The world is a family, and all humankind are brothers and sisters. MAY 2003 No. ●
Myanmar Fellows welcomed Mr. Sasakawa
aking the opportunity of Mr. Yohei Sasakawa's visit to Myanmar to attend the 3rd Meeting of the Global Alliance for the Elimination of Leprosy hosted by WHO, and the opening ceremony of a primary school in the eastern part of the country, the facilities of which The Nippon Foundation donated, the following eight WMU Sasakawa Fellows met Mr. Sasakawa on Feb. 9, 2003 at Sedona Hotel in Yangon. Although the time was quite limited, they exchanged meaningful conversation in a casual atmosphere. From Dept. of Marine Admini- stration, Ministry of Transportation, attended: Capt. Kyaw Zeya (MSA 1996), Dir., Nautical Div.; Capt. Htay Win (MSA 1998), Dep. Dir., Nautical Div.; Capt.  Myo  Thant  (MSEP  1999),  Dep. Dir, Nautical Div.; Mr. Zaw Myint Thein (MSEP 2001), Dep. Dir., Engineering Div.; Mr. Htay Aung (MET 1990), Dep. Dir., Engineering Div. From Institute of Marine Technology attended: Capt Zin Maung Tun (MET 1996), Head, Nautical Studies; Mr. Myat Moe (MET 1997), Lecturer. From East Wind Shipmanagement Co., Ltd. attended Mr. Nann Wynn (MSA 1991), Chief Capt. Kyaw Zeya To the staff members at the Department of Marine Administration (DMA), his name and his foundation are synonymous with post-graduate and higher  education  training programmes which have led to the development of the small group of marine specialists of that organisation. Myanmar still needs more know¬ how and expertise to harness and exploit its own diverse inland and marine resources, so that the generations to come will benefit from its present endeavors. One obvious strategy is higher education and more training to maintain the momentum of the acquisition of know-how. Being aware of the obvious is one thing; to have acted instinctively and pre-emptively towards fledgling and developing nations coming abreast of the modern world through unfaltering support and guidance for their higher education and training has been simply the single-minded ambition of Mr. Sasakawa. And the officers of the DMA, each armed with a Master's degree to specialise in various fields of the maritime industry, readily pay tribute to the vision and the magnanimity and success of their sponsor and patron. Today, although small in their number of maritime specialists, the DMA has not only stood its ground and kept abreast of the rapid advancements of marine technology; it has been the moving force behind the development of a 55,000 strong seafaring workforce that is rightly known as the best in the region, in terms of quality, work ethic and know-how. The trainee has become the trainer and the unspoken sentiments of those rare individuals such as Mr. Sasakawa have slowly attained reality manpower armed with know-how and expertise. We in Myanmar salute benefactors such as he; for his generosity has had direction, insight and the vision we all of us share - a better world through education.

