WISTA 2026 Detailed Programme
Explore the daily schedule of WISTA 2026, including regional networking events, executive meetings, main conference sessions, and technical visits. Select a date below to view details.
Wednesday, 21 October 2026 Regional Events
12:00 - 15:00
Luncheon with WISTA
Hosted in the iconic Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, located on the Victoria Harbour Front in Causeway
Bay, WISTA Hong Kong
SAR China brings together the key voices from the regional maritime community. This exclusive
networking reception on
21st October 2026 focuses on fostering meaningful connections among industry leaders, policymakers,
maritime key players
and professionals ahead of the AGM and Conference in Kuala Lumpur.
Join us to connect with WISTA International and WISTA Hong Kong SAR China Executive Committee members. Attendance is complimentary, and priority will be given to AGM & Conference attendees and WISTA members.
Join us to connect with WISTA International and WISTA Hong Kong SAR China Executive Committee members. Attendance is complimentary, and priority will be given to AGM & Conference attendees and WISTA members.
Compass Room, Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club
Friday, 23 October 2026 Regional Events
10:00 - 13:00
Singapore Maritime Sea Exploration Tour
Departure point: Marina South Pier
Embark on a guided sea exploration of Singapore's southern waters and gain a unique perspective
on one of the world's busiest maritime hubs. The tour offers insights into offshore energy
facilities, port operations, container terminals, and marine sustainability initiatives.
Tour highlights:
Tour highlights:
- Singapore Strait and major shipping lanes
- Pulau Bukom, Pulau Sebarok and Jurong Island
- Pasir Panjang Container Terminal
- Maritime sustainability and conservation initiatives
- Guided commentary by an MPA-approved guide
Please note: This tour is an
optional activity and requires a separate paid registration. Places are limited to 30
participants.
13:00 - 16:30
Afternoon at the Singapore Maritime Gallery
Singapore Maritime Gallery
Hosted by WISTA Singapore, this afternoon gathering offers delegates an opportunity to connect with
fellow maritime professionals while discovering Singapore's rich maritime heritage and future
innovations.
This session is open to all registered Singapore Networking Event ticket holders.
13:00 - 14:00
Networking Lunch &
Refreshments
14:00 - 14:15
Introduction to the Singapore
Maritime Gallery
A short welcome and introduction by the
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
14:15 - 16:30
Free Exploration
Guests explore the Singapore Maritime Gallery at
their own pace.
17:00 - 21:00
Singapore Networking Event & Dinner
The Padang Restaurant, Singapore Cricket Club
Join WISTA Singapore for an evening of networking in the heart of one of the world's leading maritime and trading centres.
Designed to encourage cross-sector dialogue among shipping, trade and maritime service professionals, this gathering provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen regional connections ahead of the AGM and Conference in Kuala Lumpur.
Connect with representatives from the WISTA International and WISTA Singapore Executive Committees, alongside members and guests from local and international WISTA communities.
17:00 - 18:00
Registration
18:00 - 21:00
Singapore Networking Event
& Dinner
Monday, 26 October 2026 Executive Committee Meetings
19:30 - 22:00
Welcome Dinner for WISTA International ExCo and Host Committee Members
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tuesday, 27 October 2026 Leadership & Strategic Engagements
09:00 - 17:00
WISTA International Presidents’ Roundtable
InterContinental Hotel Kuala Lumpur
19:30 - 21:30
WISTA Presidents’ Dinner
Ruai - House of Sarawak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Wednesday, 28 October 2026 WISTA International AGM
08:00 - 08:45
Registration and Coffee
InterContinental Hotel Kuala Lumpur
09:00 - 11:00
WISTA International AGM
11:00 - 11:20
Networking Coffee
11:20 - 13:00
WISTA International AGM
13:00 - 14:00
Lunch
14:00 - 16:00
WISTA International AGM
16:00 - 16:20
Afternoon Networking Coffee
16:20 - 17:00
Closing Remarks
18:30 - 21:00
Welcome Reception
Living Room, W Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
Thursday, 29 October 2026 WISTA International Conference 2026
08:00 - 09:00
Registration & Light Refreshments
InterContinental Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
08:20 - 09:00
Warm-up & Stretch
Atty. Kareen Fe D. Pioquinto-Enriquez
Partner and Executive Director
EPEEQ Law
09:00 - 09:10
Welcome Address
Reshma Yousuf
President
WISTA Malaysia
CEO
CLLB Sdn Bhd
Yukie Teo
President
WISTA Singapore
General Manager
Headway International Pte. Ltd
Isabel Tse
President
WISTA Hong Kong SAR
Managing Director
W V Ocean Consultancy Limited
09:10 - 09:20
Opening Address
Elpi Petraki
President
WISTA International
Operations, Chartering & Business Development Manager
ENEA Management Inc
Secretary General
Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association (HSSA)
09:20 - 09:35
Keynote Address
09:35 - 09:40
Session Transition
09:40 - 10:25
Leadership Panel
Asia is rapidly emerging as the centre of global maritime growth, driven by innovation,
collaboration and visionary leadership. Bringing together senior leaders from across the region,
this opening panel explores how governments, ports and industry are working together to strengthen
maritime competitiveness, foster inclusive leadership, develop future-ready infrastructure and
position Asia at the forefront of global maritime trade.
