THE RIZQUN INTERNATIONAL HOTEL, Tuesday 18 February 2014 - The Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (SHHBIDSS) conducted its 6th East Asia Security Outlook (EASO) Seminar at the Rizqun International Hotel, Gadong.
The EASO seminar has been conducted annually by SHHBIDSS since 2009. It is aimed to provide a platform for broader understanding and greater awareness of the current regional strategic and security environment as well as provide a contribution to the discourse and work of local participants from various defence and security-related government agencies.
This year, SHHBIDSS has invited 7 renowned speakers from Australia, China, New Zealand, and Singapore to share their perspectives on contemporary defence and security issues, with a particular focus on examining ASEAN as a community, addressing the notion of comprehensive security and cooperation in maritime security.
Among those issues raised during the Seminar include ASEAN's responses to the influences of major and emerging powers in the region that highlighted the need for ASEAN to strengthen its role further in the evolving security environment. An alternative view on establishing the ASEAN Political and Security Community looked at suggestions for strengthening the sense of community, as well as involving non-state actors to fulfill ASEAN’s vision as a people-oriented ASEAN. In relation to addressing the concept of comprehensive security, closer understanding and cooperation between non-state actors specifically NGOs and government officials were also recommended. The seminar also discussed developments in maritime security, specifically maritime policies and strategies of regional countries, and discussed prospects to further strengthen cooperation.
The seminar was attended by members of the Defence Executive Committee, military and civilian officials from the Ministry of Defence as well as officials from various government ministries and other institutions.