The vibrant maritime community of Asia will showcase its strength, energy, and diversity at the upcoming 2026 WISTA AGM and Conference in Kuala Lumpur, taking place later this month. Industry leaders, experts, policymakers, and professionals will come together to discuss and support progressive changes in shipping.
This three-day event, co-hosted by WISTA Malaysia, WISTA Singapore, and WISTA Hong Kong SAR China, is scheduled for October 28-30, under the theme Bridging Borders, Driving Change: Asia Shaping the Future of Maritime and Trade.
The conference aims to utilize Asia’s role as a connector and hub for innovation to spark important discussions about sustainability, technology, and inclusive leadership within the maritime industry.
Elpi Petraki, President of WISTA International, stated: “The WISTA International AGM and Conference is a crucial opportunity for the maritime community to unite and tackle significant challenges in our industry while promoting gender diversity and inclusion in shipping, logistics, and trading sectors. This year’s conference is particularly timely as our industry undergoes considerable changes that will influence its future direction.
“As the largest maritime market globally, Asia has a key role in shaping the next chapter. I am excited to welcome WISTA 2026 delegates, speakers, and guests to our region on behalf of the three National WISTA Associations co-hosting this event. Collaboration is essential for WISTA, and this conference will serve as an excellent platform for sharing viewpoints, exchanging ideas, and enhancing connections as we analyze Asia’s increasing impact on shipping and global trade.”
Attendees can look forward to a roster of distinguished experts, featuring a ‘fireside chat’ with Thomas Kazakos, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS). Other highlights include a powerful panel discussion on Leadership Shaping the Future of Maritime in Asia and a timely conversation about Building an Inclusive and Future-Ready Maritime Workforce with Mariana Noceti, Programme Officer at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Helio Vicente, Director of Employment Affairs at ICS. Additional panel sessions will discuss topics like Connecting Ships, Ports and Global Trade and Building a Resilient Maritime Economy Through Global Partnerships.
For the first time, the conference will feature female seafarers in a dedicated session on Women at Sea, celebrating the growth of women's roles in the maritime profession and offering practical solutions to future workforce challenges.
Besides industry-focused discussions, the conference will also shed light on broader social and environmental issues within the maritime sector. A special presentation by Michelle de la Harpe, Founder of Meraki Daat, will address ocean conservation, community empowerment, women-led initiatives, and sustainability through her 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, expressed: “We are proud to host the 2026 WISTA International AGM and Conference and present a thought-provoking program that highlights the strength, diversity, and dynamism of our region’s maritime community. The WISTA International Conference is a fantastic opportunity for industry professionals to connect and build enduring relationships, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming delegates from around the globe to Kuala Lumpur this month.”
The complete agenda for the 2026 WISTA AGM and Conference is available for viewing here.
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Published 08.10.2026