since my WMU research focus
has been on technical issues.
What motivated you to getting involved with WMU?
After the Naval Academy, I attended the Fletcher School in
Massachusetts, USA, for graduate studies in international law anddiplomacy, and took an excellent course on the law of the sea. After
returning to the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard, I learned about theWorld Maritime University. It looked like an excellent opportunity toreceive advanced knowledge
and education in maritime
affairs. Studying at WMU, I
had only one thing in mind as
far as the ocean was concerned— to work for the separationof the Philippine Coast
Guard, because our ships andseas needed an independentand professional maritime safety agency to promote safety andenvironmental protection.
After graduating from WMU in 1994, you returned to PCG
once and taught at WMU from 1998 to 2013. Then, you
took up the post of Administrator/Director-General of
Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) in the Philippinesfrom 2013 to 2016 during your sabbatical. What was thebiggest administrative challenge there?
The biggest administrative challenge was demonstrating
Philippine compliance with the standards of the STCW Convention.
I approached the challenge by focusing on building internal MARINA
capacity and expertise at short-, medium-, and long-term horizons,
instead of subcontracting services to third-party actors. This was madepossible by partnering with Congress to enact critical legislation,
uniting the different STCW-related government agencies in acommon cause, engaging industry, and collaborating closely with the
IMO and an international task force that provided technical advice
and capacity development.

The WMU of Today and Tomorow
What is the most significant issue facing WMU today?
The most significant challenge facing WMU remains its financial
stability. The University benefits from strongly committed partners andsupporters, such as Sweden and The Nippon Foundation. However,assembling the rest of the University’s operational budget is still achallenging annual endeavour.
What specific goals do you aim to achieve as part of the
Academic Agenda WMU@50?
I would like WMU to reach a wider audience of maritime andoceans stakeholders both in terms of the diversity of our programmes
and in terms of our educational formats. Interdisciplinary thinking isrequired to address and resolve contemporary and future local, national,
Continued on next pageNo.85

continue to be proud of WMU and show confidence in theirabilities. We have seen how small groups of alumni have been
involved in many of the maritime policy enhancement and reform
programmes in their countries. The impact could even greater if
more alumni pool their collective knowledge and talents, and in an
organised manner make a contribution to their local and regional
maritime sectors. Alumni should maintain contact and keep
themselves updated with developments at WMU. This way, they
can identify opportunities to continue to contribute to the work of
WMU. Many alumni occupy senior positions in their countries andshould organise mentorship programmes and structured activities
for knowledge sharing.

regional and global problems and challenges in the international
maritime and global ocean sectors and such thinking and training will
inform the work that we do. In addition, research will continue to inform
our curriculum and offerings to allow for comprehensive interrogationof new ideas to inform trends and developments in society.

Anything that the Friends of WMU, Japan can contribute?
The Friends of WMU, Japan is the most highly organised
WMU alumni network. Its many activities keep this network
active, relevant, and a strong force for positive change in many
countries around the world.
The Friends of WMU, Japan can strengthen the spirit oflifelong learning after the graduates have returned to their homecountries. Their contribution to creating new knowledge willcontribute to global efforts to solve conundrums and challenges in
the maritime and oceans areas.

DX, IOT, and AI are examples of rapidly progressing
ocean-related technologies.
As a university, we need to harness and master the potentials ofadvanced technology. They are important tools in conducting researchthat will lead to developing novel solutions to maritime and oceansissues. Changes should therefore be made to both curriculam andfacilities. Students must be kept abreast of the latest maritime andoceans applications of technology. WMU must also upgrade its
classroom and laboratory facilities; advanced technologies are key tocontinued development in WMU’s e-learning programmes, and reachto a wider global audience.

Is there any way for graduates to utilize and incorporate
WMU as part of their lifelong education?
Lifelong learning is the essence of the WMU experience. Byliving together, working together, traveling to see places together,and learning together, each WMU graduate develops a desire tocontinue to stay updated with the latest developments in maritime
affairs. Alumni should visit the WMU website occasionally to readabout resources and opportunities for continuous learning andeducation.
WMU provides publications, research, dissertations, and otherreference materials for free download in the maritime commons(https://commons.wmu.se/). The University also regularlyorganises webinars, conferences, and workshops.

