86
March
2024

One World, One FamilyInterview with

the IMO Secretary-General
Arsenio Dominguez
I. History
1. What did the ocean mean to you when you were an infant and a child?
Please tell us about your nostalgic memories and formative experienceswith the sea.
I grew up in Panama so the sea was always there. I was fascinatedby the huge ships waiting in the bay before sailing through the Panama
Canal – it is difficult not to be inspired to learn more about these majestic
floating structures and what they are capable of.
2.What motivated you to pursue a career in the maritime industry?
After majoring in naval architecture, you studied international law.
What prompted you to do so?
The more I learned about the sector, my interest about shipping andtrade grew taller when I realized just how important shipping is to theworld. So, I wanted to be involved. I was fortunate to be able to study
naval architecture in Mexico and put the expertise into practice first at a
repair shipyard and later on at IMO. Throughout my career, I was always
thirsty to learn more and thus I decided to pursue an MBA and study
international law and politics - both in the United Kingdom, to be better
prepared for the challenges and opportunities both at IMO and in themaritime sector.
3.How did you become involved with IMO and its activities? What wasyour occupation prior to joining IMO?
I became involved with IMO when I was working for the Panama
Maritime Authority (PMA). I began attending meetings at IMO
within the Panama delegation back in 1998. In the nearly 20 years I
spent with the PMA, I went through several positions, culminating as
Ambassador of Panama to IMO. I was honoured to be elected as Chairof several flagship IMO intergovernmental meetings, including: theMarine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), the TechnicalCommittee of the 29th Assembly, and the Maritime Security, Piracy andArmed Robbery Group, as well as a number of Vice-Chair and Board
member roles.
In 2017 I joined the IMO Secretariat as an employee: as Chiefof Staff, Director of Administrative and then Director of the Marine
Environment Division. So, this has been great experience and I always
had a clear idea of what this Organization should look like.

4.Could you please share some memories, such as the challenges you
faced during your long-term involvement with IMO?
I can say that my 25 years of experience working in and for IMO
prepared me for the future. I have always been impressed by thewillingness of all States and stakeholders to work together and reachconsensus – even when that is challenging as countries and stakeholders
can have very different viewpoints to start with.
I can recall some late nights working to resolve differences - andgreat satisfaction when we get a good result for IMO and for shipping
safety and for protection of the oceans and planet. From the discussion toprotect shipping and seafarers during the height of piracy off the coast ofSomalia to the extensive engagements regarding the progressive work of
IMO in reducing GHG emissions from international shipping, including
keeping the Organization working whilst the world was facing a global
pandemic in 2020. I am not short of admiration from the way IMO andits Member States always raise to the challenges.
II. Appointment as the IMO Secretary General
1.What are your thoughts on the upcoming issues for the maritime
community? Could you elaborate on the role that IMO and its member
countries should play?
IMO has to continue with its core remit to ensure safe shipping; toensure the safety of life at sea; to support efficient and secure shipping tokeep global trade moving; and to protect the oceans and planet from any
adverse impacts of shipping.
Current issues and challenges include, of course, the decarbonizationof the shipping sector. We have a pathway in the 2023 IMO GHG
Strategy and focus is on implementing that strategy as we strive to meetthe 2030, 2040 and 2050 goals – towards net-zero emissions.
IMO must continue its other environmental protection work,
including ongoing support to those countries that need it for
implementation of measures such as pollution response, addressing
biofouling; and the Hong Kong Convention on recycling of ships –which is going to enter into force in 2025.
Linked to the decarbonization transition, a key challenge is ensuringthat seafarers are fully trained to operate smart ships and those using zeroand near zero fuels. Alongside this, seafarers’ wellbeing is paramount. The
comprehensive review of seafarer training requirements in the STCW

