(NEWS) WMU Alumni Association in Cameroon

June

2022

WMU Alumni Association in Cameroon

On 31 May, in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport of Cameroon, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) facilitated the organization of a virtual meeting between IMO, WMU and the WMU Alumni Association of Cameroon (WMUAAC). The newly formed WMUAAC was officially registered in Cameroon recently and joins a number of other WMU Alumni Associations around the world. The Association is already in contact with the fledgling regional WMU Alumni Association of Africa, which is open to all national Associations in the region.

WMUAAC has 31 registered members and is working to attract additional members from the 58 WMU graduates in Cameroon. The Association aims to improve networking in the maritime and oceans fields, transferring knowledge across the sector as well as a working group towards sustainable development.

The meeting included discussion of the contribution of WMU alumni from Cameroon in the development of the national maritime sector including their involvement and contribution to the development and adoption of a National Maritime Transport Policy (NMTP) for Cameroon. It was highlighted that in March, WMU and IMO partnered on delivering an Introduction to NMTP for officials in Cameroon. Discussions also included potential assistance that could be provided by WMU to WMUAAC including facilitating cooperation and collaboration with other national WMU alumni associations including regional WMU alumni associations.

Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, President of WMU, encouraged the authorities in Cameroon to make full use of the skills and expertise of the Alumni from the Cameroon, and to nominate more duly qualified officials to join the University who can make their own contribution in due course. She also informed the meeting of the recent official recognition of WMU degrees by the Government of Sweden which should have a positive impact on both the employment of graduates and attracting additional well qualified candidates.

Mr Xiaojie Zhang, Director, Technical Cooperation Division (TCD), IMO expressed his hope that the WMUAAC will serve as a good networking platform for WMU graduates in Cameroon also promoting the basic principles and mission of WMU. Mr Zhang is also a WMU alumnus.

In the 35 years since the establishment of WMU, 5,634 alumni from 171 countries and territories have graduated from WMU. Many of these alumni have gone on to occupy critical positions across sectors particularly the maritime sector. WMU has a dedicated Alumni Office and the University encourages its graduates to register as WMU Alumni, so the University can extend invitations to events such as the regular alumni webinars, meetings with faculty visiting the region, and to the Alumni Homecoming Conference that is tentatively scheduled for May 2023 following the postponement in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Alumni are also encouraged to join the official WMU Alumni Facebook group, and to send news and information to the WMU Alumni Office at alumni@wmu.se for inclusion in the news listing.

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Maritime Governance: Contextual Factors affecting Implementation of IMO Instruments

My decision to enroll in the doctoral program at WMU was heavily influencedby my prior experience as a Master's student at the institution. Initiallyintroduced to me as a preeminent global institution for maritime education,WMU's stellar reputation was further substantiated by the exceptional qualityof education I received during my Master’s studies. This experience became acompelling factor in my determination to return to WMU as a doctoral student.Recognizing the synergies between my research aspirations and the institutionalofferings at WMU, I concluded that continuing my educational journey at thisesteemed institution was not only beneficial but also aligned perfectly with myacademic and professional goals.

My research explored thetheoretical foundations of governance, placing a particular emphasis onmaritime governance. Going beyond mere theoretical frameworks, the studyconducted a comprehensive examination of a crucial aspect within maritimegovernance—specifically, the implementation of International MaritimeOrganization (IMO) instruments, exploring the contextual factors that affectthe implementation process. Applying the grounded theory methodology, theresearch aimed to understand these theoretical underpinnings, as well as firmlyanchor insights in the practical context of maritime governance; unveiling theintricacies and challenges associated with the effective implementation of IMOinstruments in the maritime domain. The selection of this topic was motivatedby a personal interest that was cultivated during my Master’s studies inmaritime law and policy. Furthermore, it was driven by the recognition of ascarcity of scientific research on this specific topic. This gap in theexisting body of knowledge served as a catalyst for my exploration,underscoring the significance of contributing valuable insights to an area ofmaritime governance that has been relatively underrepresented in scholarlyresearch.

Undoubtedly, a highlight of myeducational journey at WMU was the opportunity to forge connections withinfluential change-makers and thought leaders hailing from every corner of theglobe. This invaluable chance to engage with individuals on an internationalscale has not only enabled me to expand my global network but has also servedas a conduit for immersing myself in the rich tapestry of diverse cultures.Through these global interactions, I've gained a profound understanding ofdifferent perspectives, traditions, and approaches, contributing significantlyto my personal and academic growth. This experience goes beyond mere networkingand has also played a pivotal role in fostering stronger connections within theCaribbean region from which I hail.

Embarking on my professional path,my foremost aim is to establish myself as an authority in the field of maritimegovernance. I aspire to leave a significant and enduring mark on the globalmaritime landscape. Beyond the academic sphere, my drive is fuelled by apassionate interest in pursuing diverse opportunities within the maritimedomain and the broader educational sector and contributing significantly topositive transformations in the global maritime sector.

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Maritime Governance: Contextual Factors affecting Implementation of IMO Instruments

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When I made the decision to embark on the journey of pursuing both my MScand PhD degrees, the World Maritime University (WMU) beckoned me for severalcompelling reasons. Foremost among these was WMU's sterling reputation as aworld-class institution within the maritime sphere, a factor that wieldedsignificant influence over my choice. Given my extensive background as a seniorprofessional in the maritime operational field, having held the role of acaptain, I was in search of an academic environment that could serve as a nexusfor both enriching my knowledge and providing a platform for the disseminationof my wealth of industry experience.

WMU's unwavering commitment tomaritime education, coupled with its resolute emphasis on bridging the realmsof academia and industry, deeply resonated with me. It became evident that WMUwas the perfect crucible for my transformation from a career entrenched inmaritime operations to one flourishing within academia. The University'sstoried tradition of nurturing and producing experts and leaders within themaritime sector further solidified its standing as the ideal choice for myeducational pursuits.Furthermore, WMU's distinctive interdisciplinary approachto maritime studies served as an irresistible attraction.

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One of the most memorable aspectsof my WMU experience has undoubtedly been the University's vibrant andinclusive interdisciplinary environment. Engaging with both faculty members andfellow students hailing from diverse backgrounds and nationalities has been anincredibly enriching facet of my academic journey. This inclusive atmospherehas offered me a unique opportunity to gain fresh insights and perspectivesthat would have remained undiscovered within the confines of a purely industry-focusedsetting. The collaborative exchange of ideas across various maritimedisciplines has proven to be invaluable, expanding my horizons and enriching myeducational experience. Additionally, the regular involvement in thoughtfuldiscussions, seminars, and workshops focused on globally relevant maritimetopics has served as a consistent source of inspiration throughout my time atWMU. The University’s unwavering dedication to cultivating a global network ofmaritime experts has allowed me to establish meaningful connections withprofessionals and scholars from across the world. These connections have notonly broadened my academic horizons but have also added a global dimension tomy educational journey, enhancing its depth and significance.

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