74March
2021

WMU GRADUATION CEREMONY 2020

Maritime leaders of tomorrow from 79 countries
have graduated from the World Maritime
University (WMU) in the Class of 2020. Due tothe ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, four small
graduation ceremonies were held at WMU over
the weekend of 31 October and 1 November tohonour the graduates. They are now well-prepared
to promote safe, secure, environmentally sound,
efficient, and sustainable shipping on clean oceansin their home countries and internationally.
WMU President Dr Cleopatra DoumbiaHenry delivered the welcoming remarks, notingthat the Class of 2020 will always be remembered
for their strength and resilience in pursuing andcompleting their studies amidst the COVID-19
pandemic. She emphasized the important role thegraduates will play in the rebuilding process, saying,“We will all rely on you to lead the way into the
future. You are the citizens of our globalized world.
Its future is in your hands.”

In a pre-recorded address, HE Mr Kitack Lim,the first International Maritime Organization(IMO) Secretary-General and WMU Chancellor
to hold a MSc degree from WMU, thanked theCity of Malmö and the Government of Sweden for
their continued generosity and support in hosting
the University, as well as the many donors for their
ongoing commitment to the WMU mission andits sustainability. From the perspective of being a
WMU graduate himself, Mr Lim remarked that
the WMU experience will have a profound impact
on the lives of the graduates. The Guest of Honour
was Ms Carina Nilsson, Chairperson of the MalmöCity Council and Mayor of Malmö, who spoke inher pre-recorded address of the pride of the City inhosting the University and in their unique, sharedpartnership.
The graduating Class of 2020 comprises 226
Graduates from 79 countries. Roughly a thirdof the graduates are women. The Class of 2020
includes 116 MSc graduates from university
headquarters in Malmö; 46 graduates from the
China programmes; one PhD graduate; and 63
graduates from the distance learning programmes.

The 2020 graduation ceremonies bring the total
number of WMU graduates to 5,392 from 170
countries.
At one of this year’s graduation ceremonies,
the degree of Doctor of Science (honoris causa)
was awarded to Ms Christiana Figueres of Costa
Rica in recognition of her outstanding service tothe international and oceans communities and theUnited Nations at the highest level of national
and international policy-making and multilateralnegotiations.

Two Honorary Fellow Awards were presented to:• Ms Maphefo Anno-Frempong of South Africa,
in recognition of her distinguished service tothe maritime world as Chief Executive Officerof the Transport Education Training Authority(TETA) of South Africa• Mr Paul Sadler of the United Kingdom, inrecognition of his distinguished service tothe maritime world and in particular to his
12 years as Accredited Representative at
the International Maritime Organization(IMO) for the International Association ofClassification Societies and his decade ofcontribution as a member of the WMU’s Boardof Governors.

Outstanding Alumnus Awards were presented
to:• His Excellency Dato’ Dr. Azfar Mohamad
Mustafar, Ambassador Extraordinary andPlenipotentiary of Malaysia (Sasakawa Fellow;
MSc in 2001 and PhD in 2011), in recognitionof his long and distinguished career in theservice of the Government of Malaysia andhis work to build international cooperation
regarding maritime-related issues throughconstructive dialogue.
• Mr Zhang Xiaojie of the People’s Republic ofChina (Sasakawa Fellow; MSc in Maritime
The following Annual Student Prizes were also
Affairs in 1999), in recognition of his longand distinguished service to the international presented:
maritime community and most recently as • The Chancellor’s Medal for Academic
Excellence: Mr Mohammed Aziem Rujub
Deputy Director-General of the Department(South Africa)of International Cooperation, Ministry ofTransport, People’s Republic of China since • The C P Srivastava Award for International
Fellowship: Mr Alexandros Atzas (Greece)
2012 and as Chair of the IMO Council since• The Secretary-General’s Prize for the best2017.
dissertation: Mohammed Mojahid Hossain• Professor Nalaka Jayakody of Sri Lanka (MSc
Chowdhury (Bangladesh) (Sasakawa Fellow)
in Maritime Affairs in 2001), in recognitionof his long and distinguished service to the • The Schlüter Foundation Dissertation Prize:
Mr Ku Byungchurl (Republic of Korea)
highest standards in maritime education, his
devotion to realizing the vision of making
Maia Brindley Nilsson
Sri Lanka a maritime and knowledge hub forCommunications and Conference Officer
the region, and his concern for the welfare ofseafarers.

