WISTA 2026 Detailed Programme

The Transport and Logistics Bureau of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and WISTA will be hosting an exciting Maritime Community event.

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 WISTA Singapore for a curated connection evening in the heart of one of the world’s busiest port and trading centres. Designed to foster cross sector dialogue among shipping, trade, and maritime service professionals, this gathering serves as a key engagement platform in the lead-up to the AGM and Conference in Kuala Lumpur.

Attendees connect with WISTA International and WISTA Singapore Executive Committee representatives alongside guests from local and international WISTA communities, creating valuable global relationships and collaboration opportunities.

Asia rapidly emerges 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 work together to strengthen maritime competitiveness, foster inclusive leadership, develop future-ready infrastructure and position Asia at the forefront of global maritime trade.

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 build inclusive workplaces, prepare future-ready maritime professionals, strengthen leadership pipelines and ensure diversity becomes a competitive advantage rather than simply a policy objective.

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

While maritime connects the world, it carries a responsibility to protect it. Michelle shares the inspiring story of how Meraki Daat restores marine ecosystems while empowering coastal communities in Sabah through education, women's entrepreneurship, environmental stewardship and sustainable livelihoods.

Presentation Themes:

• Ocean conservation
• Community empowerment
• Women-led initiatives
• Sustainable coastal livelihoods
• Plastic recovery and circular economy
• The Blue Economy in action

Global shipping becomes smarter, greener and increasingly interconnected. From advanced vessels and digital ports to resilient supply chains and regional collaboration, Asia leads the transformation of the maritime ecosystem. This session explores how shipowners, ports, technology providers and logistics leaders work together to create safer, more efficient and sustainable maritime trade.

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

No organisation, port or country shapes 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 strengthen maritime resilience, enable sustainable investment and create 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

Bringing together three generations of female seafarers, this session celebrates the evolution of women’s participation in the maritime profession. Through personal stories and practical insights, the panel explores how each generation responds to industry transformation and what skills, mindsets and leadership qualities are needed to thrive in the future maritime workforce.