Lt Gen Simon Stuart, Chief of Army, Australian Army spearheaded a delegation to the Malaysian Institute of Defence and Security (MiDAS) on June 10, 2024.
The delegation accompanied by HE Ms. Danielle Heineke, Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, was warmly welcomed by Maj Gen Dato' Hj Ya'cob bin Hj Samiran, Chief Executive of MiDAS with his welcoming remarks.
In the opening address, HE Ms. Heineke reiterated Australia's unwavering commitment to strengthening defense collaboration between Australia-Malaysia. She also mentioned because of the long tradition and history shared, people-people relations between both nations' people becomes the focal point of Australia- Malaysia relationships.
In the keynote address, Lt Gen Stuart delved into the intricacies of "Geopolitics in Southeast Asia - An Australian Perspective," shedding light on regional security challenges, including geopolitical tensions.
People to people relations and long rich history shared between Malaysia-Australia set the tone for the General's keynote address.
In his keynote, he also articulated Canberra's standpoint on the pivotal role of ASEAN nations.
Then he shared his perspectives on the mutual strategic thoughts of which how 'middle power nation' can strive between two big power rivalry and tussle.
He also pointed out that the land component of various nations in the Indo Pacific region is the dominant force as compared to their sister services.
He also shared how one national power can be best optimised. With that, he emphasised on concepts of the 'whole of nation' and the 'whole of government' in building one nation's national power.
He also said militarily, one nation ends, ways and means, need to be very diligently appreciated to prepare for the dynamics of geopolitics ployed by the big power in this region.
The session did spark some stimulating dialogue through question and answer session on cooperative security approaches. The question and answer session were steamed by participants from the policy' makers of the ministries, think tanks from various institutions and defence academias.
Other issues discussed in tandem are the effect of climate change, usage of military technology advancements by defence forces such as hybrid and green technologies and takeaways for Malaysia on how to address the dynamics of geopolitics development in this region.
MiDAS is indeed very honoured to have the Chief of Army, Australia Army and his delegation in MiDAS, despite their full and pact schedule in Malaysia, Lt Gen Stuart and his delegation make ways to share their country's perspective on geopolitical development in this region.
MIDAS as the think tank institute for defence and security in Malaysia is also like to give our highest regards, respect and complement to HE Ms. Heineke, the Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia for her relentless effort and commitment, 'people to people' connection between Australians and Malaysians, are currently at the optimum level and best pace ever.
#Constructive,Comprehensive,Complement