21st October 2021 - - The webinar MiDAS Executive Dialogue Serial 4/2021 titled “Malaysia a Maritime Nation: History and Way Forwards was successfully organised by the Malaysian Institute of Defence and Security (MiDAS). The webinar was attended by over 250 participants online, including a diverse audience of government and corporate sector, students, scholars and media took an active part in the webinar.
The dialogue was moderated by Cdr Muhammad Ashraf bin Mahmud RMN, Assistant Director of the Maritime Security, MiDAS.The dialogue was delivered by Zaharah bt Sulaiman, historian, researcher and writer of Association of Malaysian Archaeologists. She talked about the need for a better understanding of maritime history is the story of who we are, where we come from, and can potentially reveal where we are headed. The rich history of the past helps us to paint a detailed picture of where we stand today.
Zaharah said for the success of the maritime nation, the government needs to have a strong political will in the success of Malaysian strategic culture and the nation’s strategic history. Their stories reveal how they met the challenges of their day, which can give new leaders the courage and wisdom to confront the challenges of our time.
She highlighted the maritime history is a catalyst for economic growth in Malay Archipelagos since ancient history. Cultural heritage is a demonstrated economic asset and an essential component of any vibrant blue economy, providing an infrastructure that attracts talent and enhances business development. History also remembers brilliant people and their heroic acts that have changed the shape of nations and yet to get a huge amount of motivation from learning about the inspirational events that make up where we are today. “It is important we must shine a light into every concealed corner of our past because moving forward requires an honest reckoning with our history.” - President Peter Salovey.