What steps should be taken to gain global recognition,
including in developed countries?
We need to gain global recognition by highlighting how important
WMU’s work is to promoting world trade and sustainability of theoceans. In this regard, WMU will be positioning itself as a thought
leader and a global forum for the exchange of ideas. WMU will engage
in research that will create more new knowledge that can be shared not
only in the classroom but also in international fora and conferences.
Through the WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute, WMU has
extended its scope to broader themes of ocean governance and therefore
reach an even wider audience.
The fact that we are one ocean and one planet, and that the efforts
of developed countries to save our seas will be futile unless they arematched by similar implementation efforts in the rest of the world. Byhighlighting the impact our graduates have in their respective maritime
and oceans sectors, WMU can gain global recognition even amongdeveloped countries.

Prof. Mejia Behind the Scenes
Will you tell us a little about your personal interests?
My first choice is to spend free time with my family and friends.
The arrival of grandchildren has added an extra special dimension
to family gatherings.
Whenever I travel abroad, I try experiencing local cultural
diversions.
In terms of music, opera and jazz are two of my favourites.
Outdoors, my favourite sports are skiing, golf, and practicalshooting.

Please share your perspective on university management
for the next 10 years.
University management should be inclusive and inspirational.
I place a strong emphasis on the empowerment of colleagues byidentifying and recognising their talent and expertise, and allowing
latitude in the performance of tasks, while at the same time holding
them accountable for their deliverables. I would like to cultivate anenvironment at WMU where the hallmarks will be diversity, inclusivity,
cooperation, consensus, discussion, open communication, and positive
reinforcement.

Alumni Association Activities
What do you expect from alumni in order to make themeven more active in the future?
WMU has an Alumni Office, whose functions will be further
enhanced in the months to come. I would like to see alumni
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Planting the Seeds for the Network
Gathering Orientation 2023 took place on a sunny evening on
September 15th, where Sasakawa Fellowship Students from the Classesof 2023 and 2024 met for the first time.
The orientation session, led by Takanori Uzumaki ( Japan, 2023)
and Daiki Maeno ( Japan, 2023), was held in the Sasakawa Auditorium
after the taking of group photos outside the entrance of the WMUbuilding, which evokes a sense of both history and modernity, under the
beautiful autumn sky.
Following warm words by Mr. Uzumaki, Mr. Eisuke Kudo, Senior
Advisor to the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, delivered a humorous selfintroduction and explained the purpose of this orientation during his
opening remarks. At the end of his remarks, he also introduced themotto of Dr. Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of The Nippon Foundation
and Chairman of Friends of WMU, Japan, “One World, One Family,”and expressed his hope that the friendships built at WMU will continue
forever.
The orientation began with Ms. Emi Shimada from the Friendsof WMU, Japan Secretariat explaining the content of the Sasakawa
Scholarship Program, the role of the secretariat, the relationshipbetween The Nippon Foundation and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation,
and what is expected of the students.

was initiated by the Class of 2023, but the Class of 2024 also actively
contributed, which resulted in a lively discussion.
After the official program ended, the group moved to the World
Bistro, which everyone loves. President Max Mejia’s toast with MC
Jorge Alfonso Gómez Prado (Nicaragua, 2023) set the tone for a lively
reception that saw many WMU faculty and staff participate.
The students enjoyed delicious food and free-flowing conversation.
At the end of the reception, Francesco Leonardo Castiglione Escontrela(Venezuela, 2023), representative of the Class of 2023, and Carlos
Manuel Mosquera Athanasiadis (Panama, 2024), representative of
the Class of 2024, delivered closing remarks, and the students wereencouraged to join the Sasakawa Fellows Network.
We hope that the seeds of the Sasakawa Fellows Network thatwere planted today will grow into big trees that bear beautiful fruits.