The S-100 Universal Hydrographic Data Model:

A Revolutionary Approach to Nautical Cartography and Maritime Services
compatibility and interoperability. The latter supports The IHO Strategy for the Decade
Considering its interrelation to IMO’s e-nava multitude of possible combinations of the geo-information encoded in datasets, independent of the igation program and the need to assist the IHO
Rear Admiral Luigi Sinapi
Member States with their readiness and capacity toscience domain to which they belong.
IHO Director
commence the production and integrated provision
S-100 Product Specifications and the other of S-101 ENC services and other S-100 ProductSpecifications, the IHO set out the strategic fields of
domains of application
Background
The IHO has continued working on its S-100 engagement for developing an appropriate roadmap
The first digital standardization project of the In- framework, aiming to support the creation and for implementing the S-100 Universal Hydrographic
ternational Hydrographic Organization (IHO) was maintenance of interoperable maritime data product Data Model for the coming decade. The main drivers
the transformation in the 1990s of nautical chart in- specifications accordingly. Product specifications for for developing the S-100 are increasing digitalization
formation from an analogue paper chart explicating Electronic Navigation Chart (S-101), Bathymetric in the shipping industry for classic and autonomous
coastlines, depths, and navigational aids and hazards Surface (S-102), Surface Currents (S-111), Marine navigation as well as the benefits of “smart hydrograto a digital carrier named Electronic Navigational Protected Areas (S-122), Marine Radio Services (S- phy”, and providing a cyber-secure, easily maintained
Chart (ENC). The Electronic Chart Display and 123), Marine Traffic Management (S-127), and Un- software foundation that will support creative indusInformation System (ECDIS) fed by ENCs has der Keel Clearance Management (S-129) for vessels try policies.
become one of the key information systems in the navigating in waters of restricted depths have already
The following strategic fields of engagement formaritime community for the safety of navigation at received approval for testing and evaluation purpos- developing an appropriate roadmap—operationalsea since the International Maritime Organization es. The series also includes a product specification infrastructure, technical standardization, coordinated(IMO) adopted ECDIS carriage requirements in for Maritime Limits and Boundaries (S-121), which implementation of services, synchronization with the2012. The technical design of ENCs is defined by aims to provide the UN’s DOALOS (Division for IMO, collaboration with industry, Capacity Building
IHO Standard S-57 (IHO Transfer Standard for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea) with a suitable of Hydrographic Offices, and development of global
Digital Hydrographic Data) and the visual presenta- format for the exchange of digital vector data pertain- distribution capability—will enable IHO Member
tion of the encoded chart content in accordance with ing to States’ maritime boundaries, limits, and zones. States, the IMO and all other affected stakeholders,
IHO Standard S-52 (Specifications for Chart ConMany IHO Member States currently engage in including industry partners, to adjust their legal andtent and Display Aspects of ECDIS).
significant efforts to establish regular and frequent technical arrangements to contribute to the establishservices utilizing datasets with national and regional ment of S-100-based product services.
Particular attention will be given—through thecoverage. Since the S-100 framework is not limited
to host data product specifications native to the hy- IHO Capacity Building Sub-Committee (CBSC)
drographic domain, the IHO is proactively support- and the relevant Capacity Building regional coordiing the expansion of the S-100 concept to include nators—to assess the needs of Hydrographic Offices
marine-related domains such as maintenance of fixed and assist them with the transition of ENC producand floating aids to navigation (International Asso- tion to S-101, considering activities to raise awarenessciation of Lighthouse Authorities: IALA), weather of the benefits for producer nations. Also, as newand sea ice coverage (World Meteorological Organi- services are matured for S-1xx Product SpecificaFigure 1
zation: WMO), route plan exchange formats (Inter- tions (other than S-101) and relevant production andnational Electrotechnical Commission: IEC), inland quality systems are developed, those producer nations
The concept and interoperability of S-100
electronic charting (Inland ENC Harmonization with technology and expertise will be encouraged to
The S-57/S-52 technology is now well established. Group: IEHG), and oceanography (Intergovernmen- share these within the framework of IHO Capacity
Currently, over 30,000 vessels navigate around the tal Oceanographic Commission: IOC). The IHO’s Building strategies or the respective Regional Hydroglobe using ECDIS. However, modern information S-100 approach is potentially applicable to all kinds graphic Commissions (RHC), as well as bilaterally intechnology has progressed since the inception of of marine information, including chemistry and biol- order to support the growth of these new services.
S-57 and S-52 and new technical options require ogy of the oceans resulting in interoperable datasets totheir evolution. Reflecting this need, the S-100 de- form “The Digital Aquarium” (see Figure 2).
velopment concept was conceived in 2005 with theaims firstly to allow interoperability with a wide rangeof marine geo-data, and secondly to overcome deficiencies for future digital nautical chart data products.
S-100 has therefore become the most important
application of the ISO19100 series of Geographic
Information Standards, enabling easier use of hydrographic data beyond Hydrographic Offices and ECDIS users (coastal zone mapping, security, inundation
modeling, etc.), as well as plug-and-play updating of
data, symbology, and software enhancements (seeFigure 1).
By adopting the S-100 Universal Hydrographic
Data Model, the IHO started to develop a versatile standard framework comprising S-100-based
Product Specification (PS) in order to describe specific aspects of the real world. The advantage of suchdatasets, based on the same paradigm, is their mutual2

