By Douglas Carroll, DKI APCSS Public Affairs Specialist
HONOLULU — In mid-May, 2026, Maama Misi flew from Nuku’alofa, the capital of the Kingdom of Tonga, to Honolulu to deliver an address to the class attending the Comprehensive Security Course (CSC) 26-2. He spoke about his recently completed, historic Fellow Project—his nation’s first National Security Policy (NSP)—but only after much coaxing from his longtime friend, Alfred.
“My first time interacting with APCSS was back in 2014, in Vanuatu,” Misi said. “There was a workshop there that I attended and also where I first met Alfred.”
The event he referenced was the Regional Security Architecture in Pacific Islands 2014, held in Port Vila. There, Misi first became an alumnus of the Center, attending as then-Lt. Col. Misi, Component Commander, Land Forces of His Majesty’s Armed Forces of Tonga (HMAF).
Security practitioners from 20 locations and 10 international organizations participated in that workshop, building a shared appreciation of key regional security challenges and priorities. One of the presenters at the event was APCSS Professor Alfred Oehlers, who was one of the Center faculty supporting the workshop.
“That gave me a very good understanding and basis for looking at national security architecture,” Misi said. It also laid the groundwork for a highly fruitful professional and personal friendship.
“I first came to the Center in 2023 for another workshop, and I had already started doing my research on an NSP and on how to go about doing it,” Misi said. “This seminar was on a different agenda, but I was happy to attend because it gave me the opportunity to seek support from the Center on developing our policy. From then on, Oehlers continued to work with me and actually helped lay the foundation for this NSP, and I’m very thankful for that support.”
The impetus to create such a weighty document dates back to expectations from the Boe Declaration on Regional Security, adopted by all members of the Pacific Islands Forum in Nauru on Sept. 5, 2018. The declaration recognizes an expanded concept of security, including human, cyber, and environmental security, and frames regional responses to emerging security issues.
The Tongan government’s capacity to support such a project encouraged Misi to start identifying partners with the tools required to make it a reality, such as DKI APCSS, the Pacific Security College of Australia, and others. Aside from advisors, he also needed to create a team of Tongans to lead, compile priorities, and eventually draft the policy.
Consulting with all government ministries and aspects of Tongan society proved challenging in an archipelagic nation comprised of over 170 islands scattered over 700,000 square kilometers of the Pacific Ocean.
“The key is to be inclusive, and we had to go to all 45 inhabited islands; also, all the sectors, government, private, NGOs, even the diaspora,” Misi said. “That was the biggest effort, collection and consultation.”
Remarkably, a task that should have taken many months was completed in just one, and the final documentation was completed within half a year. It was launched by the Prime Minister, the Honorable Dr. Aisake Valu Eke, MP, in November of 2025. In the document’s foreword, he wrote: “What makes our National Security Policy unmistakably Tongan is that it has been shaped by the voices of our people. In every talanoa (talk)—with government ministries, parliament, civil society, and the broader public—one message was clear: before we look outward, we must first look within.”
Oehlers was on hand as Misi delivered his remarks to the 140 Fellows of CSC 26-2, the largest class ever to attend DKI APCSS’ flagship course. He also took part in the ceremonial presentation of the coveted Laulima Lanyard, gifted only to those alumni who complete their Fellow Project.
“It’s a really, really proud moment for the Kingdom of Tonga, their first-ever national security policy, and it is a celebration of what is achievable if you have the right partners and the commitment,” Oehlers said. “Maama was designated as the lead for this due to his experience, his temperament, and his inclination to work with a range of inter-agency partners. A very well-qualified person to take this on.”
Regardless of their long friendship, it took a lot of persuasion from Oehlers to get Misi to board a plane and come to the Center to accept his award.
“Maama is a man whose great heart and intellect are only matched by his humility,” Oehlers added. “Yet he joins a small number who have distinguished themselves not only in their achievements and milestones, but also by the manner in which they lead.”
By Douglas Carroll, DKI APCSS Public Affairs Specialist
MANILA, Philippines – With a global network of over 16,000 alumni, maintaining relationships and encouraging their growth are vital elements of the Daniel K. Inouye Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies mission. It was fitting that a team from the Center, led by Lori Forman, Senior Professor for Enabling Partnerships, departed Honolulu on Valentine’s Day for a week of engagements with alumni and leadership from one of the United States’ closest allies – the Philippines.
The nearly 600-member Philippine Alumni Association is one of DKI APCSS’ most active fellowships. Its membership spans all government agencies and defense force branches, with several distinguished alumni in top leadership positions. They frequently interact with each other and the center, holding collaborative workshops and bringing individual Fellow Projects to completion.