Specialization Courses Introductions
MET : Beauty Ebiere Maghoromi (Nigeria, 2023)
MLP : Rahul Lodhi (India, 2023)
MSEA : Xavier Stephen Roger Perry (Antigua and Barbuda, 2023)
OSGM : Aziza Mohammed Swazuri (Kenya, 2023)
PM : Suraya Yeasmin Jui (Bangladesh, 2023)
SML: Adama Jatta (The Gambia, 2023)

Subsequently, there were presentations introducing eachspecialization from the Class of 2023.These were given by senior students
from the Class of 2023 in a humorous manner, with the students saying,“My major is the best!” They also shared valuable information with theClass of 2024, including insights into field studies, assignments, andtips not found in brochures. The Class of 2024 members paid close
attention to the presentations, occasionally breaking into laughter in thewelcoming atmosphere fostered by the seniors of the Class of 2023.
Following that, the students each introduced themselves andhad a 30-minute conversation about enhancing the Sasakawa
Fellows Network, with facilitation by Mr. Uzumaki. Concrete ideas
were generated, such as the use of social media and the formation ofgroups within either the same nation or organization. The discussion
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Class of 2024 WMU Sasa
Brandon Ralph Potter

Aji Keway Bangura

Assistant Manager of Traffic Dept (Rating Office)Gambia Ports Authority

Trainee Manager of Operations, Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority

I will complete my studies and return home to contribute to mycountry, and the international maritime community. I hope to makethe best of this opportunity, and be sure to be an exponent of the
Sasakawa Peace Foundation and The Nippon Foundation, wherever
Antigua and Barbuda and whenever possible, as a Sasakawa Fellow.
PM

The Gambia
PM

Akbar Akbarov

Tiffany Andrea SkinnerPort Engineer of Port & Harbours
Maritime Administration Department

Chief Specialist of Legal and International Relations Dept
State Maritime and Port Agency under the Ministry of Digital Development
and Transport

Azerbaijan
MLP

I am very grateful to SPF and The Nippon Foundation for creatingsuch an opportunity to study at the World Maritime University. I
hope that the invaluable experience that I will gain here will help me
contribute to the development of maritime transport in my country.

GuyanaPM

Md Al Hasnat

Commandant, Indian Coast Guard

I feel privileged to have received a prestigious fellowship from the
Sasakawa Peace Foundation. It’s instrumental in pursuing my dreamof studying Ocean Sustainability Governance and Management.
I aim to enhance my country’s ocean governance system using theknowledge gained. Thanks to SPF and all supporters.

India
MLP

Md. Rasel Pradania

Ryo Hiwatashi

It was my long cherished dream to meet people of different nations.
I express my deepest respect and gratitude to Sasakawa Peace
Foundation and its associates to let my dream come true throughfellowship to study at WMU. I believe my specialized knowledge will
enrich my organization and the country.

Japan
MET

Jasmine Deneen Bellini

Interanational Affairs Office of General Affairs Division
Japan Transportation Safety Board

When preparation meets opportunity, it’s a unique moment, not by luck
but by destiny. The Sasakawa Peace Foundation has given hundreds oftransformational minds the opportunity to create meaningful change
in the world. I am proud to represent Belize and to be part of thisgrowing family.

Japan
MSEA

Da Ly

CambodiaPM

I am honored to have been given this wonderful opportunity throughthe Sasakawa Peace Foundation. I would like to make efforts
to become a person who can contribute to maritime safety anddevelopment after completing my studies by using my experience at
WMU and the network I will gain here.

Andrew Lumbasi Barasa

Officer of Port Administration Dept
Ministry of Public Works and Transport

Environment Officer of Health, Safety and Environment Dept
Kenya Ports Authority

I would like to be thankful Dr. Sasakawa for giving me this wonderful
opportunity being a part of Sasakawa fellowship and study at WMU.
I believe that my academic achievements at WMU will contribute todevelop my country for a better future of the maritime sector.

