The Lunchtime Seminar series at GRIPS is organized to disseminate the latest research findings by our faculty members and to foster academic dialogue within and beyond our community.

◆TOPIC
"Blue Economy Development in Malaysia: Aligning the ASEAN Regional Agenda with National Benefits"

◆SPEAKER

Ms. Cheryl Rita Kaur, Visiting Fellow, GRIPS; Research Fellow & Head, Centre for Straits of Malacca, Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA)

◆DISCUSSANT
Dr. Yusuke Takagi, Associate Professor, GRIPS

◆DATE/TIME
Wednesday, November 19, 12:15-13:15 (Japan Standard Time)

◆REGISTRATION
RSVP by November 18, using the link below (both in-person and online participation).
https://grips-ac-jp.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Vq_aCGVaQZOA0qmnCOKivQ
*Bring your lunch with you if you are attending the seminar in person!

◆SYNOPSIS
The blue economy concept is gaining increasing attention in the region as ASEAN realize the immense potential of marine resources in promoting economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability. With its extensive coastline, rich marine ecosystem, and strategic geographical position, Malaysia is well-placed to capitalize on the opportunities offered by the development of the blue economy sectors. The increasingly complex structure of uses of the coastal and marine areas, however, demands changes in management objectives and approaches. This presentation will detail out the pathway for Malaysia, as a case example, in terms of sustainable blue economy development in the ASEAN region.

◆SPEAKER'S BIO
Cheryl Rita is a Research Fellow & Head of the Centre for Straits of Malacca at the Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA) and currently a Visiting Fellow at GRIPS. Her research focus is on the Blue Economy framework and assessment, with some of her recent work including coordination of a National State of the Oceans and Coasts (NSOC - blue economy) report in cooperation with UNDP/PEMSEA. She was also involved in the preparation of a National Position Paper on Blue Economy in collaboration with the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, and review of the Terms of Reference for the development of a National Blue Economy Blueprint in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy Malaysia, before going on to Leading the Maritime Transport & Marine Tourism Sectors within drafting of the national blueprint. Cheryl completed her MSc in Marine Science, Policy and Law from the University of Southampton UK, BSc (Hons.) in Marine Biology from University Malaysia Terengganu, and a Diploma in Multilateral Environmental Agreements from the University of Eastern Finland.
https://www.mima.gov.my/researchers

◆DISCUSSANT'S BIO

Yusuke Takagi is an Associate Professor at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS). He received the Doctor of the Science of Law from Keio University. Before joining GRIPS, he worked at De La Salle University - Manila and the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. His latest publications include: Y. Takagi, "Philippine-Japan Maritime Cooperation in the Quest for a Rules-based International Order," In Trinidad, D., and K. Cheng Chua, eds., Philippines-Japan relations in the twenty-first century: change and direction (Routledge 2025), Y. Takagi "The Philippines in the Indo-Pacific: Emergence of a De Facto Indo-Pacific Strategy of a Middle Power" Asia-Pacific Review 31(3) pp. 42-62, 2025.
https://www.grips.ac.jp/list/en/facultyinfo/takagi_yusuke/