Inside one of Sarawak’s most iconic buildings—the local Parliament in Borneo—I had the privilege of delivering a three-hour lecture on the geospatial and legal dimensions of maritime boundary delimitation. The audience comprised around 50 engaged participants from a diverse range of institutions: the Attorney General’s Chambers of Sarawak, Members of Parliament, the Ministry of Transportation, and other agencies. Their enthusiasm and sharp questions made the session especially rewarding.
The invitation came from Dr. Jady Hassim and Ms Vanessa Jawa, whom I first met in February this year at the National University of Singapore (NUS), when I gave a lecture on baselines and maritime boundaries. Apparently, they found that session valuable enough to bring the same discussions to a broader audience in Kuching. I was honoured.
It was my first visit to Sarawak. I had been to Sabah before, but never to this part of Malaysian Borneo. Though the visit was brief, I noticed subtle but striking differences between the Indonesian and Malaysian sides of the border. It may be premature to draw conclusions, but I must acknowledge that Malaysia seems to have managed its border areas with slightly more consistency and integration. I was also pleasantly surprised by the visible presence of international institutions that contribute to Kuching’s cosmopolitan feel.
I structured the lecture into two parts: the first focusing on foundational principles and methods of maritime boundary delimitation, and the second presenting case studies—some of which involved Indonesia and Malaysia. I was aware that some topics could be diplomatically sensitive, but I also trusted the intellectual maturity of the audience. As long as the discussion was grounded in legal frameworks and scientific evidence, I believed the message would be well-received—and it was. The engagement was thoughtful, curious, and constructive.
Beyond the classroom, Sarawak offered culinary experiences that were just as memorable. The laksa was exceptional, and I was generously gifted some kek lapis—layered cakes that are as intricate as they are delicious.
It was a brief but meaningful journey. I truly hope I’ll have the chance to return—perhaps to continue the conversation, or to begin a new one.