(NEWS) President Mejia Meets with Current Students

August

2023

President Mejia Meets with Current Students

On 11 July, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr., who assumed office as the eighth President of the World Maritime University (WMU) at the close of June, addressed the resident PhD candidates and MSc students in the Malmö Class of 2023. Professor Mejia is the first President from Asia and the first President who is a graduate of WMU.

President Mejia spoke to the group about his personal journey from being a WMU student to assuming the position of WMU President. He highlighted the impact and benefit of studying at WMU to his career, and the invaluable international network gained that has been an asset to his personal and professional advancement. He impressed upon the students the importance of their role as future maritime and oceans leaders who are uniquely positioned to effect change, saying “WMU's education is innovative, unique and essential, as we instill in you the value of interdisciplinary thinking. We are dedicated to nurturing your potential, providing guidance, and facilitating opportunities that will shape your careers and make a meaningful impact in the maritime and oceans fields.” He continued, “You embody the success of WMU as in many ways, you are the standard-bearers and change-makers for the future. ”

President Mejia is an accomplished global leader and scholar in maritime governance, policy, and administration. He outlined his career path for the students beginning with his graduation from WMU in 1994. After four years of service to his home country of the Philippines, he joined the WMU Faculty in 1998. At WMU, he has held various positions within the University including Director of the PhD Programme, Head of the Maritime Law and Policy Specialization, Associate Academic Dean, and Nippon Foundation Professor of Maritime Policy, Governance, and Administration. He served as Administrator/Director General at the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) from 2013 to 2016, heading the government agency responsible for integrating the development, promotion, and regulation of the maritime industry in the Philippines. From 1988 to 1998, he progressively held various positions in the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard including Assistant Chief of Staff for Navigational Safety and Deputy Executive Director of the Multisectoral Task Force on Maritime Development.

Professor Mejia was included in the 2013 Lloyd’s List 100 Most Influential Persons in the Shipping Industry. He has served on several senior diplomatic assignments including Head of Delegation of the Philippines to IMO meetings (2013 -2016), Special Envoy of the President of the Philippines to the Inauguration of the Expanded Panama Canal (2016), and Chairperson of the 31st ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group (2016).

‍

Related Documents

No items found.

Dissertation title

Maritime Governance: Contextual Factors affecting Implementation of IMO Instruments

My decision to enroll in the doctoral program at WMU was heavily influenced by my prior experience as a Master's student at the institution. Initially introduced to me as a preeminent global institution for maritime education, WMU's stellar reputation was further substantiated by the exceptional quality of education I received during my Master’s studies. This experience became a compelling factor in my determination to return to WMU as a doctoral student. Recognizing the synergies between my research aspirations and the institutional offerings at WMU, I concluded that continuing my educational journey at this esteemed institution was not only beneficial but also aligned perfectly with my academic and professional goals.

My research explored the theoretical foundations of governance, placing a particular emphasis on maritime governance. Going beyond mere theoretical frameworks, the study conducted a comprehensive examination of a crucial aspect within maritime governance—specifically, the implementation of International Maritime Organization (IMO) instruments, exploring the contextual factors that affect the implementation process. Applying the grounded theory methodology, the research aimed to understand these theoretical underpinnings, as well as firmly anchor insights in the practical context of maritime governance; unveiling the intricacies and challenges associated with the effective implementation of IMO instruments in the maritime domain. The selection of this topic was motivated by a personal interest that was cultivated during my Master’s studies in maritime law and policy. Furthermore, it was driven by the recognition of a scarcity of scientific research on this specific topic. This gap in the existing body of knowledge served as a catalyst for my exploration, underscoring the significance of contributing valuable insights to an area of maritime governance that has been relatively underrepresented in scholarly research.

Undoubtedly, a highlight of my educational journey at WMU was the opportunity to forge connections with influential change-makers and thought leaders hailing from every corner of the globe. This invaluable chance to engage with individuals on an international scale has not only enabled me to expand my global network but has also served as a conduit for immersing myself in the rich tapestry of diverse cultures. Through these global interactions, I've gained a profound understanding of different perspectives, traditions, and approaches, contributing significantly to my personal and academic growth. This experience goes beyond mere networking and has also played a pivotal role in fostering stronger connections within the Caribbean region from which I hail.

