AMEA

Japan

DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

(Office of the Regional Director)

My warmest greeting to the Asia Marine Educators Association (AMEA) chaired by Prof. Tsuyoshi Sasaki of Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology (TUMST), Japan.

It is inspiring that the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) is once again hosting an international conference in our region. This provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to come together, to interact, share ideas and participate in resolving current issues and concerns of the marine industry. AMEA plays a very important role in sharing their best practices and push for coordination, collaboration and cooperation (3Cs) which is the theme of the conference.

It is a pleasure to see MAAP’s strong international linkages. Just last year, MAAP hosted the 13^th International Youth Peace Ambassador cum lectures of Visiting Professors. As their guest of honor and speaker, I was invited by the American University of Sovereign Nations (AUSN) President to stand beside him when he awarded a plaque to MAAP President VAdm Eduardo MA R Santos, AFP (Ret) as Visiting Professor for Ocean and Maritime Affairs. Pres. Santos delivered an impressive lecture on Ocean as a Medium of Peace and Understanding, which was warmly applauded by the attendees representing 50 nations both on site and via skype.

It is thus commendable that MAAP is hosting this AMEA 2^nd International Conference for the marine education this year which DOST truly supports as this exercise, facilitates the exchange of ideas among the marine students and educators to advance education affecting the marine science and technology industry. I believe we must emphasize global competitiveness and protection of the environment. DOST also would like to extend its appreciation to MAAP for its support in various DOST activities be it in the province or in the region. Last June 24-27, 2016 the DOST regional office spearheaded the Regional Science and Technology Week celebration and we have noted the active participation of 14 MAAP faculty, staff and students. They also had 5 scientific entries for the various invention contest categories. I encourage everyone to continuously submit research project proposals to the DOST for possible financial or technical assistance.

With this, we wish that the AMEA with its officers, members and committed partners like the PAEPI-Global, the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP), the University of Makati (UM), the University of Pasig (PLP) and all its supporters and friends shall continue to progress with all your good endeavours. Rest assured that the DOST will always be with you in pursuing world class, relevant and region-based science, technology and innovation initiatives. Mabuhay!