Continued on next page
No.86

Convention and Code is the focus of current work.
And geopolitical events are having an impact on shipping. Here I am
thinking, of course, about attacks on international shipping into the Red
Sea. I will continue to reiterate the need to ensure the safety of seafarers;
to protect the freedom of navigation; and I will continue to call for deescalation of tensions.
IMO has a key role to play in all these issues and more. IMO is theprime and global forum for maritime and shipping. The ability to bring all
175 Member States together in one forum is fundamental, to ensure thatissues which impact shipping - which is global - are addressed universallyand with all States and stakeholders involved in the conversation.
Above all, my personal goal is to raise the profile of the International
Maritime Organization, ensuring that global shipping is represented
enthusiastically; it must be relied upon to provide an expert opinion,and deal with developments whether crisis management or encouraging
innovations.
My experience has proved to be an extremely useful training to enable
me to demonstrate that IMO can be understood like never before, and tocelebrate the amazing work of its talented staff, with the industry, all otherstakeholders, as well as members of the public. In representing IMO, mylast few weeks have been spent promoting our work via print, televisionand social media to bring into stark light the importance that shipping has
on consumer goods and the global economy.

IMO Secretary-General on mission to Finland

The Nippon Foundation which have stepped in to provide fellowships
to students from all over the world and funding to ensure WMU goesfrom strength to strength.
I have no doubt that WMU will continue to grow and prosper. WMU
expertise is feeding into the IMO regulatory process, through specificstudies and research. WMU graduates are embedded in the maritime
community all over the world. The WMU “brand” is well-known in the
sector and I will do my bit to promote IMO and WMU.
III. Message to readers
1. What hobby do you enjoy the most? What is your favorite way tospend your free time? Do you have a specific relaxation method?
I enjoy salsa dancing and playing tennis which is my relaxation
method! And believe it or not, skiing during the winter, probably
unexpected from someone from the tropics.

2. What kind of management do you think is desirable for IMO tocontinue to play an important role in protecting the marine environment,
including climate change, and maritime safety?
We need committed management, with strong conviction about
the ability of IMO as an Organization to move forward to support
the maritime sector to confront and address the many challenges. An
important aspect is to remain proactive and ambitious with our goals
in all our areas of work, whilst addressing the concerns and recognizing
the additional challenges that some countries may face, in particular
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries(LDCs) and introducing the mechanisms and partnerships which willallow us to provide such support.

2. Do you have a motto or favorite quote that you cherish?
You will never know what you can achieve if you do not try.
3. What is your expectation for WMU graduates?
As WMU graduates, you are in a privileged position: you havegained an amazing academic experience and technical knowledge. With
this knowledge and experience, you will work for your countries andcontribute to their growth and success, by ensuring compliance with
IMO’s standards. You have been incorporated into an alumni network
which is spread all over the world and gives you links into all aspects ofmaritime affairs.
Those who have gone before you have gained high-level positions inmaritime affairs, joined the IMO Secretariat and - my predecessor Kitack
Lim – elected as Secretary-General of IMO. So, wherever you go withyour knowledge, you can be sure that you are part of a great network.

3. How was your relationship with WMU in the past? As 40 years havepassed since WMU was founded, what are your expectations for the
future?
I recall my first visit to WMU back in 1999, whilst visiting theregion on holidays and I made Malmo a mandatory stop to visit the
University. Sadly, I didn’t seem to plan it very well and only managed tosee the building from the outside! But it did not stop me from going backseveral times to lecture, attend the graduations and conferences and evenbecoming a member of the Board of Governors.
Here I would like to acknowledge the vision of the WMU founders,
particularly IMO Secretary-General C.P. Srivastava who saw the needfor a global maritime high-level educational institution - and made it
happen. Of course, with the amazing support of Sweden and entities like

4. Do you have any message to the readers of the Newsletter (Students
and Alumni of WMU under the WMU Sasakawa Fellowship Program)?
Make the most of your experience and take it with you, wherever you
go in your career.

IMO Secretary-General visits WMU on 12 Feb. 2024
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No.86

The World Came to Me

Lyndell Lundahl
Assistant Registrar (Student Services) 1987～2024
WMU

When I joined WMU in 1987, it was such a young institution,
just finding its feet after four years of operation. There was a lot ofpioneering spirit in those early days. I joined the Student Services
Office and quickly had to settle in, learning how best to help ourstudents find their way in Sweden. The problem was, Sweden was very
new to me as well! I think, however, that having faced the challenges
of moving to Sweden from Australia helped me to understand some ofthe difficulties the students were facing, and we solved things together.
Although my work has always involved a lot of routine
administrative duties, what made the job so very interesting was
the opportunity to meet people from such a diversity of countries. I
remember I had never even heard of Cape Verde before suddenly
I met a student from that country! Many times I had to get out theworld map to check and improve my knowledge of geography. It was
fascinating to meet so many different nationalities and listen to theirstories from home. Over the years I met thousands of students fromwell over 150 countries. I had no need to travel: the world came to me
instead.