Mr. S. M. Habibullah  AZIM
2004004 PM Bangladesh Bangladesh Institute of Technology-Khulna BSc-Engineering (Mechanical) Exec. Engineer (Mechanical), Chittagong Port Authority
Mr. Trong Thanh DAO
2004013 MET Viet Nam Haiphong Teacher Training University (currently attending) BA-Navigational Engineering Project Officer, International Cooperation Co. Mr. Junzhong BAO 2004006 MET China Dalian Maritime University MEng-Vehicle Application Engineering Lecturer of Nautical Science, Dalian Maritime University
Mr. HLA WYNN
2004017 MSEP Myanmar University of Yangon BSc-Mathematics Chief Engineer, Myanma Five Star Line
Mr. Chanachai LERTSUCHATAVANICH
2004022 MA Thailand Mahidol University MSc-Technology of Environmental Management Environment Officer, Harbour Department
Mr. Md. Shah MAINUDDIN
2004026 SM Bangladesh University of Chittagong MA-Commerce Management Asst. Manager, Bangladesh Shipping Corporation
Ms. Thi Thu Huong NGUYEN
2004034 SM Viet Nam The Maritime University Maritime Economic Engineer, Vietnam National Shipping Lines
Mr. Nguyen QUANG ANH
2004039 SM Viet Nam University of Foreign Studies BA-Law (Economic Law), BA-English Expert of Shipping and Maritime Services Dept. VINAMARINE
Mr. Tomoya SHIMIZU
2004047 MA Japan Japan Coast Guard Academy BSc 2nd Navigation Officer, Japan Coast Guard
Ms. Fumi YAKABE
2004057 MA Japan Yokohama National University BA-Engineering Naval Architecture Tonnage Inspector, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure & Transport
Mr. Naoki SAITO
2004044 MET Japan Tokyo University of Mercantile Marine BA-Mercantile Marine Science 2nd Officer/Lecturer, National Institute for Sea Training
Mr. WAI LYNN HTUT
2004054 MSEP Myanmar Rangoon Art & Science University BSc Captain, Myanma Five Star Line
Mr. Zunshan ZHOU
2004059 MSEP China Dalian Maritime University BEng-Navigation, MSEng - Vehicle Application Vice-Director, Ship Safety Management Dept., Yantai Maritime Safety Administration
Mr. Akbari PURWANDONO
2004038 PM Indonesia Gadjah Mada University BA-Law Permanent Secretary Staff, Indonesia Dredging Co. 2
Ms. Ubonwan LORDNGERN
2004024 MA Thailand National Institute of Development Administration MA-Social Development Transport Technical Officer Level 5, Ministry of Transport and Communications Mr. Sufian Atalah AL MUHAISEN 2004031 SM Jordan University of Jordan BSc-Business Administration Director, Transport & Ports Department, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority
Mr. Zunshan ZA10U MSEI: 2004. China With the development of transport systems and information communication technology, our planet is shrinking into a small village, i.e. Earth Village. Just as the late Mr. Ryoichi Sasakawa said, "The world is a family, and all humankind are brothers and sisters." Furthermore, it is common sense now that many efforts, such as environmental protection, should only be made on a global basis. Realizing and bearing this in mind, The Nippon Foundation conducted many projects, such as Cambodian elementary school and leprosy control, to create a better world over the past years. Actually I have been to Japan for basic training and seminars on port state control officers in 1999 and 2001 respectively. These activities were sponsored by Tokyo MOU, a regional port state control organization in the Asia-Pacific region, and donated by The Nippon Foundation. So, many problems that cannot be solved by an individual country should be dealt with by the cooperation of many countries. Thanks to The Nippon Foundation, I came to the World Maritime University to continue my studies. I would like to take this opportunity to thank The Nippon Foundation and Mr. Yohei Sasakawa for all their support in funding my studies. I will cherish this opportunity and study hard to contribute to the future of the maritime world. Mr. Fernando BUSTAMANTE IGARTUA 2004067 PM Mexico Autonomous University of Mexico Project Manager, INOPESA Mr. Welgamage P.S. PERERA 2004073 PM Sri Lanka University of Colombo BA-Geography Superintendent (Operations), Sri Lanka Port Authority
Mr. Donny MICHAEL
2004080 MSEP India University of Madras BSc-Physics Assistant Director (Operations), National SAR Manager, Coast Guard Headquarters
Mr. Manuel C. PORTUS
2004090 MA Philippines Univ. of Santo Tomas BSc-Political Science, LLB Diploma Officer in Charge/Director, Maritime Legal Affairs Offices, MARINA
Ms. Dyah UMIYARTI
PURNAMANINGRUM
2004094 MA Indonesia Diponegoro University BA-English literature International Cooperation Officer, Dept. of Communication Mr. Rogelio Estrada VILLANUEVA JR. 2004096 MSEP Philippines University of the Philippines BSc-Applied Physics Flag Secretary to the Commandant, Philippine Coast Guard Mr. Allan Victor Tamayo DELA VEGA 2004071 MSEP Philippines Wesleyan University MBA-Public Administration Flag Secretary to the Commandant, Philippine Coast Guard
