HONOLULU — Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS) Director Suzanne P. Vares-Lum recently completed her first official trip to the Indo-Pacific region since assuming leadership of the Center. She accompanied Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, on visits to Malaysia and Singapore before traveling on to Japan to continue engagements aimed at strengthening U.S. alliances and partnerships.

In Malaysia, May 28-29, Paparo met with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Minister of Defence Mohamed Khaled Nordin. Their discussions reaffirmed the enduring defense relationship between the two nations, which includes bilateral and multilateral exercises, expert exchanges and information sharing to enhance maritime domain awareness and regional stability. Malaysia is home to more than 500 DKI APCSS alumni, many of whom have advanced to key leadership positions and helped build networks that promote cooperation across the region.

Vares-Lum joined the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command delegation at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, where she participated in bilateral meetings and the Young Leaders Program, May 30-June 1. She met with Brunei’s director of the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, DK Dr. Noor Hasharina PG HJ Hassan, and Japan Coast Guard Commandant Seguchi Yoshio. The discussions with Seguchi explored opportunities for collaboration between the Japan Coast Guard, DKI APCSS, and the U.S. Coast Guard in Hawaii.

Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and DKI APCSS Director Suzanne P. Vares-Lum visit Malaysia on May 29, 2025. Paparo met with senior military and government officials, highlighting Malaysia’s importance as a U.S. partner and reaffirming the U.S. commitment to the region. Photo by Sgt. Angel Heraldez

After departing Singapore, Vares-Lum traveled to Japan, where she met with Lt. Gen. Stephen Jost, commander of U.S. Forces Japan, and his leadership team to discuss opportunities for enhanced cooperation. She also met with U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass to reinforce the U.S.-Japan security partnership and explore strategies for addressing regional security challenges through sustained collaboration.

Vares-Lum and a DKI APCSS team, in partnership with the U.S. Embassy Japan, also co-hosted a Senior Japan Alumni Roundtable at the Mutual Defense Assistance Office in Tokyo. The gathering brought together distinguished alumni to discuss Japanese security issues, suggest ways DKI APCSS could support Japan’s security efforts, and explore opportunities to strengthen U.S.-Japan ties and alumni networks.

Dr. Noor Hasharina PG HJ Hassan, right

U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass

Standing, from left to right: Col. Mike Dorschner, chief, MDAO; Hiroshi Hisazawa, Japan National Defense Academy, TSC 16-2; Col. Jeffrey Digsby, DKI APCSS; Vice Adm. (Ret.) Hiroshi Ito, TSC 17-1; Rear Adm. Naoya Hoshi, Japan Maritime Logistics Department, ASC 15-2; Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Ambassador Jun Nagashima, TSC 15-1; Ambassador Mitsuko Hayashi, TSC 16-1; Yoichi Kato, Waseda Institute, CA 24-1; Dave McElyea, DKI APCSS; Belinda Yeomans, DKI APCSS.

Kneeling, from left to right: Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Naotoshi Oyama, EC 98-3; John Gasner, DKI APCSS; Srini Sitaraman, DKI APCSS; Jamie Asman, DKI APCSS.

Not pictured: Kazumi Nishikawa, principal director, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, CA 24-1; and Capt. Dan Fillion, senior U.S. defense attaché.