JOHOR BARU: Malaysia's rising profile in the global maritime sector was highlighted today as the Netherlands Maritime University College (NMUC) launched the second International Conference on Maritime and Logistics Practices (ICMLP), attracting a wider range of international experts, industry leaders, and policymakers.

The three-day event at Persada Johor International Convention Centre features speakers and exhibitors from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, including Maersk Singapore, World Maritime University (Sweden), IMO International Maritime Law Institute (Malta), and Petronas.

Organised jointly with the Port Training Institute (PTI) of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport (AASTMT), STC International, the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC), and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), the conference aims to enhance Malaysia's status as a regional maritime hub.

The highlight of the opening day was the signing of 10 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the Logistics & Supply Chain Management Society (LogiSYM), the Malaysia Shipowners' Association (MASA), and PTI, signalling fresh partnerships aimed at strengthening Malaysia's role as a regional hub for maritime logistics, capacity building and innovation.

NMUC executive chairman and ICMLP founder Professor Datuk Seri Dr Captain Razali Yaacob said the institution's expansion and the growing influence of the conference reflected Malaysia's emergence as a serious player in global shipping and logistics.

"This year's conference goes beyond last year's momentum. We're seeing stronger partnerships, more international participation, and deeper engagement on emerging issues like digital shipping, decarbonisation and port innovation," he said.

He said Johor's strategic location and port infrastructure made it the natural anchor for ICMLP, especially given that it shared borders with Singapore.

"Hosting ICMLP here affirms Johor's place in global trade corridors. The presence of these global players shows growing confidence in Malaysia's maritime capabilities," he added.

NMUC, established with the vision of positioning Malaysia as a regional maritime education hub, has evolved into a strategic bridge between education, policy and industry.

Prof Razali said NMUC trains future maritime professionals, which shapes the global dialogue through ICMLP.

"Our long-term goal is clear—we want NMUC and ICMLP to be synonymous with maritime excellence in Asia," he said.

The conference programme includes business matching sessions, a technical port visit, an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge port management technologies, and a networking dinner.

ICMLP 2025 runs until Sept 11 and is expected to set the stage for long-term collaborations that will strengthen the efficiency, sustainability and resilience of global maritime logistics systems.

By Jassmine Shadiqe