Embarking on my professional path, my foremost aim is to establish myself as an authority in the field of maritime governance. I aspire to leave a significant and enduring mark on the global maritime landscape. Beyond the academic sphere, my drive is fuelled by a passionate interest in pursuing diverse opportunities within the maritime domain and the broader educational sector and contributing significantly to positive transformations in the global maritime sector.

Maritime Governance: Contextual Factors affecting Implementation of IMO Instruments

The Transition to low and near zero carbon emission ports: Extent and Determinants

Spatiotemporal Analyses of Pelagic Sargassum: Biodiversity, Morphotypes and Arsenic Content

Contextual Barriers Facing Caribbean SIDS in the Global Governance of Plastic Pollution. Assessing the need for harmonized marine debris monitoring and contextual equity to support participation in the global plastics treaty negotiations by Caribbean SIDS

Hinterland Connectivity and Market Share. A case of Indian Container Ports

Combatting the Marine Litter Crisis in the Windward Islands: Examining Source-to-Sea Pathways and Fostering Multi-Scale Solutions

I was attracted to the World Maritime University (WMU) in Sweden simply due to the opportunity to research the transboundary challenges of marine litter in the Eastern Caribbean. My specific research focus on the Windward Islands allowed me to contribute solutions to a region I am deeply connected to.

Marine litter poses significant threats to Caribbean Small Island Developing States, affecting marine ecosystems, tourism, fisheries and other local economies, and the health of the communities. My choice to focus on this crisis was driven by the urgency to shed light on its magnitude, propose sustainable solutions, and advocate for more global efforts in addressing this pressing environmental issue.

Studying at WMU provided a multifaceted experience that extended beyond just academics, and there are two highlights worth mentioning to represent this. One, the amazing opportunity for intercultural exchange. I had the privilege of collaborating with researchers and experts from around the globe. This diverse gathering not only facilitated a unique learning environment but also opened doors to share varied perspectives. This exchange was instrumental to my research and learning process and enriched my career path. I found myself collaborating with and even speaking alongside some of the most respected experts in the field on renowned panels. Two, is a particularly exhilarating experience which was representing the university in the UN interagency games in 2022. I was honored to be a part of the first women's team from WMU. Against expectations, I managed to place third in my backstroke category, even though it was my first time participating in competitive swimming. Our team's dedication and hard work culminated in a podium finish, as we secured third place overall.

Post-graduation, my professional trajectory, initially aimed singularly at university teaching in Grenada, has evolved to include curricula development on marine conservation topics at various educational levels, aspiring to inspire the next generation. While my zeal for academia remains steadfast, my aspirations have broadened to encompass policy advocacy. My research, highlighting the striking linkages between marine litter and the overarching climate crisis, has fortified my resolve to employ these insights toward tangible change. Now, as I pivot towards a more policy-oriented role, I aim to work collaboratively with policymakers. My focus will be on underlining the Caribbean's unique environmental challenges, advocating for climate compensation, and concurrently influencing educational approaches on marine issues.

Combatting the Marine Litter Crisis in the Windward Islands: Examining Source-to-Sea Pathways and Fostering Multi-Scale Solutions

The Problem of Abandoned, Lost and otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG) in Eastern Caribbean Small-Scale Fisheries. Understanding the Challenges, Defining Solutions

Gender equality in ocean science for sustainable development

I chose the World Maritime University for my PhD studies in Maritime Affairs because of several reasons, including its academic reputation and strong postgraduate degrees in maritime and ocean science-related programmes, a range of international modules, and the diverse group of students and faculty members. WMU is in Sweden, one of the EU countries with the best gender equality ranking worldwide. As a woman in marine science who faced several challenges in the industry, I was mainly attracted to the Empowering Women for the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development programme offered at the university. This unique programme aims to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in ocean science to increase women’s participation in ocean science and advance the sustainable management and governance of ocean spaces and maritime activities at all levels through capacity building.

My research topic focused on evaluating gender equality in ocean science for Sustainable development in Kenya. The primary aim of this study was to examine gender equality in ocean science institutions in Kenya, using the existing institutional gender policies, gender-disaggregated data of students and staff, the experiences and barriers faced by students and staff in this field as well as the good practices that the institutions already have to promote gender equality. The issue of gender equality and women’s empowerment are generally relevant for ocean governance because they bring diverse perspectives, skills and solutions to management and sustainability. I chose this research topic to understand the root causes of gender inequalities and persistent biases in the ocean science sector to make invisible voices and contributions of women in ocean science visible and to ensure women or marginalized groups are included in decision-making and policy-making processes as the primary users of marine resources.

