Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Heng Chee How delivered the keynote address at the opening dinner of the 8th International Maritime Security Conference (IMSC) at Gardens by the Bay this evening. Themed "Safe and Secure Seas – Emerging Stronger as a Maritime Community", this year's IMSC will see over 400 international participants from navies, coast guards, maritime industries, academia, and think-tanks from more than 45 countries.

In his address, Mr Heng highlighted how countries have been building up maritime capabilities to address evolving maritime threats that undermine the safety and security of our vital waterways, but emphasised the continued need to build trust and understanding through dialogues and practical cooperation at sea in order to achieve maritime security. He said, "This build-up in capabilities can serve to enhance security, and keep our shared sea lines of communication open and stable. However, we need to strengthen the rules-based maritime order to ensure that cooperation instead of contestation prevails, and so that potential flashpoints do not spiral out of control…Apart from practical cooperation, open and inclusive dialogue is crucial to building trust and confidence amongst policymakers. The IMSC is a valuable opportunity to strengthen our cooperation and collective commitment to regional maritime peace and security."

The IMSC will feature plenaries on the impact of geo-political developments on maritime security, how maritime agencies can enhance peace and stability, adapting roles of maritime enforcement agencies in the face of evolving maritime threats, as well as ways to strengthen cooperation and collaboration to enhance maritime security. The speakers will include leaders from navies and other maritime enforcement agencies, as well as subject matter experts on maritime security. Recognising the importance of maritime enforcement agencies in ensuring maritime security, this year's IMSC will also feature speakers from maritime enforcement agencies and coast guards in a special session for the first time.

Co-organised by the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, the IMSC is held in conjunction with the International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (IMDEX) Asia 2023. Established in 2009, the IMSC brings together navy chiefs, policy makers, strategic thinkers, and maritime stakeholders to exchange ideas and discuss ways to enhance and foster mutual security in our maritime commons.