Figure 2e-navigation: History and Future
Mr. Hideki Noguchi
Chair, IALA ENAV
Committee

The readers of this newsletter may have heardof the word “e-navigation,” but it is probably hard
to correctly explain this concept. Even for me, theChair of the IALA e-navigation Information Services and Communications (ENAV) Committee,
it is difficult to explain what “e-navigation” is. Accordingly, in this article, I will attempt to explain“e-navigation” by describing the history, present
status, and future of e-navigation from my viewpoint using the words “digitization”, “digitalization”, and “digital transformation”.
“e-navigation”: “Digitization”
According to the Oxford Dictionary of English,“digitize” means “convert into a digital form thatcan be processed by a computer”. The digitizationof maritime navigation started as a means of radio-communication in 1974 with Digital Selective
Calling (DSC), then Automatic Radar Plotting
Aids (ARPA) were developed in 1975 to assist radar operation. It took 20 years for the emergenceof the next digitized navigation equipment, Electronic Chard Display and Information System(ECDIS) in 1995. In 1985, during the period inwhich ARPA and ECDIS were introduced, Vessel
Traffic Services (VTS) were also introduced, not
as onboard navigation equipment but as onshore
navigation support. Furthermore, the Integrated Bridge System (IBS) was introduced in 1996
followed by the Automatic Identification System(AIS) in 1998. In addition to these devices andsystems, the Global Positioning System (GPS)was introduced in 1995 as an important maritime
navigation infrastructure and the first global navigation satellite system. These digitized devices andsystems have greatly contributed to and improved
the safety of navigation in the world, but they wereoriginally designed to operate independently fromother devices/systems.
“e-navigation”: “Digitalization”
What is “digitalization”? The Oxford Dictionary of English explains that “digitalize” means
the same as “digitize”. However, in the IT world,“digitalization has a wider meaning than digitization. For example, according to an online Forbes
article, Brennen and Kreiss state that “We refer todigitalization as the way in which many domainsof social life are restructured around digital communications and media infrastructures,” with thearticle’s author adding, “In other words, how peopleinteract.” According to the IMO, “e-navigation” isdefined as “the harmonized collection, integration,exchange, presentation and analysis of marine information on board and ashore by electronic means
to enhance berth to berth navigation and related
services for safety and security at sea and protection of the marine environment.” Thus, it can besaid that e-navigation is how mariners and people
on shore interact with digital communications andinfrastructures and could be described as the “digitalization of navigation”.
Having achieved the digitization of navigational
equipment and systems, in 2005 the United Kingdom proposed to the IMO that an e-navigation
strategy be developed. Consequently, the IMO developed the e-navigation Strategy in 2008 and thee-navigation Strategy Implementation Plan (SIP)in 2014. SIP considered five e-navigation solutions
from the perspective of user needs and identified
18 tasks; as of 2020, nine of these 18 tasks havebeen completed, three are ongoing, and six havenot been initiated. We therefore need to wait a few
more years for full implementation of e-navigation.
However, initial e-navigation is already possible.
For example, the United Kingdom’s proposal explained that one of the reasons that e-navigation isnecessary is to “contribute positively to the reduction of the burden on all countries, including developing countries, in having to maintain physicalaids to navigation.” This need is already fulfilled byvirtual AIS aids to navigation. Furthermore, using
AIS Application Specific Messages, some maritime data such as meteorological and hydrographic
data can be sent to a ship using standardized symbols.
The IALA ENAV Committee is now working for the development of new digital maritime
radio-communication systems such as the VHF
Data Exchange System (VDES) and new digital
data formats for electronic nautical charts such as
the S-100 series in collaboration with the IMO,
ITU, IHO, IEC and other international bodies.
Accordingly, the digitalization of navigation—i.e.
“e-navigation”—is gradually but steadily emerging
in onboard and onshore operations.