The Sasakawa scholarship is one of my dream-come-true cases. With
the large bucket of knowledge at WMU, I am certain that at theend of my studies, I will have a lot of maritime ingredients to takeback to my country. Thank you Dr. Yohei Sasakawa and the Sasakawa
fraternity.

Kenya
OSGM

Sovisal Srey

Lucy Garmai Varnie

Deputy Chief of Bureau, Africa-Middle East Dept
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

Environmental Compliance Officer of Environmental Safety Dept
Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia

As Friend of WMU, I am looking forward to interact closely with myfellow Sasakawa Fellowship to expand our networking of Maritime
Professional.

It is with great honor to be one of the beneficiary of the Sasakawa
Peace Foundation and The Nippon Foundation. Appreciate goesto Dr. Sasakawa for giving me such a life changing opportunity toacquire skills in the Maritime field. I am proud to be selected and topart of this foundation.

Cambodia
MLP

Liberia
OSGM

José Miguel Jaramillo Mendoza

Stephen Yekeson Kamara

Officer
Ecuadorian Navy

EcuadorMSEA

My heartfelt gratitude to Sasakawa Peace Foundation for giving me theopportunity to study at WMU with excellent fellows. After graduating,
I would like to contribute to the improvement of maritime educationand training internationally as well as domestically by utilizing theexperience and the knowledge gained from WMU.

Miki Shirakabe

Lieutenant Commander
Belize Coast Guard

BelizeMET

I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me to make a positive
difference in the maritime field. I will do best to uphold the values
and standards of The Nippon Foundation, and I am committed tobeing an ambassador of the goodwill and generosity for which yourfoundation is renowned.

Associate Professor and First Officer
Japan Agency of Maritime Education and Training for Seafares ( JMETS)

Assistant General Manager of Cargo Supervision & Operation Dept
Bangladesh Shipping Corporation

Bangladesh
SML

It is with great pleasure that I extend sincere gratitude to Sasakawa
Peace Foundation and The Nippon Foundation for this tremendous
opportunity to foster an MSc in Maritime Affairs at the World
Maritime University, Malmö, Sweden. This opportunity will contributeto sustainable development of Guyana’s Maritime Sector.

Simranjeet Singh

Hydrographer
Chittagong Port Authority

Bangladesh
OSGM

To make the best use of this unique oppurtunity in furthering mypersonal development and improvement of my knowledge of themaritime sector, empowering fellow women into participating more in
the maritime sector and working towards a sustainable global maritime
environment.

Head of Training Dept
Ministry of Defense

The impact that the Foundation has is beyond what I expected,
which is why I would like to contribute to accomplish its mission.
My resolution is to keep strengthening links between members fromdifferent countries and make sure to be a positive influence backhome as a Sasakawa Fellow.

Liberia
MLP

4

I am thankful to the SPF for the confidence imposed in me with anaward of Sasakawa Fellowship at WMU. I am confident to returnhome and serve better in my country Maritime Space on issues
concerning maritime policy formulation, implementation and makefollow-up nationally and internationally. Thanks!!!

No.85

kawa Fellowship Students
Nadarajan Perumal

Prasanna Kumara Rajapaksha

Assitant Secretary of Maritime Division (Safety Unit)
Ministry of Transport Malaysia

Malaysia
MSEA

I hope completing my Master’s at WMU will give me a deeper
understanding of the maritime industry, especially the conventions,
regulations, and emerging issues. I aim to build connections with fellow
students at WMU, exchanging valuable experiences and discussing
potential future work opportunities. I am committed to studying withdedication and maintain consistent focus and discipline to achieve
academic excellence.

Superintendent Mechanical Engineer of Mechanical Plant Engineering Division
Sri Lanka Ports Authority

To be an inspiring manager with essential management skills andknowledge required for ever growing maritime industry.
Sri LankaPM

Dashbalbar Oyungerel

Thirunavukkarasu Shripathy

I would like to contribute to the global partnership and collaboration,
supporting the participation of landlocked states into the maritime
activity and marine environment protection. Eager to learn experienceson innovation and technology advancements as well as collaborative
leadership.

