IMO Expert: Data As the New Oil, A Bridge for Cooperation and Public Understanding
- CAobservation
- Mar 16
- 4 min read
In this interview with Syuhaida Binti Ismail, Associate Professor of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Former Director of Research at the Maritime Institute of Malaysia, she analysed the upgrade path of bilateral strategic cooperation, core pain points of new energy transition, and key codes for resource sharing and trust-building, unlocking the future possibilities of regional maritime cooperation with professional perspectives.
How can China and ASEAN strengthen strategic cooperation in light of the 5th anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership?
Syuhaida Binti Ismail: Before delving into the China-ASEAN relationship, let's focus on the China-Malaysia relationship.
2026 marks the 52nd anniversary of our diplomatic ties and friendship. From a maritime perspective, Malaysia has been instrumental at the ASEAN level. For instance, the Kuala Lumpur Transport Strategic Plan (KLTSP) was developed and agreed upon in Kuala Lumpur. The plan, originally set to conclude by 2025, will be expanded. A key aspect of the KLTSP aligns with the maritime development goals of both China and ASEAN.
The most crucial element here is how we can share our resources together. The KLTSP serves as a platform for ASEAN countries to collaborate and learn from each other. ASEAN has 47 interconnected ports, which are part of this cooperative framework. China’s initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Made in China 2025, also offer opportunities for mutual growth.
Given that we share the South China Sea as a common resource, this provides a strong foundation for cooperation. I believe this collaboration model is highly workable and timely, especially since we are all connected by the same ocean.
What are the core challenges that ASEAN countries are facing in advancing the maritime new energy transition？
Syuhaida Binti Ismail: From the perspective of the shipping and port industries, we are seeing increasing regulations being introduced by bodies like the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and even certain parts of the European Union. These regulations are legally binding, meaning all parties must comply. For instance, the IMO has revised its strategy on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, which is one of the challenges that not only ASEAN countries, but virtually all nations with coastlines, face. Countries that are not landlocked must adhere to this GHG strategy, which aims to reduce emissions year by year, with the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
To me, GHG reduction is one of the most critical challenges we need to tackle. It is one of the significant pressures and challenges that the world, as a whole, is confronting, not just a local or regional issue. When we look at the energy transition, it is crucial for us to identify which green fuels and green energy sources will help address this challenge. As the regulations evolve, we will need to follow them, and some smaller countries, with limited capacity, may find it difficult to keep up with these changes. This is where the transition must start at the grassroots level.
How can China and ASEAN leverage their strengths to enhance maritime cooperation?
Syuhaida Binti Ismail: One thing that really interests me is when you mentioned resources. Specifically, we're talking about ocean resources—one vast ocean shared by China, the 11 ASEAN countries, and the rest of the world.
When we discuss these resources, the key question is: how do we manage the resources? The most effective way, in my view, is by managing the data. I believe data is the new oil. It is the lowest-hanging fruit that countries can collaborate on. Once data is collected, it stays in the database, in written documents, or online documents forever—unless it's deleted.
This is where China, as a major player in maritime affairs, can play a significant role in collecting and organizing this data. China can help establish a specialized database that can be shared across nations. The purpose of this data is not just for research and development; it's about providing information to the public on what's happening in maritime and ocean-related areas.
The government, industrial players, and academics might make up only a small portion of the global population. The remaining are everyday people who might not know about issues like decarbonization, the IMO, or GHG emissions. This is where data becomes crucial. By translating complex data into simple terms, we can help the public understand what's really happening in maritime and ocean issues. This awareness will foster a deeper understanding of the importance of international cooperation. With the support of not just governments but also the people, we can make significant progress.
How can China and ASEAN enhance trust and mitigate risks in maritime new energy cooperation?
Syuhaida Binti Ismail: I would rather refer to China and ASEAN as partners. It must be translated into real actions that ultimately benefit the public at large. When we talk about maritime issues, the ones truly impacted are not just the ships or ports, but the members of the public. They are the ultimate beneficiaries of our efforts, and we must protect their interests, especially looking toward the future.
In my view, when we engage in collaboration, yes, we will discuss sovereignty and diplomacy. However, if we look at it from a different perspective, let's not focus immediately on diplomacy or security. Instead, let's consider how we can create mutual benefits. if we set that aside for a bit, we can explore how we can benefit each other through practical actions, such as building databases or reaching agreements together. We should consolidate all our resources into one platform, so we have a shared understanding of what we aim to achieve. By leveraging the potential of the blue economy, we can determine how it can contribute to the people and the countries involved.
(If you have a specific expertise, or would like to share your thoughts, please send us your writings at CAobservation@outlook.com)
Comments