Isabel Tse (Moderator)
President
WISTA Hong Kong SAR
Managing Director
W V Ocean Consultancy Limited
Elpi Petraki
President
WISTA International
Operations, Chartering & Business Development Manager
ENEA Management Inc
Secretary General
Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association (HSSA)
Capt. Rajalingam Subramaniam
Chief Executive Officer
Fleet Management Limited (The Caravel Group)
Dato' Capt. K. Subramaniam
General Manager
Port Klang Authority
Sakura Kuma
President
WISTA Japan
Managing Director
MOL (Asia Oceania) Pte. Ltd.
Executive Officer
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.
10:25 - 10:35
Official Group Photo
10:35 - 11:00
Networking Coffee Break
11:00 - 11:45
Panel Discussion 2 – OUR PEOPLE
People remain the industry's greatest asset. As the maritime sector undergoes rapid transformation,
attracting, developing and retaining the right talent has become more critical than ever. This
session explores how industry leaders are building inclusive workplaces, preparing future-ready
maritime professionals, strengthening leadership pipelines and ensuring that diversity becomes a
competitive advantage rather than simply a policy objective.
Discussion Themes:
Discussion Themes:
- Building the future maritime workforce
- Inclusive leadership and workplace culture
- Attracting and retaining women in maritime
- Future skills and competency development
- Leadership succession
- Modern crewing strategies
- Collaboration between industry and education
Michelle Yong (Moderator)
Partner
Stephenson Harwood (Singapore) Alliance
Sabrina Chao
Honorary President
WISTA Hong Kong
Chairman
SeaKapital
Ruzila Idin
Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO)
MISC Berhad
Mariana Noceti
Programme Officer, Women in Maritime
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Helio Vicente
Director (Employment Affairs)
International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)
11:45 - 12:05
Guest Presentation
While maritime connects the world, it also carries a responsibility to protect it. Michelle shares
the inspiring story of how Meraki Daat is restoring marine ecosystems while empowering coastal
communities in Sabah through education, women's entrepreneurship, environmental stewardship and
sustainable livelihoods.
Presentation Themes:
Presentation Themes:
- Ocean conservation
- Community empowerment
- Women-led initiatives
- Sustainable coastal livelihoods
- Plastic recovery and circular economy
- The Blue Economy in action
Michelle de la Harpe, RTCA
Charter President
Meraki Daat Initiative
12:15 - 13:00
Panel Discussion 3 – OUR INDUSTRY
Global shipping is becoming smarter, greener and increasingly interconnected. From advanced vessels
and digital ports to resilient supply chains and regional collaboration, Asia is leading the
transformation of the maritime ecosystem. This session explores how shipowners, ports, technology
providers and logistics leaders are working together to create safer, more efficient and sustainable
maritime trade.
Discussion Themes:
Discussion Themes:
- Smart Ports
- Next-generation vessels
- Shipbuilding innovation
- Maritime digitalisation Artificial Intelligence and automation
- Alternative fuels and decarbonisation
- Supply chain resilience
- Port connectivity
- Maritime technology
- Regional collaboration
- Future trade corridors
Caterina Cerrini
(Moderator)
Board Member
WISTA Italy
Project and Development Manager
Italian Shipping Academy
Dr. Siti Noraishah
General Manager
Johor Port Authority
Roxana Ortega
President
WISTA Panama
Senior Project Manager
Maritime & Logistics Consulting Group, S.A.