After completion of my specialization, mainly I will share this important
knowledge with my colleagues in the country. I will take the effort
become the party to the IMO convention specially MARPOL annex
VI to Sri Lanka. Preparation of regulation on removal of bio foulingprocedure in Sri Lanka is the focus of my research work at WMU.

Officer in charge of Foreign Affairs of Administration and Management Dept
Mongolia Maritime Administration

Mongolia
MSEA

Assistant Manager Northern and Eastern Province
Marine Environment Protection Agency

Sri Lanka
OSGM

Tanapit Petchmunee

Peter Tamarakro Orubebe

Principal Administrative Officer, RC&SM/BE Unit
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)

Nigeria
OSGM

I resolve to be a worthy fellow of the Sasakawa Fellows’ Network,
working assiduously to contribute my quota in seeing to the expansion
and implementation of the Fellowship’s ideals and objectives infurtherance of the most sterling works of Dr. Yohei Sasakawa.

Transport Technical Officer of International Affairs Division, Planning Bureau
Marine Department of Thailand

Thailand
MLP

Adetayo Yusuf Adesokan

Anusorn Orachorn

To acquire maximum benefit from the WMU experience in learningand networking to enable me give back to my country in the best
possible way, particularly in the governance of the maritime domain
by using the tools of knowledge, network and Sasakawa Fellowshipgained while on the course.

Being one of essential part to develop my organization and mycountry’s logistic system.

Commander in Nigerian Navy
Navigator (Executive Branch)

Nigeria
MSEA

Accountant and Financial Management Staff of Collection Section,
Financial Management DeptPort Authority of Thailand

ThailandPM

Carlos Manuel Mosquera Athanasiadis

Sikini Falesiva

Technical Engineer of Segumar Dept
Panama Maritime Authority

PanamaMSEA

Donors Relations Officer of Marine & Ports Division
Ministry of Infrastructure

My primary goal is to obtain all the knowledge and expertise possible
here at WMU, so I can apply them in a sound and friendly mannerwithout disrupting the three pillars of sustainability that WMU has
sowed in me. Additionally, to keep a long-term relationship with
Sasakawa Peace Foundation.

Tonga
MLP

Deputy Chief of Training Staff for Human Resource Management and Recoreds, T-1
Philippine Coast Guard

As a woman Coast Guardian, I intend to promote gender anddevelopment programs through education and training as this is an“invisible” but palpable gap dominated.

Managing Director
Reef Conservation

My resolution is to strengthen collaborations and partnerships toadvance solutions for healthy oceans and a sustainable planet. As afellow, I will actively disseminate my work, to foster knowledge
exchange through conferences, workshops, and publications and share
Trinidad and Tobago insights to promote ocean science for sustainable development andsocietal understanding.
OSGM

Patrick John Cabasag

Philippines
MLP

I am deeply honored of the opportunity given by Dr. Yohei Sasakawa
and SPF to be one of WMU’s students. The knowledge and skills
I have gained will undoubtedly contribute to the promotion andenhancement of the maritime industries in my country and on a
global scale. Therefore, Malo ‘Aupito!

Kathy Ann Young

Livia Endozo

Philippines
MLP

To be a part of connecting global tools for cleaner ocean to national
implementation, I am interested to study on the development of policy
and legislation related to marine environmental protection, particularly
GHG reduction. I aimed to assist my country toward the accession of
MARPOL Annex VI.

Asela Peneueta

Officer of Department of Transportation
Philippine Coast Guard

Assistant Secretary
Ministry of Transport Energy and Tourism

My Heartfelt gratitude to the Sasakawa Peace Foundation forbridging us to this transformative phase of our lives. As an officer
in the Philippine Coast Guard, I will carry forward the wisdom andlearning experience gained in World Maritime University (WMU) tocontribute meaningfully as future maritime leaders in our country.

I would like to thank Sasakawa Peace Foundation for the opportunity
given to me to study at World Maritime University in Malmö,
Sweden. My primary goal is to make use of my studies to ensure I canbe an asset to my country in the future on completion of my studies,
especially in the maritime sector.