Beyond “e-navigation”:“Digital Transformation”
Like digitalization, “digital transformation” does
not have a clear definition. The same Forbes article
explains that digital transformation goes beyond
digitalization and enables an organization to become a customer-driven end-to-end enterprise. Of
course, the article was written from more of a business perspective, but the information provided canalso be applied to maritime navigation and possibly
shipping as well.
The definition of “e-navigation” given in thee-navigation Strategy states that e-navigation
enhances berth-to-berth navigation and related
services for safety and security at sea and protection of the marine environment. Accordingly, discussions of e-navigation by the Sub-Committee
on Navigation, Communications and Search andRescue (NCSR ), which operates under the IMO’s
Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), have mainly
focused on navigational aspects of maritime transportation related to safety, security, and marine environment.
However, the discussion is currently broadening
to include all aspects of shipping, and so the Facilitation Committee (FAL) and NCSR Sub-Committee are cooperating to develop data formats forvessel shore reporting. If this expansion of the concept of e-navigation continues—i.e., beyond thescope of e-navigation—it may come to cover thewhole of shipping as well as the logistics chain andcould ultimately connect end-to-end customers orusers of shipping or logistics chains. Therefore, it is
no exaggeration to say that the digital transformation of shipping may be achieved through the continuation of e-navigation development.
Conclusion
So what is e-navigation again? My answer now
is that e-navigation is connecting people onboard
and onshore through digital technology for safer,cleaner, and more efficient navigation, and it may
lead to the digital transformation of shipping andlogistics.

1 https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonbloomberg/2018/04/29/digitization-digitalization-and-digital-transformation-confuse-them-at-your-peril/3Friendship Across the Seas:
An Online Forum with Sasakawa Students and the SPF
The skies above Tokyo were already darkening
by the time we commenced the online gatheringon 7 December with the Sasakawa Fellowshipstudents. In contrast, it was a bright and earlymorning in Malmö, Sweden, for the Class of 2021.
“Good morning, Sasakawa Fellowship students Class of 2021 and our friends at the World
Maritime University. To everyone else: Good afternoon!”
The Master of Ceremonies greeted the audience
with a small nod to the not insignificant 8-hourtime difference between Japan and Sweden. It may
have taken some tactical schedule manoeuvring
between the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF)
and the World Maritime University (WMU) to
coordinate the Zoom event, but both parties were
now seated comfortably in front of their respective
screens and ready for the next hour of talks andengagement.
What prompted the organizers at the SPF toco-host this online event with WMU? The answer
is simple: the earnest and necessary desire to see
the thriving faces of the Class of 2021. Educational institutions worldwide have had to impose
restrictions on classes and social gatherings dueto the COVID-19 pandemic, and WMU is no
exception. The university also had to transition toonline classes and implement self-isolation practices in abiding with COVID-19 measures. Not
only did the Sasakawa students have to balance
their rigorous studies while adjusting to life in aforeign country, but they also had to cope with anunpredictable and undesirable situation. We wanted to know how they were doing and show themour support.
Several notable figures opened the event. SPF
President Dr. Atsushi Sunami provided theopening remarks and encouraging words for the
students. WMU President Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry graced the screen next with cheerfulgreetings and words of appreciation for the SPF.
Lastly, Eisuke Kudo, Senior Advisor to the SPF,
rounded off the welcoming speeches with a joke:“It’s almost evening in Japan. Normally, it’s aroundthis time that we start thinking about where to go
for a drink today.”
The welcoming speeches were followed by presentations by six Sasakawa students: Garry Laynesa (OSGM), Ayumi Sato (MET), Laura Sanchez(MSEA), Chris Pilara (PM), Aymen Abdaoui(MEM), and Sedigheh Zarei (MLP). As themain focus of the event, these presentations eachcovered a variety of topics. A few touched upon
the immense travel difficulties the students had
faced prior to their arrival in Malmö. Several of
the students mentioned their progress in the foundational subjects and their experiences thus far

with distance learning. Others elaborated on their
day-to-day lives and expressed their gratitude forthe opportunity to learn at such a renowned institution as WMU.
Although the presentations provided only abrief window into their lives, I could clearly see
how the Sasakawa students were showing positivity and fortitude in the face of these unprecedented
times. Their firm support for each other was obvious throughout the entire event, and despite thephysical distance, the camaraderie and spirit of theClass of 2021 was palpable. These future leaders
have already made a strong start in their journey
toward their maritime careers.
We hope someday that we can welcome thesestudents to Japan when the world frees itself fromthe COVID-19 virus’s grip. Then, our conversations won’t need to be 8000 km apart!
Kana Matsuda, The SPF

