The strength, dynamism and diversity of Asia’s buoyant maritime community will be evident at the 2026 WISTA AGM and Conference gathering in Kuala Lumpur later this month, as industry leaders, experts, policy makers and professionals gather to sustain progressive change across shipping.
Co-hosted by WISTA Malaysia, WISTA Singapore and WISTA Hong Kong SAR China, the three-day event will take place from 28-30 October under the theme Bridging Borders, Driving Change: Asia Shaping the Future of Maritime and Trade.
Leveraging Asia’s position as a connector, catalyst and hub for innovation, conference proceedings have been curated to drive forward key maritime industry conversations regarding sustainability, technology and inclusive leadership.
Elpi Petraki, President of WISTA International, said: “The WISTA International AGM and Conference provides an important opportunity for the maritime community to come together to address some of the key challenges facing our industry, while continuing to advance gender diversity and inclusion across the shipping, logistics and trading sectors. This year’s conference comes at a particularly significant time, as the industry faces a period of considerable change that will shape its direction.
“As the world’s largest maritime market, Asia has a vital role to play in defining the next chapter, and I am delighted to welcome WISTA 2026 delegates, speakers and guests to the region on behalf of the three National WISTA Associations who have joined forces to co-host the event. Collaboration is at the heart of WISTA, and our conference will provide a valuable platform to share perspectives, exchange ideas and strengthen connections as we explore Asia’s growing influence on shipping and global trade.”
Those attending this year’s conference will hear from a distinguished line-up of experts, with highlights including a ‘fireside chat’ with Thomas Kazakos, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS). Attractions also include a high-impact panel discussion on Leadership Shaping the Future of Maritime in Asia, and a timely discussion on Building an Inclusive and Future-Ready Maritime Workforce featuring Mariana Noceti, Programme Officer at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Helio Vicente, Director of Employment Affairs at ICS. Other panel sessions will explore Connecting Ships, Ports and Global Trade and Building a Resilient Maritime Economy Through Global Partnerships.
For the first time delegates will hear from female seafarers, in a focused session on Women at Sea that will celebrate the evolution of women’s participation in the maritime profession and provide practical insights into how to address future workforce challenges.
Alongside industry-focused discussions, the conference will also highlight the wider social and environmental aspect of the maritime sector. A guest presentation from Michelle de la Harpe, Founder of Meraki Daat, will explore ocean conservation, community empowerment, women-led initiatives and sustainability through work with coastal communities in Sabah.
In a joint statement, WISTA Hong Kong SAR China President, Isabel Tse, WISTA Malaysia President, Reshma Yusuf and WISTA Singapore President, Yukie Teo, said: “We are honoured to be hosting the 2026 WISTA International AGM and Conference and to be delivering a thought-provoking programme that showcases the strength, diversity and dynamism of the region’s maritime community. The WISTA International Conference provides a wonderful opportunity for industry professionals to connect and build lasting relationships, and we look forward to welcoming delegates from around the world to Kuala Lumpur later this month.”
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