TuvaluMSEA

Jattu Bridget Koroma

Logistic Officer of Administrative Dept
Sierra Leone Maritime Administraion

Sierra Leone
MLP

After graduating at WMU, I will go back home to support my
Administration with addressing maritime policy challenges andimplement the importance of National Legislation for IMO
instruments. Also, I will help in promoting programmes Sasakawa is
aimed at and contribute to the furtherance of world peace.

5

MET (Maritime Education & Training)
MEM (Maritime Energy Management)
MLP (Maritime Law & Policy)
MSEA (Maritime Safety & Environmental Administration)
OSGM (Ocean Sustainability, Governance & Management)
PM(Port Management)
SML (Shipping Management & Logistics)
No.85

Career in Training for Marine Aids toNavigation-AtoN and VTS
Latifa Oumouzoune(Morocco, 2022)

It was upon graduating from World Maritime University in theyear of 2022, that I was given the opportunity to take on the positionof Education and Training Manager at The International Associationof Marine Aids To Navigation And Lighthouse Authorities (IALA)World-Wide Academy (WWA).
IALA is a non-profit, international technical organization.
Established in 1957, it brings together maritime aids to navigation
authorities, manufacturers, consultants, and scientific and training
institutes from all over the world, offering them the opportunity to
exchange and compare experiences. IALA aims to foster the safe,
economic and efficient movement of vessels, through improvement
and harmonization of aids to navigation and VTS worldwide and otherappropriate means, for the benefit of the maritime community and theprotection of the environment. In terms of education, training, andcapacity building, WWA serves as the vehicle by which IALA delivers
its programmes.
IALA is currently in the process of changing its status from an
NGO to an IGO. There are currently 25 ratifications/acceptances/
accessions to the IALA Convention as of this date, 20 November 2023.
The Convention will enter into force on the 90th day after the date ofdeposit of the 30th instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval oraccession.
Acting now as an Education and Training manager at IALA
WWA, I am contributing in supporting coastal states worldwide tocomply with IALA guidelines in order to harmonize the delivery ofmarine aids to navigation to ensure the safety of navigation. We aresupporting the states through our training programmes and capacitybuilding actions and events. In my role at the WWA, I am responsiblefor developing training materials based on the IALA model course,
assisting in the accreditation of training organizations, delivering
training, and all other activities related to training. It is an excellent
opportunity for me to apply the knowledge I gained during my master’sstudies at WMU.
The current location of my office is Saint Germain En Laye, near
Paris, in France, and I am required to travel extensively as part of myduties. I regularly travel to several coastal states for training, seminars,
workshops, and conferences. Each time, it serves as an opportunity tomeet WMU graduates as well as Sasakawa Fellows and Family. It has
been my pleasure to meet graduates from Japan, Chile, and China, andI have had the opportunity to have correspondence with a number ofthem regarding AtoN and VTS training.
I was thrilled to meet the Sasakawa Peace Foundation
representatives, Dr. Tomonari Akamatsu and Dr. Kotaro Tanaka at the20th IALA conference held from 27 May to 3 June 2023, in Rio deJaneiro, Brazil. The Sasakawa Peace Foundation is an associate memberof IALA, on this occasion of the IALA Conference, there was a meeting
between the IALA WWA team and Sasakawa Peace Foundation
representatives to discuss possibilities of collaboration in the future interms of capacity building.

IALA WWA Team at SPF

While studying at WMU, I did not have the opportunity to visit
Japan with my Sasakawa fellow students due to COVID restrictions in
2022. But this year, I was able to visit Tokyo during the IALA conferenceon financial and general regulations, hosted by the Japan Coast Guard( JCG) from 6 to 10 November 2023. From both a professional andpersonal perspective, I believe that this trip was a success. Also, IALAWWA team and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation were able to meet to
explore possibilities for further collaboration.
I take this opportunity to convey my heartfelt gratitude to Dr.
Sasakawa for providing me with the opportunity to study at WMU,
which has opened up opportunities for professional advancement andthe ability to help people all around the world.