Appreciation for Dr. Sasakawa
Before Graduation
Badri Tetemadze(Georgia, 2020)

As the time of graduation drew closer, allof us Sasakawa Peace Foundation Fellows felt
a huge sense of gratitude for the gift we all had
been given. Initially it was planned that each of us
would thank Dr. Sasakawa personally during ourtrip to Japan, but because the trip was canceled dueto the global pandemic, the only option left to us
was to write thank you letters and send them alongwith a group photograph.
This needed good organization, and since I
had been the one to suggest the idea, I assumed

the responsibility of talking to each fellow andcollecting their ideas. All of the Sasakawa Peace
Foundation fellows of the Class of 2020 wrote
personal thank you messages to Dr. Sasakawa andthen we took a group photograph in the Henrik
Smith Residency yard.
It was a special day because we had noother opportunities to express our gratitude
for everything that Dr. Sasakawa had given tous. We came to Sweden and joined the World
Maritime University, from which we all graduated4

successfully with an MSc degree, and all of thiswas made possible because of Dr. Sasakawa’s kinddecision.
We are all aware that Dr. Sasakawa has received
our letters and group photograph and do hopethat there will be a chance in the future for us topersonally meet him and tell him that as friends of
the Sasakawa Peace Foundation we are all doing
our best already to make the maritime world muchsafer, more efficient, and environmentally cleaner.

Conducting Field Investigations During the COVID-19 Pandemic:
From the Perspective of a Casualty Investigator
Aleik Nurwahyudy(Indonesia, 2014)

I have been working in the field of marine
casualty investigation for more than 14 years.
There are so many different cases and situations I
have been involved in. As a casualty investigator,
taking extra precautions during field investigations
is a must; we have to bear in mind that there is nosafe place after an accident has happened. Manythings on board the vessel change, presenting
potential hazards and dangers to everyone. This
includes all of the vessel’s parts and systems aswell as the crew. The COVID-19 pandemic haschanged nearly every aspect of operations in themaritime field, including how I deal with thesituation when an accident occurs. Under thecurrent situation, there is also the additional riskof being infected by the COVID-19 virus.
Considering the importance of evidence andinformation collection, field investigation isindispensable, but must be carried out with total
protection and changes in procedures as well as

our mind-set amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Therefore, high risk situations should be handledwith extra measures to reduce exposure tohazards, thereby minimising risk at the accident
site. Safety is essential and must always be thefirst consideration. Thus, every investigator isrequired to undergone specific training on healthand safety at accident sites. All investigators arealso equipped with proper and suitable protective
equipment from head to toe. This means not justlearning how to wear and carry this equipment
but also how to pull it off and secure it.
Early risk assessment is always conductedin order to understand the situation and action
to be taken. Being at an accident site can be
stressful and rapidly reduce team members’
physical endurance, so physical and mental
health are considered before we go to an accident
site. When an investigation team is on board adamaged vessel, safe zones are located and teammembers are re-briefed to update each of themwith the current state of the vessel. In most cases,
external emergency responders are involved andprepared in case something unplanned suddenly
occurs. During the site survey, team members areto maintain close communication and supervise
each other’s actions. Hard evidence is carefullysalvaged and put in safe containment. When I am

acting as the team leader, I am responsible for thehealth and well-being of the other team members
as well. The length of time we are exposed tohazardous conditions while carrying out our work
is also critical, and so I have to make sure of thesafety of each team member. Any minor symptomof work stress must be properly treated.
After the completion of a job, the teammembers are re-briefed about the outcome of
our overall activities. Each team member’s healthcondition is checked to make sure of their safety.
The new procedures require all team members
to have a COVID-19 test before returning
home. It may look as if the overall procedures
are really complicated and stressful, but they are
implemented to maintain the safety of all.

