Asia’s Maritime Future Takes Shape at WISTA 2026: Key Leaders
Kuala Lumpur to host the 2026 WISTA AGM and Conference from 28-30 October, focusing on sustainability, technology.
The three-day event, running from 28-30 October, will focus on sustainability, technology, and inclusive leadership under the theme ‘Bridging Borders, Driving Change: Asia Shaping the Future of Maritime and Trade’.
The conference, co-hosted by WISTA Malaysia, WISTA Singapore, and WISTA Hong Kong SAR China, comes at a critical juncture for global shipping. Elpi Petraki, President of WISTA International, emphasised the event’s significance: “This year’s conference comes at a particularly significant time, as the industry faces a period of considerable change that will shape its direction.".
“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. 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.”
Elpi Petraki·President of WISTA International
Why Asia’s Maritime Leadership Matters Now: WISTA
The 2026 WISTA conference will address three core pillars: sustainability, technology, and inclusive leadership. The event will explore how the region can leverage its position to accelerate the industry’s transition to greener fuels, digitalisation, and equitable workforce practices.
A highlight of the agenda is a fireside chat with Thomas Kazakos, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS).
Another critical session, ‘Building an Inclusive and Future-Ready Maritime Workforce’, will feature Mariana Noceti, Programme Officer at the IMO, and Helio Vicente, Director of Employment Affairs at the ICS. The discussion will also cover strategies to attract and retain talent in an industry grappling with an ageing workforce and a shortage of skilled labour.
Breaking Barriers: Women at Sea and Beyond
For the first time, the WISTA conference will dedicate a session to female seafarers, titled ‘Women at Sea’. The panel will celebrate the progress made in increasing women’s participation in maritime professions while addressing the systemic barriers that persist.
Michelle de la Harpe, Founder of Meraki Daat, will deliver a guest presentation on ocean conservation and community empowerment, focusing on women-led initiatives in Sabah’s coastal communities.
In a joint statement, the presidents of the co-hosting WISTA chapters, Isabel Tse (Hong Kong), Reshma Yusuf (Malaysia), and Yukie Teo (Singapore), expressed their enthusiasm for the event: “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 trio emphasised the conference’s role in fostering collaboration and building lasting relationships among industry professionals from around the world.
“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.”
Isabel Tse, Reshma Yusuf, and Yukie Teo·Presidents of WISTA Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore
The outcomes of the WISTA 2026 conference could have far-reaching implications for the maritime industry. With Asia at the helm, the event is poised to shape discussions on decarbonisation, digitalisation, and workforce development for years to come. Delegates will leave with actionable insights on how to navigate the sector’s challenges, from regulatory compliance to the adoption of emerging technologies like autonomous vessels and blockchain-based supply chain solutions.
The conference also serves as a reminder of the maritime industry’s interconnectedness. Decisions made in Asia, whether on fuel standards, port infrastructure, or labour policies, ripple across global supply chains. For example, the region’s push for greener shipping could accelerate the adoption of alternative fuels worldwide, while its efforts to improve gender diversity could inspire similar initiatives in other markets.
For industry professionals, the event offers a unique opportunity to engage with peers, policymakers, and thought leaders. The networking potential is immense, with delegates representing a cross-section of the maritime ecosystem, including shipowners, port operators, logistics providers, and regulatory bodies. The conference’s emphasis on collaboration aligns with WISTA’s mission to foster a more inclusive and sustainable maritime industry.
As the countdown to WISTA 2026 begins, the maritime community will be watching closely. The decisions and discussions that emerge from Kuala Lumpur could well define the next chapter of global shipping, a chapter in which Asia’s leadership is not just influential but indispensable.
Sign up free to ask CAMAL AI for a summary, the key points or anything else about this story.
Related stories
CAMAL AI
Financial Ports Newsletter
The maritime economy, every morning
Ports, shipping and freight markets in one short email. Free.