24 successfully certified IALA Risk Management Toolbox participants, training held from 24-28 July 2023 at IALA HQ

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No.85

Navigating Maritime Sustainability:
A Voyage through Academia and PracticeAnas Saleh Mohammad Alamoush(Jordan, 2016)

Embarking on a scholarly journey post my 2016 studies at
World Maritime University (WMU), generously supported by the
Sasakawa Fellowship, my trajectory seamlessly merged academia
with practical endeavors. Fuelled by an unwavering commitment todelve into the realms of sustainability and decarbonization within
the maritime domain, my academic pursuit transitioned into a selffunded Ph.D. program at WMU in 2019.
Navigating the academic waters of a doctoral program whileembracing the opportunity to contribute as a research assistantat WMU presented multifaceted challenges and opportunities.
Grateful for WMU’s unwavering support, this tenure afforded me theprivilege to delve into high-level projects such as the Future of WorkWMU/ITF initiative and SEANERGY for port decarbonization,
serving as instrumental platforms to apply theoretical underpinnings
into tangible, impactful solutions.
A testament to my dedication to knowledge dissemination,
numerous articles and reports have emerged from my research
efforts, illuminating the intricate pathways toward port and shipping
decarbonization. Presently, my role as a research associate at WMU
revolves around the pivotal nexus between ports and sustainability,
channeling expertise and passion into catalyzing change within thiscritical sector.
Central to my journey has been the invaluable networkof Sasakawa Fellows, a community that extends beyond mere
connections. This network facilitated transformative encounters,
fostering an environment conducive to mutual learning, collaboration,and the expansion of a global network. From knowledge exchange toaiding in the dissemination of my Ph.D. survey, the camaraderie andsupport within this network have been immeasurable.
Beyond academia, my commitment extends to serving thosein need, locally and internationally, in the unyielding battle against
climate change. By championing awareness and action, I endeavor to
be a catalyst for change, striving to make a tangible difference in ourcollective fight for a sustainable future.
As an open invitation, I am eager to engage with fellow WMU
Sasakawa Fellows, extending my hand in support, guidance, andcollaboration. The dynamic exchange of ideas, queries, and requests
enriches our collective pursuit of a sustainable maritime realm.
In conclusion, my academic expedition intertwined withpractical engagements embodies an unrelenting passion for fostering
sustainability within the maritime industry. This journey, propelledby scholarly rigor, practical application, and a collaborative ethos,continues to chart a course toward a more sustainable and equitable
future. Arigato Gozaimasu to all who have contributed to thistransformative voyage.

The Nippon Foundation’sInternational Seminaron Offshore Development

The Nippon Foundation’s International Seminar on Offshore
Development was held on September 28th, 2023.The seminarused a hybrid in-person and online format and roughly 170 people
participated, with presentations by speakers followed by a lively
question and answer session.
In 2020, then Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced a target
of Japan achieving a carbon-neutral society with zero greenhousegas emissions by 2050. The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, set a
goal of limiting the global rise in temperatures to 1.5˚C above preindustrial levels, and many countries around the world, including
Japan, are working toward this goal. This means that a variety
of issues, including global warming countermeasures, the use ofrenewable energy, and finding alternatives to carbon-based fuels need
to be addressed in the field of international offshore development.
To contribute to these efforts, The Nippon Foundation has
concluded agreements and launched coordinated technologicaldevelopment projects with the U.S.-based DeepStar, a marine
technology development consortium in which oil majors from aroundthe world, GCE NODE and NORSE of Norway, and Scottish
Enterprise. To date, The Nippon Foundation has assisted 40 projects
with subsidies totaling roughly 2.3 billion yen. The seminar featured
presentations on the current status of DeepStar’s joint technologicaldevelopment and achievements being made in joint technologicaldevelopment in Norway.