The Development of Aquaculture
as an Independent Sector in the Kingdom of Morocco
Fatima Zahra El Marzouki(Morocco, 2016)

Since 2012, the National Agency for
Aquaculture Development in The Kingdom of
Morocco is working to provide the appropriate
climate for attracting investments in mariculture,whether national or foreign. This is done througha comprehensive and integrated vision whichreflects the coastal governance and its planningby the adoption of several measures necessary
for the communication to promote and ensure
their continuity. This is also done by enhancing
the infrastructure in order to keep up with andcreate projects by adopting aquaculture as a
new independent sector from the fisheries. The
purpose of the Agency is to assess the areas that
can accommodate these activities and determine
suitable sites for various marine species culture.
Accordingly, the Agency carried studies out
regarding the completion of regional plans for the
preparation of marine aquaculture in eight coastal

regions, covering more than 1,700 km of thenational coasts. Until now, the Agency developed
and completed five regional plans, and thepreliminary results show a potential production
for mariculture products of 380,000 tons per year.
The Agency is also carrying out several studies
for the purpose of identifying suitable real estate
for sheltering mariculture based on scientific,
technical, environmental, economical, and legal
studies and researches. The Agency provides
investors with the necessary data and assistanceand accompanies them before the administrativeand public institutions in charge of managing thepurchase of vessels, leases, or temporary occupation.
In order to promote the sustainable
development of mariculture activities, a draft law
for the development of mariculture is preparedbased on the results of the study and analysis of
the current situation and future vision for thesector. This law not only considers food security as
one objectives of development, but it also targets
all the areas of valorization of the products. It
also enables the promotion and developmentof aquaculture activities by providing investors
with a complete and comprehensive vision as
well as the necessary guarantees for the sector’s
development. Furthermore, the law provides
5

incentive measures that are no less important,permitting exemptions from value-added tax
on some imported or marketed products used as
inputs in the mariculture sector. Special mention ismade of feed, fish larvae, and small shellfish. These
measures will help reduce the burden of farmcosts, thereby enhancing the appeal of the sector
to young investors, as the aim of the Agency is toencourage the youth to work in this marine field.
On other hand, concerning the developmentof the digitizing services, the Agency has createda geo-portal to enable the strengthening andfostering of governance through the simplificationof procedures for investors to access comprehensive
and up-to-date data regarding their respective
projects.

The WMU World Bistro:
A Happy Connection to the Nippon Foundation—and the World!
An interview with Maria and Nikola Corakby Lyndell Lundahl

Maria and Nikola put a lot of effort into
these occasions, choosing a theme each time andtaking care to incorporate both Japanese andSwedish elements in the menu: the ever-popularsushi, of course, side-by-side with Swedish
delicacies such as kroppkakor from Gotland. The
buffets they construct in this way are always agreat success.
When the University moved to its beautiful
new building in 2015, Maria and Nikola’s
firm was given the catering contract for the
University as a whole, taking charge of thebrand new World Bistro and dining room on thefifth floor, with its sweeping views of modern
Malmö. This led to much broader contact withthe students and the staff of the University, andstrong new relationships were formed. “We
get to know the students so well,” says Nikola.
“We’re just like a family.” Maria and Nikola haveput much thought and effort into the way the
Bistro caters for its international customers. “We
From left, Maria and Nikola Corak, Niclas Berglund and soon realized we needed to provide chopsticks!”
Christel Fransson
laughs Nikola.
Maria and Nikola Corak smile broadly when
I talk to them about their association with The
Nippon Foundation and WMU. “It all started
about 20 years ago, when we were asked to
do the catering for the Foundation’s Awards
Ceremony, then held at the Japanese Consulate,
Fridhemsborg”, says Maria. “It was a very special
task to be given, but we quickly got to know Mr
Kudo and Mr Ichikawa and were able to work
well with them. They were so friendly.”

Maria and Nikola, together with theircolleagues Christel Fransson and Niclas
Berglund, often develop close friendships
with the students. At the recent Graduation
Ceremony for the Class of 2020, Maria wasan “extra mother” for one student. And World
Bistro staff are often affectionately greeted by
graduates who come back to visit the University;
former students are always keen to visit theirhome-away-from-home, including Malmö’s best
restaurant, the WMU Bistro. One item on themenu is universally popular, it seems—chocolate
cake covered with coconut topping is loved
by all and known
affectionatelyaround the world
as Coco-Caka. It
is clear that many
graduates
thinkback to their timeat WMU withhungry stomachs!