Ana Paula Costa
President
WISTA Brazil
Senior Operations Manager
DS NORDEN A/S
Manasi Bhopale
Senior Consultant – Sustainability
Lloyd’s Register Advisory
13:00 - 14:30
Networking Lunch
Serena Brasserie – InterContinental Kuala Lumpur
14:30 - 14:55
Fireside Conversation
Cassandra Simpson
(Moderator)
Vice-President
WISTA Hong Kong SAR China
General Manager, Corporate Communications
The Caravel Group
Thomas A. Kazakos
Secretary General
International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)
14:55 - 15:00
Session Transition
15:00 - 15:45
Panel Discussion 4 – OUR FUTURE
No organisation, port or country can shape the future of maritime alone. As geopolitical shifts,
choke points, climate challenges and digital transformation redefine global trade, collaboration
across governments, ports, shipping companies, financiers, insurers, legal experts and technology
providers has never been more important.
This session explores how partnerships across Asia and beyond are strengthening maritime resilience, enabling sustainable investment and creating an integrated ecosystem capable of supporting future global trade.
Discussion Themes:
This session explores how partnerships across Asia and beyond are strengthening maritime resilience, enabling sustainable investment and creating an integrated ecosystem capable of supporting future global trade.
Discussion Themes:
- Maritime finance
- Marine insurance
- Maritime legal developments
- ESG and sustainable investment
- Digital trade
- Geopolitical resilience
- Cross-border collaboration
- Supply chain resilience
- Regional partnerships
- Future maritime policy
Katharina Stanzel
(Moderator)
Former Managing Director
INTERTANKO
Chris Hall
Managing Director – Hong Kong
American P&I Club
Elisabeth Sloane
Partner
HFW
Marina Ledakis
Market Reporter – EMEA Shipping & Freight
S&P Global Commodity Insights
Elisa Woodward
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Grand Banks Marine Group
15:45 - 16:15
Networking Break
16:15 - 16:45
Women at Sea
Bringing together female seafarers, this session celebrates women’s participation in the
maritime profession. Through personal stories and practical insights, the panel will explore how
each generation has responded to industry transformation and what skills, mindsets and leadership
qualities are needed to thrive in the future maritime workforce.
Capt. Emanuel Janta Anak Mujah
Harbour Pilot
Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP)
Capt. Lydia Argyropoulou
Treasurer
WISTA Hellas
Port Captain – Dry Cargo Operator
Neda Maritime Agency Co., Ltd.
Cynthia Everduin
Secretary & Board Member
WISTA The Netherlands
Operational Director
De Bock Maritiem B.V.
16:45 - 17:00
Closing Remarks
19:30 - 23:30
WISTA International Gala Dinner
InterContinental Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Friday, 30 October 2026 Workshops & Technical Visits
07:00 - 12:00
Site Visit 1: Port Klang Technical Site Visit
Technical visit to a leading Malaysian port and logistics facility focusing on automation,
terminal operations, sustainability initiatives, and digital transformation.
Port Klang, Selangor.
07:00
Departure from
Intercontinental Hotel Kuala Lumpur
08:15 - 08:30
Arrival at Port Klang
Welcome Address & Safety Briefing
08:30 - 09:00
Presentation by Port Klang
Authority
09:00 - 09:15
Q&A / Group Photo
09:15 - 10:00
Guided Transfer / Overview
Drive to Northport
10:00 - 10:45
Northport Technical Visit
10:45 - 11:15
Transfer to Westports
11:15 - 12:00
Lunch and Hosted Terminal
Overview at Westports
12:00
Return to Intercontinental
Hotel
07:30 - 13:00
Site Visit 2: Maersk AI Warehouse
Operational visit to explore smart warehousing, AI & predictive analytics in supply chains,
and operational automation.
Maersk Mega Distribution Centre (DC), Selangor.
07:30 - 07:45
Departure from
InterContinental Hotel Kuala Lumpur
09:00 - 11:30
Introduction & Warehouse
Tour
11:30 - 13:00
Lunch
13:00
Return to InterContinental
Hotel
Copyright WISTA International 2026. All Rights Reserved.