Ms. Ying LI
2004078 SM China Peking University BA-Chinese Literature Administrator, Dept. of Rescue and Salvage, Ministry of Communications Mr. Ehab Ibrahim OTHMAN 2004083 MET Egypt AAST-MT BSc-Maritime Transport & Technology, High Diploma-Ships Operation and Maritime Safety Maritime Lecturer, AAST-MT Mr. Jack Okon SHOWELL 2004092 MA Nigeria University of Calaban BSc llii-Microbiology Assistant Chief Research Technologist, University of Calabar Ms. Archana VARMA 2004095 MA India University of Delhi MSc-Mathematics Desk Officer, Ministry of Shipping
Mr. Wei ZHANG
2004097 MA China Dalian Maritime University BSc-Marine Safety Administration Officer, Dept. of Ships Safety & Environment Protection, Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration 3 ASEAN-OSPAR* Preparatory Meeting for Information Network he ASEAN-OSPAR Preparatory Meeting for Information Network was held from Feb. 6-7 2003 at The Oriental Singapore under the chairmanship of Mr. Tadashi Shimura, Managing Director of Nippon Maritime Center Ltd. and General Manager of Singapore Representative Office, the Japan Association of Marine Safety. Delegates from member countries Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, and observers from Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam attended the meeting. An expert each from the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) and the Japan Association of Marine Safety also attended. Capt. Myo Thant, one of WMU Sasakawa Fellows (MSEP 1999), was present as an observer from Myanmar. He currently works with the Department of Marine Administration, Ministry of Transport as Deputy Director of Nautical Div. Mr. Loeung Simona, an observer from Cambodia, is one of the WMU graduates (SM 2002). The meeting revised and agreed to the draft proposal on the information network, which will be submitted to the 2nd ASEAN-OSPAR Management Meeting for approval, the summary of which is as follows: The information network consists of three elements, i.e. homepage linkage, e-mail exchange and human network. The homepage linkage is set up for basic information exchange, e-mail is used for routine information exchange with particular member countries and sometimes used for urgent information exchange in case of incidents. As for the human network, it comprises of a contact person (CP) from each member country, who is responsible for information exchange through the aforementioned homepage linkage and e-mail. ASEAN-OSPAR project was established under the member countries' recognition of the necessity and significance of further cooperation among member countries in responding appropriately and promptly to oil & HNS (Hazardous and Noxious Substances) spill incidents. In line with such recognition, Japan has come up with a new proposal for the establishment of an information network, which would assist in managing the flow of information as well as promoting the activities of the project. *OSPAR: Oil Spill Preparedness and Response Philippine Fellows welcomed The Nippon Foundation and SOF epresentatives from The Nippon Foundation and SOF visited Manila to attend the conference on “Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships" on March 6-7, 2003. Taking this opportunity, they met with members of the Philippine Chapter at the Diamond Hotel in Manila over dinner on March 5. Inspirational messages were given by Mr. M. Nagamitsu, Executive Director of The Nippon Foundation; Mr. H. Terashima, Executive Director of Institute for Ocean Policy, SOF, and Mr. Luis M. Tuason, Jr. (MSA 1995), Commander, CG Intelligence and Investigation Force, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). The meeting was presided by Mr. Joseph B. Badajos (MSEP 1999), director of PE School, PCG. Other Sasakawa Fellows at PCG who attended the meeting are: Mr. Lino H. Dabi (MSA 1997), Commander, Coast Guard Aviation Group Mr. Eduardo D. Fabricante (MSEP 2001), Director for Operational Lecturer CGTC Mr. Ferdinand Velasco (MA 2002), Director, Plans & Program (Marine Pollution & Oillspill Combating) Mr. Rolando L. Punzalan, Jr. (MSEP 2002), Director of Academic School Mr. Elso E. Hermogino (GMAEP 1996), Assistant Chief of Staff, International Affairs Mr. Y. Yamada, Manager of Domestic Program Section, Dept. of Maritime Affairs, The Nippon Foundation; Ms. N. Goto, Section Chief of International Affairs Div., Marine Technology and Cooperation Dept., SOF also attended the meeting. Mr. S. Mori, First Secretary of Japanese Embassy in