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Prof. Dr. Capt. Eddy Sumartono Officially Appointed as Dean of Law at ASEAN University International Malaysia in a Historic Senate Convocation
Kuala Lumpur, July 18, 2025
– A historic moment was etched once again in the academic landscape of
Southeast Asia. In an atmosphere of grandeur and reverence, the Open Senate
Convocation of ASEAN University International Malaysia, held at the
Intercontinental Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, successfully celebrated the graduation
of a new cohort of Bachelor, Master, and Ph.D. students. The event also marked
the official inauguration of three new professors and the appointment of Prof.
Dr. Capt. Eddy Sumartono, SH, LL.M, M.Mar, MBA, DBA, Ph.D. as the new Dean
of Law at the prestigious institution.
The convocation was presided over by
the President of ASEAN University International Malaysia, Prof. Dr.
H. Suhendar, SE, SH, LL.M, Ph.D., who, in his speech, expressed pride and
hope for the graduates while emphasizing the crucial role of senior academics
in guiding the next generation of scholars throughout Southeast Asia and
beyond.
A Multidisciplinary Figure Who
Inspires Southeast Asia
Among the shimmering stage lights and
applause from distinguished guests, the spotlight shone brightly on Prof.
Dr. Capt. Eddy Sumartono. Widely known as a seasoned maritime captain, a
cross-disciplinary academic, and a visionary leader in higher education, his
appointment as Dean of Law stands as a testament to his extraordinary
dedication and contributions to international law, maritime affairs, and global
education.
As a licensed international merchant
ship captain with years of global navigation experience, Prof. Capt. Eddy has
not only sailed across oceans but also navigated the vast seas of knowledge. He
holds over seven academic degrees, including four doctorates and
multiple master's degrees in law and international business from renowned
institutions. His expertise spans maritime law, shipping risk
management, global business, and even the philosophy of
seafarers' lives.
His new role marks a significant
milestone in his lifelong mission to shape a legal education system that is
adaptive to regional dynamics, global challenges, and the rapid technological
evolution of the Fifth Industrial Revolution (Industry 5.0).
Dean's Speech: Legal Leadership Rooted
in Humanity and Progress
In his keynote address before
graduates and esteemed guests, Prof. Capt. Eddy carried the theme, "Justice
in the Era of Transformation: Integrating Law, Technology, and Human
Values." He emphasized that law must be more than just written
rules—it should be a manifestation of justice, ethics, and social
responsibility that evolves with the times.
“We are not merely producing legal
scholars who can cite articles of law, but future leaders who can interpret law
with heart, defend humanity, and bridge the complexities of the digital and
multicultural world,” he declared to a standing ovation.
He called for a transdisciplinary
approach to legal education, urging that law graduates must not only
understand legal theory but also be capable of navigating complex global
issues—ranging from international maritime law, digital trade
agreements, to migrant labor rights protection, especially in the
maritime sector where he has dedicated much of his career.
A Grand Convocation: 3 Professors, 9
Ph.D. Graduates, and a New Era
This open senate ceremony was also a
pivotal moment for ASEAN University International Malaysia, as it
inaugurated three new professors, representing the disciplines of law,
economics, and educational technology. Additionally, the university
conferred degrees upon 9 Ph.D. graduates, 4 master’s graduates,
and 2 bachelor’s degree recipients in a solemn and inspiring
celebration.
In his address, President Prof. Dr.
Suhendar emphasized that this event was a culmination of rigorous academic
standards, sustained commitment, and strong synergy among ASEAN nations to
enhance the region's higher education.
“We are not an international
university in name only, but in vision, global networking, and tangible
contributions. With great figures such as Prof. Capt. Eddy, I believe ASEAN’s
academic journey will become more progressive and character-driven,”
said Prof. Suhendar.
Presence of Regional and International
Leaders
The event was graced by delegates from
various higher education institutions across Asia, ASEAN diplomatic
representatives, international legal experts, and professionals from the
maritime and business sectors. All attendees extended congratulations to the
university’s achievements and gave special recognition to Prof. Capt. Eddy
for his unwavering service in advancing maritime law and legal education in the
region.
His appearance on stage symbolized not
only academic distinction but also the embodiment of the "Scholar-Seafarer"—a
thinker deeply rooted in real-world experience, now championing legal
transformation through a distinct humanistic and maritime perspective.
From the Ocean to the Campus: The
Leadership Philosophy of Prof. Capt. Eddy
The life story of Prof. Capt. Eddy is
a powerful source of inspiration. Despite his demanding career as a merchant
ship captain navigating across continents, he has persistently pursued
academic excellence, achieving four doctoral degrees along with advanced
studies in theology, law, and management, all with high distinction.
In a post-ceremony interview, he
reflected:
“The sea has been my true teacher. It
taught me discipline, caution, courage, and reverence for life itself. These
values I now carry into my classrooms and into the legal education system I am
building.”
As Dean, he now champions a vision
that integrates legal theory, global policy, and real-world practice,
particularly in advocating for seafarers' rights, maritime justice,
marine environmental law, and the digitalization of international
trade law.
Academic Contributions and Global
Thought Leadership
Beyond his leadership, Prof. Capt.
Eddy is also an active author of both academic and popular books on topics
such as maritime leadership, emotional intelligence in law, the blue
economy, and the philosophy of seafaring in the era of Industry 5.0.
Several of his recent works are currently under review for publication in
prestigious international journals such as Scopus and Springer.
It was also announced that under his
leadership, the Faculty of Law will soon establish the ASEAN Maritime
Law and Technology Research Center, serving as a hub for research, international
collaboration, and legal innovation incubation.
Opening
New Pathways for the ASEAN Generation
The appointment of Prof. Dr. Capt.
Eddy Sumartono as Dean of Law is far more than an administrative
milestone. It marks a paradigm shift in academic leadership—a confluence
of intellect, integrity, and real-world insight. In an era of global
uncertainty and transformation, ASEAN requires leaders who not only master
theory but also deeply understand the pulse and challenges of regional
societies.
Through this role, he is expected to strengthen
ASEAN’s international legal network, expand educational diplomacy,
and build bridges between academia, industry, and government throughout
Southeast Asia.
Conclusion:
A New Dawn for Legal Education
That day was more than a graduation
and inauguration ceremony—it was the beginning of a new chapter in the
history of legal education in ASEAN. With his rich experience and unwavering
dedication, Prof. Dr. Capt. Eddy Sumartono now stands as a beacon of
hope, demonstrating that law can indeed live, breathe, and serve as a
powerful tool for social transformation.
As he concluded his address:
“Law must not remain confined within
the classroom. It must sail into society, defend the marginalized, and build a
civilization grounded in justice and dignity.”
Congratulations to Prof. Capt. Eddy
on his new appointment. May he continue to illuminate the world of knowledge
and serve as a guiding light for future generations across oceans and
disciplines.
******
Written by: ASEAN Global News
Editorial Team
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | July 18, 2025