STEADY ON COURSE:
A Journey in Service to God, Country and People“My life is God’s gift and as I witness his daily miracles, so shall
I serve as much as I can, as long as I can…”

George V. Ursabia Jr.
(Philippines, 1999)
Commandant of the PCG

Serve with compassion, credibility, andfaith. That’s the creed I have been living up to
ever since I took the path of public service. One
that remains at the core of my service, especially
now that I have been entrusted to lead thePhilippine Coast Guard (PCG). Being at thehelm of PCG is not an easy feat, especially
now that we are facing an unprecedented

Being a lifelong learner. Learning does notand should not stop once you graduate fromschool. One must continue his or her pursuitof self-development. Being a graduate of an
American school system and military education
myself, I have learned long ago never to takeeducation for granted. This experience has
opened several opportunities for me here andStarting with humble beginnings. Public in other countries to continue my pursuit ofservice requires hard work, selflessness, and being a lifelong learner. The Sasakawa Peace
integrity. Coming from a big family with Foundation scholarship grant has deepened
humble beginnings in Polomolok, South my understanding of cultural diversity andCotabato, Philippines, I have learned these goodness in public service. It has broadened myvalues early on. Our simple life has taught insight on how to train individuals into credible
me the strong tenets of duty and hard work, and compassionate coast guardians, who willselflessness in every aspiration, and integrity lead PCG into its future. With the hope ofin all dealings. These values have aided me as a institutionalizing our own breed of Coast
Guard Officers and Non-Officers, the curricula
public servant leader.
challenge worldwide. It requires steadfast faithand unwavering compassion to serve and toprotect our country’s maritime jurisdiction andsafety. It is paved with challenges and trials. It
has tested me and my faith, and yet I remain
undaunted.
It is, indeed, a journey that is worth taking.

6and training program initiated in 2000 still
stands today. With more than 18,000 personnel
strength performing Maritime Safety, Marine
Environmental Protection, Maritime Security
and Law Enforcement, Maritime Search andRescue functions in the vast 7,641 islands andcoastal stretch of 36,289 km (22,549 mi) of
the country, the PCG today is testament tothe strong support of Sasakawa to this nationin pursuit to international understanding andcooperation.
Redefining public service. Public service
centered on compassion, credibility, and faithis at the core of work. While Philippine
Coast Guard has evolved from a lighthouseagency to a multi-mission and humanitarianorganization, we redefined our mission in 2020.
We have taken an unprecedented and crucialrole in the ‘whole-of-nation’ approach against

COVID-19. Hand in hand, we have worked
with the national and local government, fellow
uniformed services, private institutions, theacademe, and our stakeholders to fight against
this invisible enemy while still upholding the
PCG mandates. And I am proud to say thatevery Filipino Coast Guardian took to heart
this compassionate public service in face ofsuch a great task.
Being faithful to your legacy. Leadingan agency that vows to protect its country’s
maritime environment and maritime safety
is filled with challenges that I am willingto take on. I shall remain unwavering in myfaith, because God is with me. And every
Filipino Coast Guardian is beside me inthis journey. I only hope that the men andwomen of the Coast Guard will live up to thestandards of genuine PCG — PATRIOTIC

to the Motherland, COMPASSIONATE
to the people, and GOD-FEARING, when
performing their duties and responsibilities.
My journey to servant-leadership is far fromover. And the legacy of a public service that’s
centered on compassion, credibility, and faithstarts here.
Indeed, it is a journey worth living.

Twenty Years Since the Day
We Said Goodbye to WMU-Malmö
Mr. Truong Hong Giang
WMU Alumnus ‘00 (SM),
Vietnam

October 2020 marked 20 years since wedeparted from our university— WMU. We
would like to thank you for WMU-Malmö’shospitality and world-class quality education.
The year 2020 has been a most challenging
year for the world, which is facing a corona
virus pandemic that has stolen millions of life
worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has hada significant impact on the economy, but wemust stay strong and positive in order to moveon.

WMU graduates 2000 and 2001 with their beloved
on the top of Vung Chua Mountain.

WMU graduates together with families at Eo Gio.

Beautiful memories of Sweden flow
inside our minds. Despite the restrictions
necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, wecelebrated 20 years since our graduation from
WMU in Quy Nhon.
Quy Nhon is located in the central part ofViet Nam, 1,100 km from the capital city, Ha
Noi, to the South. Quy Nhon is a young city
whose infrastructure has been improving fornearly a decade. The city is the hometown ofhero Nguyen Hue (1753–1792) and famousmusician Trinh Cong Son (1940-2000). Manyof Trinh Cong Son’s famous songs have beentranslated into the Japanese language.
We arrived in Quy Nhon on a beautifulday, which is rare during the stormy season,
7

and enjoyed amazing views. Ky Co Beach ishidden below a range of mountains. The beachis like an angel protected by the Lords of theMountains. Eo Gio is a part of the mountain
range close to the beach. When strong winds
blow, it creates a majestic sound floating on the
air like an epic song.
Mr. Vu The Quang, who was a student
at WMU in 2000, is now the Director of
Maritime Administration at Quy Nhon. He
arranged a formal ceremony that was attended
by ten ex-students of the WMU and theirfamilies. At this ceremony, we had the chance
to watch our Graduation Ceremony from 20
years ago again. Wonderful memories!
At WMU, we all studied very hard. We areContinued on Next Page

proud of being graduates of WMU, and we are
grateful to the professors, lecturers, tutors andall staff at WMU for their amazing support.
All eleven of us Vietnamese graduates of