Manila, Messrs. Kajita and Fukuhara, representatives from Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Mr. T. Shimura, Managing Director of Nippon Maritime Center and Mr. K. Kawagoe, Deputy General Manager of the Japan Association of Marine Safety were also present. Towards the end of the session, Mr. Myo Thant (MSEP 1999), Deputy Director (Nautical) of the Department of Marine Administration of Myanmar joined in this Fellows' meeting. He also came to Manila to attend the SOF co-sponsored "Piracy Conference". Expectation was voiced by the participants for the Sasakawa Fellows' Network to further expand in the Philippines. Reunion of WMU Graduates and Sasakawa Fellows in Jakarta articipants: Mr. Danny Tarigan (GMA 1989), Chairman, Arcturus Maritime Association (AMA) Cap. Yan Risuandi (MSA 1990), Head of Program Division, Maritime Education and Training Center, Ministry of Communications Mr. Rusman Hoesien (MSA 1994), Head of Education Development, Maritime Higher Education Center, Ministry of Communications Mr. Albert Samboh (GMA 1989), Deputy Director, Directorate General of Sea Communications, Ministry of Communications Mr. Roy Kasiono (GMAEP 1996), Senior Staff, Planning Development Bureau, Directorate General of Sea Communications, Ministry of Communications Mr. Jansen Sinaga (GMA 1988), Special Communication Attaché to Bangka Province, Ministry of Communications Mr. Heru Prasetyo (GMA 1992), First Secretary, Indonesian Embassy in United Kingdom Ms. Liesye Wuntu, Deputy Director, Directorate General of Sea Communications, Ministry of Communications A preparatory meeting for "Reunion of WMU Graduates and Sasakawa Fellows" was held on 21st February, 2003 in Jakarta. The intention is to strengthen the activities of WMU graduates for the promotion of Maritime Industries, Maritime Safety and Prevention of Marine Pollution in Indonesia. A message from Mr. Tjuk Sukardiman, Director General of Sea Communications was presented. He expressed his gratitude to The Nippon Foundation and Ship & Ocean Foundation for all assistance and support given to Indonesia, especially scholarships for Indonesian students to study at WMU. He recommended AMA to be a counterpart of Ship and Ocean Foundation for further activities in Indonesia. AMA is the general assembly composed of all the WMU graduates in Indonesia. The Sasakawa Fellows are the most active members of the assembly. Several important issues were discussed and it was agreed to hold an assembly meeting in June this year. The meeting of Prof. Ishida and Surabaya WMU Alumni n 26th February 2003, Prof. Kenji Ishida of Kobe University of Mercantile Marine met with Surabaya WMU alumni in East Java, Indonesia who gathered at the news of the coming of our favourite professor at WMU. We had dinner together with delicious Indonesian dishes. All of us were pleased to hear the recent programme and activities of SOF in the year 2003 especially about the idea of financing WMU Sasakawa Fellows to present reports in seminars or conferences, if the reports are accepted. Adrian (SM 2002) and Dothy (PM 2001) also talked about the establishment of Indonesia WMU alumni association in Cipanas, Bogor called AMA (Acturus Maritime Association). All participants agreed to WMU Sasakawa Fellows having meeting in the year 2004. It is recommended that the venue be held in Bangkok, Thailand, for the following reasons: - Bangkok city is relatively more accessible by air to and from other countries all over the world. - The logistic and accommodation costs of that venue are relatively inexpensive. - Thailand has many WMU graduates that already hold various positions in both private and governmental institutions The dinner offered several photographic opportunities and champagne toasts. The meeting ended with the hope that the network and friendship of WMU alumni would continue for a long time. Mr. Raja Oloan Saut GURNING PM 2000, Indonesia Machinery Works, MHI
A Malaysian fellow attended training
at Marine Technical College in Ashiya
Mr. Lee Chnua Yee (MET 1998), Malaysia, attended Engine Room Simulator Training from 5-27 Mar, 2003 at Marine Technical College in Ashiya, Japan. Mr. Yee works with Politeknik Ungku Omar, Ipoh, Malaysia, as a lecturer in the Marine Engineering Dept. This training was arranged by request of Politeknik Ungku Omar in order to train its own trainers for the newly introduced engine room simulator. The program covered the inspection of the Port of Kobe (including a visit to a container ship), visiting a marine engine factory, Tokyo University of Mercantile Marine, etc. Through this training, he studied how to teach trainees engine plant handling using the simulator.