In the opening remarks at the seminar, Chairman Dr. Yohei
Sasakawa explained the marine projects undertaken by The Nippon
Foundation and also touched in the 40 years of human resources
development in the maritime field. The full text of Chairman
Sasakawa’s address can be viewed on the Friends of WMU, Japan
website. (https://www.wmujapan.net/events/speech/-01.html)
This was followed by the keynote address by Shakir Shamshy,
DeepStar’s director, who gave an overview of DeepStar andthe project’s latest activities, and a presentation titled “Chevron
Deepwater Strategy and the Energy Transition”. Next, fivecompanies presented updates on ongoing projects under the TNFDeepStar Joint Ocean Innovation Project.
The second part of the seminar featured presentations on the
TNF – Norway Joint Ocean Innovation Project. Nabil Belbachirof project partner NORCE gave an overview of the project andpresented recent developments, and was followed by an update on
ongoing projects by project partner Yokogawa Electric Corp. The
seminar concluded with a lively Q&A session with the participants
who attended either in-person or online.
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No.85

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Facebook!
Did you know that Friends of WMU, Japan has an active Facebook
account? While we’ve been less active due to COVID, we’re now considering
using Facebook as an additional tool for sharing and receiving information
to better connect with you!
On our Facebook page, we’ll be posting activities of Sasakawa FellowshipStudents and Fellows, as well as sharing news updates from The Nippon
Foundation and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation. In case
we can’t reach you via email, Facebook Messenger will be
our backup communication tool.
Connecting with us on Facebook is another great
way to stay in the loop, alongside our newsletters. Visit
our Facebook account, give us a like, hit the follow
button, and friend us!

Welcome, Little One!
Ud Tuntivejakul (Thailand, 2016)

Hi I am Ud Tuntivejakul from S16, Thailand. On the 28th of August
2023, I celebrated the joyous and heartwarming occasion of the arrival of mybaby girl. Her first name is “Alicha”, which means “knowledgeable”, and hernickname is “Minna” which we just like the name.
Months ago was a time for family and friends to come together tocelebrate this new chapter in our life. My wife and I were so busy cleaning
our home, preparing the room with furniture and decorations for her arrival.
It’s a tough time being parents, however, joy in our hearts.
So, I would like to share these profound and rewarding experiences with
The Nippon Foundation and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, and colleagues.
I would like to express my gratitude to The Nippon Foundation and the
SPF for providing me with the opportunity to share our wonderful news.

Hi everyone! I’m Yasko Suzuki, a graduate ofclass 2003 and I joined the editorial board for thesecond time after 18 years. It’s been quite a longtime since my student life at WMU and I still clearly
remember our International Day celebrating WMU’s
20th anniversary in the courtyard of Henrik Smith
Residence welcoming many outside guests. This year,
WMU celebrates its 40th anniversary! This means 20
years have passed since then, and there might be a lotof changes among us, and I think so do you - all of thereaders of this newsletter, no matter the graduation
year or how you are involved in the activities of the

Friends of WMU, Japan. Please share some updates
on you, your family, job, or any kinds of your life
events. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
As for me, I’m currently working in the Niigata,
North-Western part of Japan where you can enjoy
skiing, rice and rice wine (sake), and Nishiki-goi(Colorful carps). Do not forget to contact me when
visiting Niigata and you are always welcome!
Now it’s getting cold in Japan towards the winterand we are enjoying forests and mountains changing
colours of their tree leaves. I wish you all have chance
to come and see these beautiful scenery!

Yasko Suzuki(Japan, 2003)
Hokuriku Shin’etsu District
Transport Bureau, MLIT

This newsletter is published under a grant from The Nippon Foundation

to promote communication among the Sasakawa Fellows of WMU (World Maritime University)and edited by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation in cooperation with Dr. Koji Murai
Ms. Yasko Suzuki, Mr. Shun Masui, Mr. Eisuke Kudo and Ms. Sue Jackson.
Friends of WMU, Japan Secretariat, The Sasakawa Peace Foundation
The Sasakawa Peace Foudation Bldg., 1-15-16 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8524 Japan
Tel: +81-(0)3-5157-5263 Fax: +81-(0)3-5157-5230 URL: http://www.spf.org/en/

No.85