KUALA LUMPUR, April 16, 2025 - The Malaysian Industry Defence and Security Institute (MIDAS) continues to play its role as a strategic reference centre and a driver of knowledge and policy development in the defence sector by hosting a research interview session with a postgraduate researcher from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

The session, held at the MIDAS Library in the Ministry of Defence Malaysia, was part of a thesis research project by Mejar Mohd Zahari bin Mohd Shoib, a postgraduate student in the Master of Strategic and Security Analysis programme at UKM. His study focuses on critical issues surrounding cross-border crime and maritime security in the strategically vital Straits of Malacca.

Accompanying the researcher was his academic supervisor, Dr Aizat Khairi, Senior Lecturer from the Centre for Research in History, Politics & International Affairs (SPHEA), Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, UKM.

Representing MIDAS was Captain Hazlan bin Hazumi, RMN, Director of the Maritime Security Division, who served as the primary respondent for the interview. The discussion covered a range of strategic topics, including the current maritime security landscape in the Straits of Malacca, national defence policies, challenges posed by cross-border crime, and the involvement of local industries and private entities in the defence ecosystem.

The session also explored the role of emerging technologies in strengthening defence readiness and the need for practical and implementable policy reforms. Other key areas of discussion included raising public awareness on Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and addressing regional geopolitical developments, especially those affecting the South China Sea and the wider ASEAN region.

This collaboration once again underscores MIDAS’s commitment to support academic research. Direct engagement in scholarly work allows MIDAS to share data-driven insights, operational realities, and strategic perspectives — all of which enrich the research outcomes.

MIDAS remains steadfast in its role as a bridge between researchers and industry players, particularly in advancing the nation’s security priorities. The institute firmly believes that research of this nature plays a vital role in shaping more holistic and reality-based security policies.

Looking ahead, MIDAS hopes this initiative will spark more academic collaborations with government agencies and higher learning institutions, in the shared pursuit of strengthening Malaysia’s defence industry through meaningful knowledge exchange and research.