WMU—including four Sasakawa Fellows (Mr.
Vu The Quang, MA2000; Mr. Quang Tuan,
SM2001; Mr. Anh Tuan, MSEP2001; and Mr.
Nam MA2002)— have been very successful inour careers since graduation. We have all beenable to achieve the goals we set for our lives.
Most of us currently hold critical positions at
the senior management level.
We raised our glasses to our wonderful
memories and friendships that have lasted
over the years. We were accompanied by
our families—our wonderful wives, elegant
husbands, and beloved children. We are all
dedicated to achieving WMU’s vision for abeautiful world, a clean marine environment,

and a sustainable development life.
We forever thank you, WMU, for providing
us with all the knowledge we need to gain
success in our lives!
Ho Chi Minh City; 28 December 2020

Chairman Sasakawa
Delivers Keynote Speech

Chairman Sasakawa delivered a keynote speech at the World Ocean
Summit webinar jointly organized by The Nippon Foundation, the Ocean
Policy Research Institute of The Sasakawa Peace Foundation, and The
Economist Group on 23 July, 2020. It was entitled “Ensuring a robust
blue recovery in Asia and the Pacific”, and was intended to promotesustainable blue economies. Chairman Sasakawa called for collective
actions and underlined that the Nippon Foundation carries out its
activities to conserve and sustainably use the ocean and marine resources
based on the principle of “One world, one family”.
Chairman Sasakawa joined the panel discussions with H.E. Tommy
Remengesau Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, and Armida

Alisjahbana, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic andSocial Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). In the panel
discussions, Chairman Sasakawa emphasized that it is necessary to tackle
the issues of the world’s ocean, which sustains human life through humanhistory. His full keynote speech is included in this Newsletter.
For a summary of the event, please see the following link: https://www.spf.org/opri-intl/blogs/event_detail/20200824.html.

Eulogy for Myrna “Mhay” Daite-Alvarez
Myrna “Mhay” Daite-Alvarez, a licensed seafarer, was a member of
the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy Class of 1997, which wasconsidered to be historic as the first class with seven women among its
graduates—one of whom was Myrna. After a stint working on ships,“Mhay” returned to her alma mater, PMMA, as an instructor.
In 2007 Mhay went to Malmö, Sweden, on a Sasakawa scholarshipto study for a Master’s Degree in Maritime Education and Training aspart of the WMU Class of 2008. A gregarious person, she would be thefirst to pick up the microphone during karaoke sessions and serenade
everyone with her cool voice. Mhay was always ready with a joke andnever took life too seriously. She had a zest for life, which she grabbed

It is common for new students to start university whensenior students graduate. Although exchange between
senior and new students has occurred previously, thishas not been possible since the onset of the COVID-19
pandemic. However, I am of the opinion that relationships amongst WMU graduates are important. I believethat WMU graduates can always understand one another, regardless of the time or place. It is hoped that the
COVID-19 pandemic will end in the near future. There
are other important issues to consider, however, such as

by the heels, following enthusiastically wherever it led her. She put thisebullience to effective use in teaching in order to obtain the best results.
Mhay taught and mentored young hopefuls seeking a future career inseafaring with enthusiasm.
Mhay will surely be missed by her husband, family, friends, andstudents, for whom she was a bright ray of sunshine while she walked
the earth.
Fedelyn Santos (Philippines, 2008)

environmental problems—especially global warming.
Climate change is becoming an urgent issue throughout
the world. Economic supremacy has changed for someindividuals as the need for the entire world to tackle thisproblem together intensifies. In this endeavour, your cooperation and abilities are indispensable.
I believe that the bond amongst WMU graduates willcertainly help create a promising future for everyone in
the world.

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. Yoshiaki Kunieda
Ms. Maki Tominaga, Ms. Marika Nishimuro, 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/

Dr. Yoshiaki Kunieda
Tokyo University of Marine
Science and Technology