On 4 February 2025, the ASEANAPOL Secretariat held a virtual coordination meeting with the Myanmar Police Force (MPF) to discuss the hosting of four ASEANAPOL sideline meetings following the successful 42nd ASEANAPOL Conference in October 2024.
The meeting was led by Executive Director David Martinez Vinluan, accompanied by Director for Plans and
Programmes Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Huu Ngoc, Director for Police Services Senior Superintendent Huntal Tambunan, Deputy Superintendent of Police Abdul Hamid Abdul Hashim, Deputy Superintendent of Police Suresh Subramaniam, and Assistant Superintendent Nithia Perumal. Representing the Myanmar Police Force were Police Lieutenant Colonel Myo Than Tin and Police Captain Aung Ko.
Executive Director Vinluan initiated the discussion to align schedules for the ASEANAPOL sideline meetings, which MPF is set to host ahead of the 43rd ASEANAPOL Conference in Bangkok, Thailand. This follows the request of the Royal Thai Police (RTP) during their courtesy call on 27 January 2025, wherein RTP confirmed their commitment to hosting the 43rd ASEANAPOL Conference from 29 July to 2 August 2025 and emphasized the importance of concluding the sideline meetings beforehand.
MPF representatives confirmed that the ASEANAPOL Database System Technical Committee (ADSTC) Meeting is scheduled for 25–26 February 2025. To ensure smooth logistical arrangements, MPF requested the ASEANAPOL Secretariat to remind other ASEANAPOL Member Countries (AMCs) to submit their nominations at the earliest opportunity. In response, the Secretariat reiterated AMCs' request for host countries to send official meeting notifications at least two months in advance to facilitate timely preparations and secure necessary travel authorizations.
The Secretariat further sought MPF’s position on the feasibility of conducting certain sideline meetings in a hybrid or fully virtual format. Should such an approach be considered, MPF will need to issue a formal notification to avoid delays in planning and execution. MPF assured the Secretariat that tentative dates for the ASEANAPOL Contact Persons Meeting (ACTM), ASEANAPOL Forensic Science Network (APFSN) Meeting, and Joint ASEANAPOL Senior Police Officers' Course (JASPOC) Meeting will be provided in due course.
Executive Director Vinluan expressed appreciation for the constructive discussions and reaffirmed the ASEANAPOL Secretariat’s commitment to facilitating efficient coordination and collaboration among AMCs. The Secretariat remains dedicated to supporting MPF and all AMCs in ensuring the seamless execution of ASEANAPOL’s initiatives, further strengthening regional security and cooperation.
"Together We Keep This Region Safe"