For many years, one of my tasks was to arrange a series of
excursions for each class of students. We had a lot of fun on those bus
trips, as I encouraged them to sing songs from their countries and I
occasionally taught them songs from Sweden. Many graduates willremember travelling to the countryside on Midsummer’s Eve, dancing
around the maypole and singing what I called “The Frog Song” – in
Swedish “Små Grodorna”. My family usually joined those midsummer
excursions and my daughters still have warm memories of the picnics
we had with the students. That two small Swedish girls had the chance
to meet such an international group of students was wonderful.
3

My involvement in the Graduation ceremony became more
intensive after I joined the Registry department in 1995. For example,
I was asked to teach the choir the University song each year. Although
I have sung in choirs all my life, this was the first time I needed to teacha song. As always, however, the students’ cooperation was just great
and we had so much fun at the rehearsals. I was always so proud of thechoirs at their performance. To see 30 students from almost as many
countries sing together is a moving experience.
In 2007, I had such a stroke of good luck – I was asked toaccompany the Sasakawa-funded
students to Japan on their fieldstudies. I was mindful of thehonour and the responsibilityof representing the University
during that week, so I was very
nervous! Fortunately, I was met
with such warmth and friendshipby Mr. Kudo and his team, so I
soon felt at home and somehow
managed to fulfil the tasks. I had the pleasure and privilege of goingto Japan with the students again in 2010 and 2023. It was a wonderfulexperience each time, and I am so grateful to The Nippon Foundation
for its generosity to me.
To sum up: my 36 years’ association with the World Maritime
University was a wonderful journey. Professionally, I followed thedevelopment of a fledgling University to its current status withproperly-accredited programmes – an amazing success. Personally,meeting so many fascinating people taught me so much about theworld. I learned how alike we all are. In today’s world, that is a valuablelesson.
Thank you, everyone.

No.86

Departure for the New Voyage
The Awards Ceremony

WMU Graduation Ceremony 2023

The Awards Ceremony for WMU Sasakawa Fellows in the Class
of 2023 was held on the evening of October 27th.
Although the sky was dark with clouds, the faces of the Class of2023 students, who were about to hold their graduation ceremony
the next day, were bright. The Sasakawa Auditorium was filled witha celebratory atmosphere, welcoming many guests including former
President Cleopatra Dumbia-Henry and fellows receiving the
Honorary Fellow Award and Outstanding Alumni Award.
Following the opening remarks from Mr. Eisuke Kudo, Senior
Advisor of the Sasakawa
Peace
Foundation,WMU President Max
Mejia addressed thegraduates.
President
Mejia expressed his
gratitude for The Nippon
Foundation’s
supportover the years and told
the graduates, “You havelearned that currency of a real network is generosity not personal
gain… By giving of yourself, your time and your talent, so many
people will benefit, just as you will yourself.”
Then, Mr. Mitsuyuki Unno, Executive Director of The Nippon
Foundation, gave a speech. Mr. Unno expressed his hope that thegraduates will utilize the Sasakawa Fellows’ network as a tool tosolve complex ocean problems. He urged us to keep thinking inorder to find solutions since there are still many things about theocean that we have yet to understand. The full text of Mr. Unno’s
message is available on the Friends of WMU, Japan website (https://www.wmujapan.net/events/speech/-02-1.html). Afterwards, Mr.
Unno gave each graduate a Sasakawa Fellow Certificate before
congratulating them in their native language.
The gorgeous reception
party was held at World
Bistro, with many guests
as well as WMU faculty
and staff. At the end of thereception, Peter Tamarakro
Orubebe (Nigeria) gave afarewell address on behalf of
the Class of 2024, followed
by Kla-Edward Toomey II (Liberia) on behalf of the Class of 2023,
bringing to a close.

