Sydney & Canberra, Australia, 12 – 18 Apr 25. A 32-member delegation from MCSC(J), led by Head of Training Development Kol Tan Lai Hock RMAF, embarked on an official visit to Australia under the Comparative Study Research component of the SSSAAR programme. The visit focused on examining strategic alliances and regional security partnerships in the Asia-Pacific, particularly the evolving role and influence of the U.S. The delegation visited both Sydney and Canberra, engaging with key institutions and thought leaders. They attended insightful presentations and discussions with the Australian Department of Defence, the Malaysian High Commission, the University of New South Wales, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), and the Lowy Institute – each offering unique perspectives on regional dynamics and defence cooperation. As part of the program, the delegation also visited the Australian War Memorial to pay tribute to shared military history. In addition, they toured the Australian War College, where they received a detailed briefing on the Australian Command and Staff Course, further enhancing their understanding of professional military education. This visit served as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, strategic dialogue, and strengthening ties between Malaysia and Australia.
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Malaysia/Australia Defence Relationship – Mejor Suriatie Alias Assistant Defence Adviser – High Commission of Malaysia – 14 Apr 25

On day 3, the delegation had the honour of receiving a briefing from Maj Suriatie Alias, Assistant Defence Adviser at the High Commission of Malaysia. The session focused on the strong and evolving Malaysia–Australia defence relationship, highlighting shared efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. Maj Suriatie outlined key areas of ongoing cooperation, including joint military exercises, capacity-building initiatives, and intelligence sharing—all of which play a crucial role in strengthening operational readiness and mutual understanding between the two nations. The presentation also touched on recent developments aimed at enhancing the bilateral defence relationship, reflecting a shared commitment to collaboration in the Indo-Pacific. Looking ahead, the briefing explored opportunities for deepening ties in response to emerging global and regional challenges. It emphasised the importance of flexibility, innovation, and trust in building a resilient and forward-looking partnership. The session provided the delegation with a clear understanding of how Malaysia and Australia continue to work hand-in-hand to promote regional security through long-standing defence ties and shared strategic interests.

Presentation from University of New South Wales by Prof Clinton Fernandes and the Australian Strategic Policy Institute by Dr Euan Graham – 14 Apr 25

Subsequently, the delegation had the privilege of attending an engaging presentation by Prof Clinton Fernandes from the University of New South Wales. Held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Canberra, the session offered valuable insights into Australia’s strategic positioning in the Asia-Pacific region. Prof Fernandes explored Australia’s careful balancing act—maintaining strong economic relationships within the region while aligning closely with the United States on strategic and security matters. He provided a comprehensive overview of how Australia’s economy and the challenges it faces. A key focus of the presentation was the South China Sea, highlighting issues around freedom of navigation and regional efforts to address China’s growing military assertiveness. The delegation also gained insight into Australia’s strengthened defence relationship with the U.S., particularly through initiatives emerging under the AUKUS security pact. This informative session deepened the delegation’s understanding of Australia’s foreign policy challenges and evolving security strategies in the Indo-Pacific. Later, delegation attended a highly informative virtual presentation by Dr Euan Graham of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI). Speaking via live video link from Warrnambool, Victoria—over 1,000 km from Canberra—Dr Graham shared expert insights on Australia’s evolving strategic posture in Southeast Asia. The presentation explored Australia’s longstanding military engagement in the region, which has been a cornerstone of its defence strategy since World War II. Dr Graham emphasised that shaping a regional order supportive of Australia’s national interests remains a key strategic objective, especially amid growing global and regional uncertainties. A major focus of the session was the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) – the region’s oldest defence minilateral involving Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand, and the UK. Dr Graham highlighted the FPDA enduring role in promoting regional stability, strengthening military interoperability, and enhancing strategic coordination. With new security challenges emerging in the Indo-Pacific, the discussion also addressed the potential evolution of the FPDA, including whether it could eventually expand to include other Southeast Asian nations. This timely lecture deepened the delegation’s understanding of Australia’s defence priorities and regional partnerships.
Visit to the Australian War Memorial – 14 Apr 25