These alumni develop projects in coordination with their agencies, utilizing the resources and expertise of the center’s faculty. The programs are intended to solve issues arising from the dynamic security environment of the Philippines and the greater Indo-Pacific region.
While in Manila, a mentors roundtable was held, led by DKI APCSS professor Andrea Malji, who heads the Fellow Projects program. She sought to pair distinguished alumni with the next generation of leadership to complete their projects, capitalizing on a deep well of experience and enthusiasm.
“A project should align with the roles and responsibilities that a Fellow has, so that once they attend a DKI APCSS course and finalize their concept, they can go home and carry out this project,” Malji said. “It should be feasible yet different for each alumnus.”
“The Fellow Project is about having an impact,” she added. “It can help with their own career advancement, but it’s really about addressing and solving problems they have identified within their agency, or even nationally.”
Senior alumnus Sherwin Ona
To provide the mentors with a concrete example of a project’s potential, senior alumnus Sherwin Ona gave a presentation. Ona is an associate professor at De La Salle University, a senior academic fellow at the Philippines Public Safety College, and an alumnus of the DKI APCSS Comprehensive Security Course 25-1. His project, The Cyber-Leadership Executive Course, was designed for non-IT executives in government.
“For the past four years, the Philippines has experienced many cyberattacks, and we believe this course can prepare our leadership to respond to them fully and, at the same time, use our resources more efficiently,” Ona said.
Dr. Andrea Malji, Mr. Sherwin Ona and Dr. Lori Forman
The five weeks he spent at the center were not only for executive-level education but also for acute, personal examination.
“It was an empowering experience. When I was part of the program, I was really observing the design of the course,” he said. “I copied much of the style, such as breakout sessions and tabletop exercises, which we adopted into the Cyber-Leadership Course.”
“We also created The Reentry Action Proposal, which, in itself, is very similar to the DKI APCSS Fellow Projects initiative.”
After his presentation, Ona was awarded a DKI APCSS Certificate of Appreciation and the prized Laulima Lanyard for his project accomplishment and ongoing work. The roundtable discussion resulted in solid commitments from all 23 in attendance. Several other senior alumni also reached out to Malji later in the week to lend their expertise.
“There is so much enthusiasm for DKI APCSS throughout Southeast Asia, and particularly in the Philippines,” said Malji. “People who are alumni of our courses want to know how they can help. They want to be part of this network, provide guidance, and see future Fellows succeed.”
James Ward
Criminal Analyst, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Honolulu
CSC 22-1
James Ward, an alumnus of the Comprehensive Security Cooperation Course (CSC) 22-1, describes his time at DKI APCSS as “transformational” and pivotal in advancing his professional trajectory. Among the most significant outcomes of his experience was the development of his Fellow Project, which tackled the pressing issue of real estate money laundering in Hawai‘i.
Mr. Ward’s project focused on the use of Geographic Targeting Orders (GTOs) as a strategic tool to disrupt illicit financial flows. With Hawai‘i attracting substantial foreign investment—particularly from Asian markets—the state has become increasingly vulnerable to criminal misuse of the real estate sector. These illicit transactions not only drive up housing prices but also distort local markets and community stability. GTOs require title insurance companies to identify the true owners behind shell companies, thereby improving transparency and accountability in high-risk transactions.
Leveraging data analysis and investigative methods, James developed an algorithm designed to detect suspicious real estate activity linked to money laundering. His innovative approach strengthens the integrity of the housing market and contributes to broader national economic security.
Following the development of his algorithm, Mr. Ward was invited to Washington, D.C., where he briefed three lawmakers on his findings. He presented insights into how GTO data can be used to improve investigative targeting and resource allocation. He also advocated for codifying GTOs into federal law and emphasized the need for sustained investment in this area of enforcement. In recognition of his contributions, James received the Brendan O’Rourke Award for Innovation in Criminal Analysis.
In May 2025, James returned to APCSS as part of CSC 25-2 to share his journey and provide guidance to current fellows. He highlighted how the course’s in-depth discussions, critical feedback, and cross-functional perspectives were instrumental in shaping his award-winning project.
In his own words, Mr. Ward notes that:
“The true value of the course lies in transforming the knowledge you receive into actionable outcomes that can benefit your fellow offices. Completing your project is not just a personal achievement, it's an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our collective mission. I encourage all my fellow brothers and sisters to see your projects through to completion and relish the positive impact they can have. The sense of accomplishment and the benefits to our community are truly rewarding. I know I enjoyed the outcomes of my efforts, and I hope you will too!”