WMU Graduation Ceremony
2023 was held on October 28th,and 283 students from 71 countries,
including 30 Sasakawa Fellows,
graduated from WMU. Despite
the cloudy weather, the faces of
the graduates were bright andoverflowing with joy at successfullycompleting their studies at WMU.
The scene of all the graduates huddling together for a photo in frontof WMU’s unique designed school building was a stunning andlively sight, and everyone was smiling.
At the graduation ceremony, each student was awarded theirdiploma in the presence of WMU President Max Mejia, IMO
Secretary General HE Kitak Lim, Mayor of Malmo Ms. Carina
Nilsson, and Doctor of Science honoris causa recipient Prof. Myron
Nordquist. To celebrate the graduates’ departure, a chorus groupof current students dressed in costumes from each country andperformed the song ‘WMU, our beloved school’.
Guests at the reception party following the graduation ceremony,such as donors and host families from Malmö, offered warm
congratulations to the students on their departure from the voyage.

4

No.86

The Chancellor’s Medal for Academic Excellence
Rahul Lodhi (India, 2023)
At the outset let me begin by saying that, I am eternally indebted to Dr. Yōhei Sasakawa for
his generosity and goodwill. I am also proud to have been part of Sasakawa Peace Foundationand last but not the least World Maritime University (WMU), Malmö, Sweden. Receiving the
Chancellor’s Medal from Mr. Kitack Lim, the then Secretary General of International Maritime
Organization for the class of 2023 of WMU during the graduation ceremony held on 28 Oct
2023 was indeed one of the proudest moments of my life. I am very happy that I could bring prideand honor not only to my organization (Indian Coast Guard), my beloved motherland India andmy family but also the prestigious Sasakawa Peace Foundation for enabling me to attend World
Maritime University in the first place. However, I must add that receiving Chancellor’s medal isincidental to the pursuit of knowledge and excellence and holds no value if we do not share theknowledge and experiences gained during our stay at WMU to ensure a better and sustainable
world in line with the motto of ‘One World One Family’. What we need is perseverance
towards our common goal for a better world in ensuring safe and secure sea on clean oceans andcontributing towards UN SDGs.

The Specialization Prizes
Ahmed Mohamed Ismal Mohamed Ismail (Egypt, 2023) Specialization Prize for MEM

As a Captain and Marine Lecturer, my experience pursuing the Specialization Prize in Maritime Energy
Management at WMU has been truly transformative. Through immersive study, I have delved deep into thecomplexities of decarbonization challenges within the shipping industry.
My gratitude extends to Chairman Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, WMU faculty, and all those who supported me.
This accomplishment, achieved through dedication and hard work, marks a significant milestone. Inspired bytheir encouragement, my mission is clear: to share this knowledge and contribute to shaping a greener shipping
future. As I stand at the intersection of academic achievement and professional practice, this marks not an end
but the beginning of my commitment to sustainability. With a sense of purpose, I look forward to continuing
this journey and fostering positive change in the maritime industry.
Rahul Lodhi (India, 2023) Specialization Prize for MLP
Suraya Yeasmin Jui ( Bangladesh, 2023) Specialization Prize for PM
The announcement of my selection as the Best Student in Port Management at the World Maritime University
is a thrilling chapter in my educational chronicle. When I began my journey at WMU, my primary focus wasabsorbing knowledge rather than chasing grades or positions. Whenever I felt confused, I never hesitated to ask
questions to our professors. In addition, field studies were not just visits to me but opportunities to dissect andcompare port practices internationally and in my home country. This process provided me with valuable insightsthat made my knowledge more realistic. My MSc in maritime affairs journey unfolded as a riveting exploration,
revealing the vast landscape of the global maritime scene.
To me, this ‘Best Student’ award isn’t just a certificate; it’s a testament to the transformative power of dedicatedlearning and a genuine passion for the maritime domain.

The C P Srivastava Award for International Fellowship
Teona Khabeishvili (Georgia, 2023)
I am profoundly grateful for the Sasakawa Peace Foundation Fellowship, the great opportunity that has not
only enriched my academic journey in WMU, Sweden but also led to remarkable recognition among maritime
professionals, whenever I meet Sasakawa Fellows, I always feel we are the family. The fellowship opened doors to
new perspectives, fostering a deepened understanding of global issues and cross-cultural collaboration.
The top of this experience was the receipt of the C P Srivastava Award for International Fellowship at thegraduation ceremony in October 2023. This award not only acknowledges the academic achievements during myfellowship but stands out as a testament to the impact of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation’s support.
The award and graduation ceremony were particularly important as my family, my kids, and my husband, apillar of unconditional support, were in the audience on my graduation day. Their presence added an emotional
layer to the recognition, turning it into a shared triumph for all of us. The Sasakawa Peace Foundation not only
invested in my education but also contributed to a moment that transcended individual achievement, creating acore memory of gratitude and shared pride.
The C P Srivastava Award for International Fellowship award represents the culmination of a journey madepossible by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation’s generosity and belief in the power of international fellowship.