I have had a fantastic journey and an incredible and rewarding experience at WMU. Studying here came with many blessings and was one of the best decisions I have ever made. First, my supervisors were resourceful, outstanding and very supportive, who dedicated their time to mentor and guide my research work. Their guidance, advice, motivation, kindness, understanding and support were instrumental and helped me achieve my academic goals to reach where I am today. Second, the university has a strong family bond, is well-organized, and embraces teamwork, and I received immense support from the GOI and WMU secretariat. Also, I managed to interact with many students from different nationalities, exchanged ideas and discovered/learned a lot of things from the various cultures, especially during the annual celebration of the WMU International Day, made new friends from around the world, expanded my network and immensely improved my global view.

After graduation, I plan to expand my network and find a job that includes both academic and practice-oriented research to continue advocating for gender equality in ocean science. Also, I plan to develop a policy brief for the ocean science institutions in Kenya as a guide for promoting gender equality in ocean science both in higher education and employing agencies. My natural science background will also open doors to explore and work in freshwater and marine environments.

Gender equality in ocean science for sustainable development

Harmonisation in the Rules Governing the Recognition of Foreign Judicial Ship Sales

The Development of a Systematic, Holistic and Transdisciplinary Energy Management Framework to Promote Environmentally Sustainable Shipyards

When I made the decision to embark on the journey of pursuing both my MSc and PhD degrees, the World Maritime University (WMU) beckoned me for several compelling reasons. Foremost among these was WMU's sterling reputation as a world-class institution within the maritime sphere, a factor that wielded significant influence over my choice. Given my extensive background as a senior professional in the maritime operational field, having held the role of a captain, I was in search of an academic environment that could serve as a nexus for both enriching my knowledge and providing a platform for the dissemination of my wealth of industry experience.

WMU's unwavering commitment to maritime education, coupled with its resolute emphasis on bridging the realms of academia and industry, deeply resonated with me. It became evident that WMU was the perfect crucible for my transformation from a career entrenched in maritime operations to one flourishing within academia. The University's storied tradition of nurturing and producing experts and leaders within the maritime sector further solidified its standing as the ideal choice for my educational pursuits.Furthermore, WMU's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to maritime studies served as an irresistible attraction.

My research focus during my tenure at WMU was centered on the pivotal subject of achieving net-zero emissions in the maritime sector, encompassing both offshore and onshore infrastructures, including ports and shipyards. This particular research avenue held great appeal for me due to its unique capacity to amalgamate my extensive practical experience as a captain within the maritime operational field with the rigorous academic environment provided by WMU. The maritime industry is inherently dynamic, constantly undergoing transformative changes, and I was deeply convinced that my research endeavors could significantly contribute to enhancing sustainability within this vital sector. The prospect of influencing positive change by addressing contemporary challenges and emerging trends in the maritime industry, all closely aligned with my professional background, served as a compelling motivation for my choice of research focus.

One of the most memorable aspects of my WMU experience has undoubtedly been the University's vibrant and inclusive interdisciplinary environment. Engaging with both faculty members and fellow students hailing from diverse backgrounds and nationalities has been an incredibly enriching facet of my academic journey. This inclusive atmosphere has offered me a unique opportunity to gain fresh insights and perspectives that would have remained undiscovered within the confines of a purely industry-focused setting. The collaborative exchange of ideas across various maritime disciplines has proven to be invaluable, expanding my horizons and enriching my educational experience. Additionally, the regular involvement in thoughtful discussions, seminars, and workshops focused on globally relevant maritime topics has served as a consistent source of inspiration throughout my time at WMU. The University’s unwavering dedication to cultivating a global network of maritime experts has allowed me to establish meaningful connections with professionals and scholars from across the world. These connections have not only broadened my academic horizons but have also added a global dimension to my educational journey, enhancing its depth and significance.

Upon graduation, I was awarded a prestigious research fellowship in sustainability, energy, and the pursuit of net-zero emissions within the maritime industry at the esteemed University of Southampton in the United Kingdom. This exciting opportunity marks the next phase of my academic and maritime journey. I remain passionately committed to continuing my exploration of academia and the maritime sector, building upon the invaluable knowledge and experience I acquired during my time at WMU. My primary objective is to contribute significantly to the advancement of the zero-emission maritime industry, a pivotal and transformative sector within our global community.

The Development of a Systematic, Holistic and Transdisciplinary Energy Management Framework to Promote Environmentally Sustainable Shipyards