Ocean Data Strategic Asset For Security, Economy - National Hydrographic Centre DG

KLANG, June 20 (Bernama) -- Ocean data is no longer is no longer technical information used for navigation, but has evolved to become a strategic asset that supports national security, the Blue Economy, marine resource management and international trade stability.

The National Hydrographic Centre (NHC) director-general, Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Rear Admiral Dr Najhan Md Said, said accurate, up-to-date and reliable hydrographic data is a catalyst for navigation safety.

“We are a government agency with an important function not only for the military. We also have a role to play for national companies as the national hydrographic surveillance agency and represent the Malaysian government in the world hydrographic organisation.

“Our function is highly significant in ensuring the smooth flow of the economy because of the safe waters in the South China Sea and the Strait of Melaka,” he told a media conference after officiating the 2026 World Hydrography Day celebrations here today.

He said any disruption to safety and smooth navigation along these strategic routes could have a direct impact on global supply chains, energy markets and regional economies.

Meanwhile, he said that technological advances such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, autonomous systems and digital geospatial platforms are also changing the landscape of hydrographic data collection, processing and sharing

Najhan said that successful transformation can only be achieved through strong cooperation and readiness among all parties to share data, expertise and responsibilities in an integrated manner.

World Hydrography Day is celebrated every June 21 by the international hydrographic community to recognise the contribution of the field to maritime safety and sustainable ocean development, and the theme this year is ‘Transforming How Ocean Data is Shared’.

-- BERNAMA