Kalmar Prizes
Daniela Jimena Andrade Tamayo(Ecuador, 2023)

Teona Khabeishvili(Georgia, 2023)
5

Takanori Uzumaki(Japan, 2023)
No.86

For Peaceful, Beautiful and Bountiful Seas

The largest-ever “The 3rd Coast Guard Global Summit (CGGS)”
was held in Tokyo by the Japan Coast Guard and The Nippon
Foundation, with the presence of H.E. Mr. Fumio Kishida, Prime
Minister of Japan, on October 31 and November 1, 2023.
The summit was held after the “Regional Conference on
Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships (2000)”
and the “Heads of Coast Guard Agencies Meeting (HACGAM,
2004~)”, both of which were proposed by Chairman Yohei Sasakawa
of The Nippon Foundation, one of the world’s largest platforms for
effective coordination and discussion among the world’s coast guard
organizations regarding a variety of critical marine issues. This was thethird time, following the initial summit ‘the world’s first’ in 2017 andthe second, in 2019. Representatives of 96 coast guard authorities andrelated organizations from 86 countries and 1 region attended, thelargest number ever, and discussed a broad range of maritime issues.

The Nippon Foundation’s Chairman Yohei Sasakawa also
attended the opening ceremony, and in his speech, he expressed his
expectation that this summit will continue to be a place where wecan share on-the-ground knowledge and collaborate to address theincreasingly diverse and complex marine issues which cannot be
resolved in one nation or region.
At the summit, a proposal to revise the meeting guidelines was
supported in order to continue the summit sustainably, and a dedicatedwebsite was officially launched to share information on each country’s
most recent successful activities, experiences, as well as information
for human resource development. In addition, advanced case studies
and best practices from each country and organization were presented.
The report of the summit can also be viewed on the Japan Coast
Guard website below.
(https://www.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/e/topics_archive/article4324.html)

WMU Vietnam Chapter
20 Years Anniversary
Van Tan NGUYEN(Vietnam, 2016)
In a joyous celebration of two decades since its establishment, a
total of 60 Vietnam WMU Alumni gathered in Hanoi on December
8, 2023 in a spirit of friendship and closeness. The occasion marked
the enduring connections forged during our academic years at WMU.
The event, held with great enthusiasm, brought together alumni
from various batches to recall our shared experiences and celebrate
the achievements during past years. Many alumni have emerged
as leaders, policymakers, and experts, significantly contributing to
the development of the Vietnamese maritime industry in particularand promoting the international cooperation in general. The event
provided an opportunity for graduates across country to strengthen
the old bonds and establish new connections.
The event had the pleasure of hosting esteemed guests: Mr. Eisuke
Kudo from the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Mr. Yuichi Monji (2014),
the First Secretary of the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam, and Ms.
Dang Phuong Lan, Trade, Economics, and Education Advisor of the
Embassy of Sweden in Vietnam. Their presences added a special touch
to the occasion.
The event commenced
on a positive note withexpressions of gratitude
from each honored guest,
recognizing the efforts
put into organizing thecelebration. The focal pointof the event was a workshop centered around the green port plan, which
aimed to disseminate knowledge on the latest trends, technologies, andbest practices in green port management. Particularly, it emphasizedsustainable cargo handling, emission reduction strategies, and ecofriendly port infrastructure.
One of the highlights of the workshop was the presentationof success stories from alumni who have implemented green port
initiatives in their respective roles. These narratives served as
inspiration, demonstrating that sustainable practices are not only
desirable but also achievable within the context of Vietnamese
maritime industry.
Then, everyone joined the photo session with absolute joy andfriendship. The pictures have become cherished memories, preserving
the reunion’s spirit and connecting everyone to the past. They serve asa reminder of the enduring bonds built during our time in Sweden.
The event concluded with dining, the tables became hubs of
conversation, story exchanges, recalling everlasting memories. While
enjoying delicious food, alumni participated in music performances,
creating an atmosphere filled with excitement and laughter.
Marking its 20th anniversary, the WMU Vietnam Alumni
Chapter embraced a collective sense of optimism for the future.
Discussions centered on potential collaborations, initiatives,and opportunities that inspire recent graduates and ensuring thecommunity continues to thrive and contribute to the broader
maritime industry.

