On April 23, 2024, the ASEANAPOL Secretariat paid a visit to H.E. Dr. Sharmila Bernau, Deputy High Commissioner of New Zealand to Malaysia, along with Mr. Mike Foster, New Zealand Police Liaison, and Mr. Zi Yao Lim, Policy and Public Affairs Adviser at the High Commission office in Kuala Lumpur.
Led by the Executive Director of the ASEANAPOL Secretariat, Police Colonel David Martinez
Vinluan, the delegation comprised Assistant Commissioner Police Dr. Bakri Zainal Abidin, Director for Police Services; Police Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Huu Ngoc, Director for Plans & Programs; Superintendent Azrul Hisham Mohd Shaffei, Head of Administrative and Technical Staff; Deputy Superintendent of Police Suresh Subramaniam, DSP for Plans and Programs; Deputy Superintendent of Police Chan Yew Hiok, Police Services Officer 1; and Assistant Superintendent Engku Nurul 'Aini Engku Malek, ASP for Plans and Programs.
The visit began with a brief presentation outlining each organization's mandate and potential areas for cooperation, with a focus on terrorism, syndicated organized crime, and capacity-building training initiatives. Both parties stressed the importance of tailor-made, effective, and efficient training courses to meet the specific needs of ASEANAPOL Member Countries.
Expressing sincere gratitude to the Government of New Zealand, through the New Zealand Police (Dialogue Partner since 2008), the Executive Director Vinluan acknowledged their invaluable support to ASEANAPOL member state police personnel and to the ASEANAPOL Secretariat. He also highlighted ten core areas of transnational organized crime identified as top priorities for ASEANAPOL.
H.E. Dr. Sharmila Bernau outlined three main agendas: Capacity Building & Training (CBT), the utilization of AI, and tackling Cybercrime. These included exploring the engagement of New Zealand Police experts in educational and training activities, identifying the training requirements of ASEANAPOL and its Member States, and executing joint activities between the ASEANAPOL Secretariat and the New Zealand Police.
The ASEANAPOL Secretariat stands ready to serve as a coordination and communication mechanism for all programs and projects aimed at enhancing the capabilities of member countries' police organizations in effectively combating the emerging threats of transnational organized crimes.
The visit facilitated productive discussions, paving the way for enhanced collaboration between the two parties in the future. Both sides anticipate a strengthened working relationship in the days ahead.
“Together We Keep This Region Safe”