JICA counterpart training
Mr. Ramon Coronado Hernandez (SM 1995), Chief Shipping Operations Specialist, Maritime Industry Authority, Philippines, visited Japan from Feb. 24 to Mar. 21, 2003 to attend a training course. This training was managed by OSCC (Overseas Shipbuilding Cooperation Centre), as a part of JICA activities, for the purpose of giving officials concerned more knowledge and skill in ship safety inspection to reduce marine casualties. Mr. Hernandez was one of two Filipino officials invited this time. The training contained lectures on Administration and techniques of ship safety inspection in Japan, basics of stability, structure/strength, engine/electric parts, etc., and field studies in factories, local Maritime Bureaus, shipyards and so on. They also visited the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and exchanged information and opinions.
Shipowners' Association. For more detail, please visit the website, http://www.jsanet.or.jp 2. Vessels and crew controlled by Japanese shipping companies The following are approximate figures in 2002 of vessels and crew possessing Blue Certificates issued by All Japan Seamen's Union
Mr: SONG Zhen MSEP 1999, China Director, Dept. of Seafarers, Maritime Safety Administration
Impact of SARS on Chinese seafarers
n recent months, a new contagion, SARS, has been found in many places in China especially in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Beijing, as well as in other countries. Chinese seafarers are suffering from its impact. Some manning companies have lost contracts to send crews to ships after old contracts expired. A small company said that it has not sent seafarers for two months. However, many manning companies are taking precautions to prevent their crews from getting SARS, using methods such as to quarantine a team of seafarers in a hotel for two weeks before they are dispatched. It increases the cost, but makes employers confident of SARS prevention on their ships. On the other side, the transit of the seafarers is also affected by SARS, with at least one country refusing to transit Chinese seafarers once. Some Chinese seafarers have not been allowed shore leave when the ships arrived in some ports, even though the ships have not been in China for half a year. As a manpower supplying country for the international maritime industry, manning companies and Chinese seafarers are very concerned about the health of seafarers. They are taking measures to eradicate SARS from their business, and to reduce its negative impact. They hope this tough period will be over very soon.
A voice from the East African coastline...
Mr. Kennedy KISHAWI MET 2001, Kenya limail: kishawikenny@hotmail.com ear Editor, May I take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, (President of The Nippon Foundation and Chairman of Friends of WMU, Japan) and the entire management of Ship & Ocean Foundation for their support in funding my studies at the World Maritime University, Malmo in the year 2001. Many colleagues will concur with me that WMU was more than just another place to study; not only sizeable enough to give one unlimited access to the latest ideas in the maritime field and excellent teaching from world maritime experts, but also providing unequaled avenues to mix with people from all corners of the world, making it easier to build working relationships that would be impossible in a larger place. Almost two years since the inauguration ceremony of the WMU Japan Sasakawa Fellows Forum held in Tokyo, where over 100 WMU graduates from 28 countries participated, the establishment of the Philippine Chapter is a challenge to the formation of regional networks we promised during the meeting. These networks shall provide an avenue for not only exchanging information regarding maritime affairs but also serving as a platform to offer straightforward opinions. Today, despite all the privileges bestowed on us by The Nippon Foundation in conjunction with Ship & Ocean Foundation, I believe there are not a small number of fellows working on a part-time basis or still unemployed. This has been either due to the unwillingness by respective governmental structures, shipping companies and related agencies to engage seriously in maritime affairs or due to socio¬ economic problems, especially in the developing countries. This, I strongly believe, is one amongst many issues to be addressed. I am therefore appealing to all readers through this magnificent Newsletter to kindly save the world from wasting the untapped potential and give opportunities to under-utilized talents! I further propose that copies of this informative Newsletter should be distributed to the major decision-makers of governmental ministries dealing with maritime issues, shipping companies and agencies in all maritime nations so as to enlighten them on current maritime developments and of course the potential of WMU Sasakawa Fellows. 7