On the afternoon, the delegation visited the Australian War Memorial in Canberra—a powerful and moving experience for all involved. Upon arrival, the 32-member delegation was divided into three groups for an 80-minute guided tour of the Memorial’s key exhibits. A highlight of the visit was the historic Surrender Table, where Gen Arthur Percival of the British Commonwealth forces signed the unconditional surrender to Gen Tomoyuki Yamashita of the Imperial Japanese Army in 1942. This moment marked the largest capitulation of British-led forces in WWII, involving over 130,000 troops—including approximately 15,000 Australians. The tour also included a solemn visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier and the Wall of Remembrance, which bears the names of more than 103,000 Australians who have died in service since 1885. These memorials offered a moment of reflection and respect for the fallen. The visit concluded with participation in the Last Post Ceremony held in the Commemorative Courtyard. During the ceremony, delegation head Kol Tan Lai Hock laid a wreath on behalf of the Malaysian Armed Forces Staff College—a fitting tribute to shared military history and remembrance.

Visit to the Australian War College – 15 Apr 25
The visit continued on day 4 to the Australian War College (AWC) at Weston Creek, gaining valuable insights into one of Australia’s premier institutions for professional military education. The visit began with a comprehensive briefing on the AWC’s structure, roles, and responsibilities in shaping Australia’s future defence leaders. The highlight of the visit was an in-depth presentation on the Australian Command and Staff Course (ACSC), delivered by the Director of the course, Group Captain (GPCAPT) Tim Anderson, RAAF. The delegation was briefed on the course’s composition and provided a detailed overview of its curriculum. The presentation highlighted how the ACSC is carefully structured to optimise learning outcomes, with a balanced focus on leadership, strategy, joint operations, and critical thinking. The MAFSC delegation were particularly impressed by the innovative and well-organised approach to course delivery, noting its relevance in preparing officers for complex operational and strategic environments. Following the presentations, the delegation toured the AWC modern facilities, further deepening their appreciation of the institution’s training environment. The visit concluded with a warm exchange of gifts between delegation leader Kol Tan Lai Hock RMAF and GPCAPT Anderson—a gesture reflecting mutual respect and the enduring professional camaraderie between MAFSC and the ACSC.

Presentation from the Australian Department of Defence: 2024 National Defence Strategy by Mr Dean Carlson – 15 Apr 25

On the same day, the delegation attended an insightful presentation on Australia’s 2024 National Defence Strategy, held at the Crowne Plaza Canberra. The session was delivered by Mr Dean Carlson, a Director from the National Defence Strategy Division, Australian Department of Defence. Mr Carlson began by providing a brief history of Australia’s evolving defence posture, outlining how recent shifts in the strategic environment have necessitated a more robust and adaptive approach. Central to the discussion was the 2023 Defence Strategic Review, which identified a rapidly deteriorating regional and global security landscape. The presentation emphasised the ‘Strategy of Denial’ as the cornerstone of Australia’s defence planning and explained the five key operational tasks of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Mr Carlson also introduced the 2024 Integrated Investment Programme and the ‘Six Capability Effects’ that will shape future defence capability development. International partnerships were a key theme, with particular focus on how Australia is working with regional allies—including those in Southeast Asia—to address shared challenges. The session concluded with an analysis of what the new National Defence Strategy means for Southeast Asia and its implications for regional stability.

Presentation from the Lowy Institute by Ms Susannah Patton, Dr Rahman Yaacob and Mr Tom Corben – 17 Apr 25
On day 6, the delegation visited the Lowy Institute in Sydney for a thought-provoking session on the evolving US–Australia alliance and Australia’s strategic transition from a global middle power to a more active regional power in Southeast Asia. The discussion was led by Ms Susannah Patton, Director of the Southeast Asia Program at the Lowy Institute. She was accompanied by Dr Rahman Yaacob from the Lowy Institute as well as Mr Tom Corben from the United States Studies Centre. The presenters shared deep insights into Australia’s efforts to balance its longstanding alliance with the U.S. while strengthening engagement with its regional neighbours. Key topics included how Australia is amplifying its voice on key international issues, particularly in relation to Indo-Pacific security, and how its foreign and defence policy is being reshaped in response to shifting geopolitical dynamics. The role of the AUKUS strategic framework was also examined, alongside Australia’s growing defence and diplomatic ties with countries such as Japan and the Philippines. The delegation left with a greater understanding of Australia’s vision for the region and its commitment to being a proactive and stabilising force in Southeast Asia. This programme marked the end of CSR Visit programme to Australia.

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