SYNOPSIS

Oceans and seas cover over two-thirds of the earth’s surface. They represent a new economic perspective that holds immense resource for economic growth, employment and innovation. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), the ocean contributes approximately US$1.5 trillion annually to the overall world economy, and this may more than double by 2030. Offshore oil and gas accounts for one- third of the ocean-based industries’ total value, followed by maritime and coastal tourism; and maritime equipment and ports.

The World Bank defines Blue Economy as the “sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem”. The World Ocean Summit in 2015 described it as a sustainable ocean economy that emerge when economic activity is in balance with ocean ecosystems’ support to remain resilient and healthy. Malaysian Marine industry today is one among many sectors that has been identified as a major source of employment and economy driver. The speaker in his talk shall cover the challenges that is faced by the Malaysian marine industry players and the challenges that they face. Among the government led initiatives, such as the New Industrial Malaysian Plan 2030 (NIMP), there appears many pots of gold at the end of the rainbow, but is it true as the saying goes. Reality sometimes can be painful and can they be overturned and refreshed to be on a positive note. New initiatives such as sustainability and environmental control regime require new approaches and strong champions, Malaysia now is at a cross-road and it is still not too late.


BIODATA OF SPEAKER

First Admiral Dato’ (Dr.) Ir. Ahmad Murad bin Omar (Retired)

First Admiral Dato’ (Dr.) Ir. Ahmad Murad bin Omar is a distinguished retired officer of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) with a remarkable career spanning over 32 years. He joined the RMN in 1975 and retired as a First Admiral in 2007. During his service, he made significant contributions to the Navy, particularly in the field of engineering.

He graduated from University Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and later pursued a Master of Science in Engineering Business Management from the University of Warwick in the UK. He also holds a Diploma in Strategic Studies from the Malaysian Armed Forces Defense College in Kuala Lumpur.

After retiring from military service, he remained active in the engineering field, serving in various capacities, including as an Executive Chairman of OMAHAMS Corp Sdn Bhd. He has also been involved in academic and professional development, holding positions such as Vice President of the Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology (IMarEST).

Dato’ Ahmad Murad has been recognized for his contributions to both the military and the engineering community, including receiving an Honorary Doctorate in Technology from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). He continues to play an influential role in the engineering sector, particularly in the areas of marine and defense technology.