“Safe and Secure Seas” was the theme of the 9th International Maritime Security Conference (IMSC) organised by the Republic of Singapore Navy and RSIS. It was held on 7 May 2025, alongside the International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX) Asia 2025.
The conference brought together over 450 participants, including senior naval and coast guard leaders, policymakers, and strategic thinkers, from around the world to discuss the future of maritime security.
The conference explored how the maritime community can collectively respond to growing challenges in the maritime domain. Through three high-level panel discussions, the speakers and participants shared their assessment of geopolitical developments, maritime cooperation, and the impact of emerging technologies in maritime security. A recurring message across panels was the need for stronger regional partnerships, greater interoperability, and confidence-building measures to enhance mutual understanding, manage tensions, and safeguard critical sea lanes.
In conjunction with the 9th IMSC, RSIS also hosted a series of Track II sideline events that featured prominent academics and policymakers. Notable highlights included the RSIS-King’s College London Workshop and a fireside chat series featuring distinguished luminaries such as Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, Chief of Defence Force, Singapore Armed Forces.