6

No.86

A Transformative Journey:

My Experience at the 33rd Assembly of the IMO
Damrongkiat Kiatopas(Thailand, 2011)
From 27th November to 6th December, 2023, I embarked on an
unforgettable journey, participating in the 33rd regular session of theAssembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) at IMO
Headquarters in the city of London, United Kingdom. The Assembly is
IMO’s highest governing body which is responsible for approving the work
programme and budget, determining financial arrangements and electing
the IMO Council. The Assembly consists of 175 Member States andthree Associate Members and meets once every two years. This incredible
experience not only allowed me to actively engage in maritime-related
cooperation and discussions but also provided me with the opportunity toconnect with esteemed maritime professionals, including the distinguishedWMU Sasakawa fellows from various countries around the world.
The 33rd regular session of the IMO Assembly proved to be an eventof immense significance, serving as an important platform for maritime
nations to come together and address the demanding challenges facing
the maritime industry. As an active participant, I had the privilege ofattending plenary sessions and side events, where I witnessed firsthand thediscussions on topics ranging from sustainable shipping to maritime safety
and environmental protection. One of the highlights of the Assembly was
the adoption of the Strategic Plan for the six-year period 2024 to 2029
covering eight strategic directions namely: ensure implementation of IMO
instruments supported by capacity development; integrate new, emerging
and advancing technologies in the regulatory framework; respond to climatechange and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping;
continue to engage in ocean governance; enhance global facilitation, supply
chain resilience and security of international trade; address the humanelement; ensure the regulatory effectiveness of international shipping; andensure organizational effectiveness.
The Assembly approved the appointment of Mr. Arsenio Antonio
Dominguez Velasco (Republic of Panama), as a successor of Mr. Kitack
Lim (Republic of Korea), to be the tenth elected IMO Secretary-General,
for an initial four-year term starting on 1st January 2024. The Assembly
also adopted the Organization’s budget and work programme as well as
elected a new 40-Member IMO Council for the 2024-2025 biennium. The
Council, which is the executive body of IMO, is tasked with overseeing
the Organization’s work under the supervision of the Assembly. Between
sessions of the Assembly, the Council performs the functions of theAssembly, except that of making recommendations to Governments on
maritime safety and pollution prevention. Moreover, the Assembly adopted
a number of resolutions on key aspects of the Organization’s work aimed
at enhancing multilingualism in the organization, improving navigationalsafety, promoting environmental protection at sea and strengthening
maritime security. These resolutions exemplify the IMO’s unwaveringcommitment to sustainable development, innovation, and collaboration in
the maritime sector.
Amidst the busy atmosphere of the Assembly, I had the pleasure ofmeeting and networking with a diverse group of maritime professionals,
7

including the esteemed WMU Sasakawa fellows. This global network ofmaritime experts provided a unique opportunity for knowledge exchange,
collaboration, and the building of lasting relationships. Through various
networking events and social gatherings, I engaged in meaningfulconversations with fellow participants, learning from their experiencesand gaining valuable insights into different aspects of the maritime
industry. The WMU Sasakawa fellows, renowned for their expertise anddedication, offered invaluable perspectives on topics such as maritime
law, port management, and environmental sustainability. One of themost memorable moments during this time was that many of WMU
Sasakawa fellows gathered on the 4th-floor terrace of the IMO buildingon Wednesday, 29th November 2023 to take group photos and write
Yosegaki to our beloved Chairman Sasakawa.
The connections made during this session will undoubtedly prove
instrumental in shaping my future endeavours within the maritime
sector. It is through these interactions that I realized the true power ofcollaboration and the importance of building a strong network in driving
positive change within the industry.