Mr. Yan Risuandi (MSA 1990) paid a visit to Mr. Sasakawa at The Nippon Foundation in the afternoon on Apr. 24, 2003 and exchanged information. Mr. Risuandi is an official of the Ministry of Communications and came to Japan in March of this year to undertake the responsibility of Transportation Attaché at the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo. Mr. Sasakawa said that Indonesia and The Nippon Foundation have been keeping close contact with each other for a long time. It has been about 30 years since the project for the elimination of leprosy started. He also said that with much of the Malacca and Singapore Straits in its territory, Indonesia has a very important role in marine safety. In order to support the elimination of marine casualties in this area, The Nippon Foundation has decided to donate a buoy tender to Indonesia, which is now under construction in Japan and expected to be delivered this coming autumn. A donation ceremony is scheduled to be held in Indonesia. Mr. Yan Risuandi expressed his gratitude to The Nippon Foundation for its varied and gracious support given to Indonesia. He also commented that Indonesia is now improving maritime issues in both hard/software, especially in the training and education of sea personnel to comply with the high quality of international demand. He also said that WMU Sasakawa Fellows' Network will be quite useful to resolve international maritime problems.
Message from the Secretariat
Request for your contribution to Newsletter/Website The Secretariat invites you to contribute either to the Newsletter or the Website. Photographs are also welcome. (We prefer to have printed copies sent by post, but for those who wish to send by e-mail, the resolution must be at least 400 dpi.) Please note, however, that due to space limitations, some contributions might be reduced in volume, held over to the next issue, or be changed for inclusion in the website at the Secretariat's discretion. The “Friends of WMU, Japan” Website improved The renewal of the Website has been completed and a message board newly installed in "The Fellows' Page" for
Editors' Postscript
I thank the Fellows for their contributions, which have enabled us to issue the newsletters so smoothly, from the 1st issue in October 2002 to this 3rd edition. It has already been one year since I left WMU, yet the memory is fresh, and working here, sharing with many WMU graduates, is quite enjoyable. I had the chance to meet five WMU graduates this year in addition to many Vietnamese Fellows whom I have just met and worked with this early May. free use by members. In order to use the message board, open the “Fellows’ Page” then double click “4) Free Discussion and Free Exchange for the Fellows". After the message board appears on the screen, please input according to the explanation.
Kindly acknowledge the receipt of the Newsletter
The Secretariat would like to ask you to let us know about your receipt of the Newsletter by sending the enclosed personal information form back to this office. This is very essential to both check that the Newsletter was correctly delivered and to update the alumni list. So far barely 10% of the receivers have responded. Although the world is currently filled with bleak prospects caused by economic depression, wars, SARS, etc., I believe the bonds of fellowship uniting students, graduates, The Nippon Foundation and SOF will continue to grow and encourage us. In closing, I would like to join everybody in celebrating the WMU's 20th anniversary far from Japan. Prof. T. Hikima, Marine Technical College 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 Šhip & Ocean Foundation in cooperation with Mr. Ko Koiso, Prof. Toshio Hikima, Ms. Masako B. Otsuka, and Ms. Sue Jackson. Secretariat: International Cooperation Division, Ship & Ocean Foundation Kaiyo Senpaku Building, 1-15-16 Toranomon Minato-ku, Tokyo JAPAN 105-0001 Tel. 81-3-3502-1887  Fax. 81-3-3502-2033  URL: http://www.sof.or.jp/