Verena Neundter
Regional Delegate for Police and Security Forces, International Committee of the Red Cross
Covering Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and China (2020-2023)
CSC 22-3
Project timeline: 10/26/2022 – 4/28/2023
Ms. Verena Neundter observed a necessity to remind military personnel about their responsibilities and limitations when deployed to exercise police powers in support of local law enforcement agencies. As she was based during this period in Sri Lanka, Ms. Neundter conducted a workshop in two different regions for a total of 90 commanders of the Sri Lankan army. She designed a curriculum emphasizing procedures about the use of force and firearms and the management of crowds. Working groups were formed to discuss case studies and share the appropriate responses to such scenarios to create an interactive atmosphere.
Charlie Siniu
Agreements & Implementation Chief, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
CSC 22-2
Project timeline: 5/25/2022 – 2/28/2023
Mr. Charlie Siniu was part of the negotiating team that established the Papua New Guinea—United States Defense Cooperation Agreement in 2023. He participated in consultations with the Washington team to identify shared areas of interest and points of contention. The agreement provided a foundational framework to enhance security cooperation and bilateral relations between the United States and Papua New Guinea.
Atika Rachma
Policy Analyst, Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs
CSC 22-2
Project timeline: 6/30/2022 – 1/5/2023
Ms. Atika Rachma addressed the coordination gap in a national counterterrorism program by synchronizing national objectives with the local government’s available resources. Arranging meetings between relevant stakeholders, her efforts culminated in the formation of an initiative focusing on the social integration of former convicted terrorists. Ms. Rachma ultimately demonstrated the possibility of multi-actor collaboration under this national counterterrorism program. The Indonesian Counter Terrorism Agency has plans to implement this initiative in several provinces.
Ananda Raj Khanal
Senior Director, Nepal Telecommunications Authority
CSRT 15-1
Project timeline: 3/13/2015 – 8/7/2023
Over the course of eight years, Mr. Ananda Raj Khanal took the initiative to develop and implement Nepal’s first National Cyber Security Policy. He coordinated with international and national stakeholders, like the International Telecommunication Union and Nepal’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, to create a comprehensive policy. The Cabinet approved this document in August 2023, and Mr. Khanal is pursuing several initiatives to fully implement the policy and raise cyber awareness across government, academia, and the general population.
Shashika Sandaruwan Ekanayake
Squadron Leader, Sri Lanka Air Force
CSC 23-2
Project timeline: 6/29/2023 – 12/4/2023
As the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) continues to adapt to evolving threats in cybersecurity, Squadron Leader Shashika Sandaruwan Ekanayake identified network vulnerabilities that current and future officers must address. To best protect critical cyber infrastructures, he concentrated his efforts on revising the existing cybersecurity training module for junior and middle-grade SLAF officers. Sqn. Ldr. Ekanayake surveyed samples of students to identify weak areas of cyber awareness and successfully adjusted the curriculum accordingly.
Mohamad El Affi
Brigadier General, Land Borders Regiments Training School
Lebanon
CSC 23-1
Project timeline: 3/22/2023 – 9/15/2023
Brigadier General Mohamad El Affi proposed a multifaceted project that would fund Lebanon’s Land Border Regiments Training School (LBRTS). Losing 90% of its yearly budget, the LBRTS needed to secure funds in order to continue training the Lebanese Armed Forces on border control. As a solution, Brig. Gen. El Affi developed a Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) course to sell to national and international non-governmental organizations. With support from international partners, he organized two-week HEAT courses and plans to execute additional training in 2024.
Gregor Marco Garoa
Former Superintendent, Nauru Police Force
CCM 20-1
Project timeline: 10/19/2015 - 12/22/2020
Mr. Gregor Garoa’s project synchronized emergency response agencies according to a recently formulated National Incident Response Plan. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, Mr. Garoa coordinated with various government departments to organize 11 emergency drill exercises in Nauru’s districts. This initiative produced an in-depth report with analysis highlighting areas of improvement for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Nauru Police Force, community command posts, and several other stakeholders.
Analyn Antonio
Director, Intel Research & Analysis Center, HW Naval Intelligence Security Force, Navy
CSC 22-3
Project timeline:10/26/2022 – 3/13/2023
Lieutenant Commander Analyn Antonio identified several opportunities to advance hydrographic capabilities within the Naval Meteorological and Oceanographic Center. She produced a position paper arguing for new equipment to understand the maritime environment better. Acquiring a survey boat and skiff, LCDR Antonio was responsible for this enhanced capability that assessed and prevented deployment dangers for Navy personnel.