In conclusion, participating in the 33rd regular session of the IMOAssembly was an immensely rewarding experience. It allowed me toactively contribute to important discussions, witness the adoption of
essential resolutions, and connect with esteemed maritime professionals,
particularly the WMU Sasakawa fellows. My interactions during thissession have not only enriched my understanding of the maritime industry
but have also inspired me to continue working towards sustainable
development, innovation, and collaboration within the maritime field. The
memories and lessons learned during this session will forever remain in
my mind, motivating me to play an active role in shaping the future of themaritime industry. The opportunities provided by the IMO Assembly andthe connections made with the WMU Sasakawa fellows have certainly set
the stage for a transformative journey ahead for me.

No.86

Rising to New Heights:
Congratulations on Your Well-Deserved Promotion!
We are delighted to share the wonderful news conveyed
in the letters of jubilation sent by two fellows to Chairman Sasakawa.

Sonia Bautista Malaluan (Philippines, 1998)

Antoni Arif Priadi (Indonesia, 2006)

Her letter expresses her pleasure at being appointed by the
President as Administrator of the Maritime Industry Authority
for a term of approximately five years, starting in December
2023. She fondly recalled her initial role as a newly promoted
Director within MARINA’s Administrative and Finance
Service during Chairman Sasakawa’s last visit to Manila.
Subsequently, she provided a report on her activities as the chief
executive of the regional headquarters.

Mr. Priadi currently serves as the Director General of
Sea Transportation within the Ministry of Transportation,
Indonesia. His responsibilities encompass a wide range ofareas including shipping, ports, maritime affairs, seafarers,
navigation, and coast guard. He expressed genuine gratitude
for being awarded the Sasakawa Fellowship. He continues tocommunicate with his classmates, reflecting on the joys andsorrows he experienced in Malmö long ago.

Newborn for
my family
Surasak Changjul(Thailand, 2015)

Greeting from my family to all. I hope that our Sasakawa
fellows will always be happy, I have the pleasure to inform youthat my family have got the third baby. She was born in November
22nd, 2023. My daughter’s name is Chanchao Changjul. Her
name means the Moon in Thai language. We hope that she will bea calm and discreet person as same as moonlight. Her nickname
is Marine because of my background. Nowadays, we have alreadytwo sons and one daughter. My wife and I already plan to use birthcontrol because we are getting old. Moreover, I am the director of
Marine Department Chanthaburi Branch Office. So, I need times
to do a lot of work and more cooperation between government
officers which different departments in Chanthaburi Province.
Then, my wife and I can only take good care our two boys andone baby girl. So, our three kids are enough for us. We can pay
attention to our children.
My wife and I have adjusted our lifestyles to take good carefor our children. We will teach them to be good and fair person.

Since November 2023, there have been repeateddrone and missile attacks on vessels navigating the Red
Sea. This has disrupted global logistics and also increased
the risk of rising prices. I strongly hope that such chaos(though that has the positive aspect of higher freightrates for shipping companies,) will soon be resolved.
In these chaotic times, I am feeling reminded of theimportance and preciousness of solidarity that extends
from the Sasakawa Fellowship as a core.
Turning to the topic at hand, the “cherry blossoms,”

We will train basic life support for three of them. For example,
they must have basic training for swimming, riding the bicycle,
speaking English language, understanding for risks of electric
shock, etc. Moreover, we will educate them about knowledge ofclimate change and global warming. Then, our children may try to
reduce any environment pollution for their life in the future.
I would like to share my story because my family is Sasakawa
Fellows as well. I am also happy when I have read other articles
from our friends around the world in “Friends of WMU,
newsletter”. The Sasakawa fellowship gives my opportunity
regarding maritime network. I can contact many fellows andalumni of WMU around the world. As this article, I would like toinvite our fellows to contribute an article that we can share our life
to all friends. It is great to be Sasakawa Fellows.

one of Japan’s national flowers and a symbol of thearrival of spring, are approaching to bloom. Their peak isfrom late March to early April. Cherry blossoms has animage of meeting and parting because of the shortnessof its peak and coincidence with the end and beginningof the Japanese school year. I have been seeing them foralmost 40 years, and they are still so beautiful that I am
still moved by their beauty, so please come to Japan andenjoy its beauty if you have a chance. With memories ofeach encounter and parting.

Shun Masui
JSTRA

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.86