Strengthening Maritime Cybersecurity in Southeast Asia: Law, Industry and Regional Cooperation
9 - 10 September 2026, Orchard Hotel Singapore
From 9–10 September 2026, the Ocean Law and Policy Programme of the Centre for International Law (CIL), National University of Singapore, convened a two-day workshop on Strengthening Maritime Cybersecurity in Southeast Asia: Law, Industry and Regional Cooperation at the Orchard Hotel, Singapore. The workshop was organised pursuant to the CIL–MPA research agreement on ocean governance, with support from the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI-2023-MA-03), and in partnership with iTrust, the Centre for Research in Cyber Security at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD).
As maritime ports and shipping operations become increasingly digitalised, they are also becoming more vulnerable to cyber threats targeting critical information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) systems. Cyber incidents affecting maritime infrastructure have the potential to disrupt port operations, global supply chains, and regional economies, underscoring the need for stronger cybersecurity governance and resilience across Southeast Asia.
The workshop brought together over 40 participants from government agencies, maritime authorities, industry, academia, international organisations, and law enforcement to examine emerging cybersecurity challenges affecting the maritime sector. Discussions focused on strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks, improving governance and inter-agency coordination, enhancing incident response and international cooperation, addressing cybersecurity risks associated with Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), and sharing national experiences and best practices from across Southeast Asia.
The programme featured distinguished academics from the Centre for International Law, Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), the University of Plymouth, NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, the World Maritime University, and Istanbul Technical University. We were also honoured to welcome speakers from the Singapore Shipping Association, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the United States Coast Guard, INTERPOL, Bureau Veritas, and the British High Commission in Singapore, together with representatives from regional maritime administrations and universities in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Emeritus Professor Robert Beckman moderated the Session 1: Cyber Threats to Critical Maritime Infrastructure: Current Landscape and Challenges. CIL research fellow Dr. Su Wai Mon spoke on Session 2: Governance, Law and Regulation: Building the Framework on “Maritime Cybersecurity: The Evolving Legal and Regulatory Framework”. Dr. Su also moderated Session 5, Maritime Cybersecurity in Southeast Asia: Challenges, Progress, and Priorities, as well as the final Reflection Panel.
Participants also included representatives from the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (Malaysia), the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, the Indonesian Coast Guard, the Maritime Industry Authority of the Philippines (MARINA), the Vietnam Maritime Administration, and the Thailand Marine Department.
The workshop concluded with a reflections panel synthesising the key discussions and recommendations, followed by a technical visit to the MariOT testbed at iTrust, SUTD, where participants gained first-hand insights into research on maritime operational technology and cyber resilience.
The workshop highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration among governments, industry, academia, and law enforcement to enhance maritime cybersecurity across Southeast Asia. It also reaffirmed CIL's commitment to supporting policy-relevant research and regional dialogue on emerging challenges in ocean governance and maritime security.
A workshop report summarising the key discussions and recommendations will be published in due course.
Pre-Event Information | -By-Invitation-Only-Event
Supporting Organisation
Maritime ports and shipping operations in Southeast Asia increasingly rely on Information Technologies (IT) and Operational Technologies (OT), improving efficiency but also exposing critical infrastructure to growing cybersecurity threats. Cyber-attacks on navigation systems, communication networks, cargo platforms, and port infrastructure can disrupt operations, cause significant economic losses, and create serious safety and environmental risks due to their potential physical consequences.
Southeast Asia hosts some of the world’s busiest ports and most critical sea lines of communication, including those along the Strait of Malacca. As a key maritime region, it faces heightened exposure to cyber risks that may undermine regional trade, economic stability, and maritime security. Countries strategically located along major international shipping routes, must therefore adopt proactive and coordinated approaches to maritime cybersecurity. This requires the development of comprehensive legal, policy, and systematic risk management frameworks that integrate technical, regulatory, and operational perspectives.
This workshop aims to bring together maritime professionals, cybersecurity experts, policymakers, legal scholars, regulators, and law enforcement agencies to facilitate interdisciplinary dialogue on emerging cyber threats and governance challenges. By sharing best practices, regulatory experiences, and technical insights, participants will contribute to the formulation of practical and context-specific strategies for strengthening maritime cyber resilience in Southeast Asia.
For further information or enquiries regarding the Workshop, please contact Dr. Su Wai Mon at su.wm@nus.edu.sg.
This workshop is organised pursuant to the CIL–MPA research agreement on ocean governance, with support from the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI-2023-MA-03).