Asia’s Maritime Community To Take Centre Stage At Upcoming WISTA 2026
Asia’s Maritime Community Takes Centre Stage at Upcoming WISTA 2026
Co-hosted by WISTA Malaysia, WISTA Singapore and WISTA Hong Kong SAR China, the three-day event gathers industry leaders in Kuala Lumpur to drive progressive change across shipping.
Bridging Borders, Driving Change
The strength, dynamism and diversity of Asia’s buoyant maritime community take centre stage at the 2026 WISTA AGM and Conference in Kuala Lumpur later this month. Industry leaders, experts, policymakers 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 takes place from 28 to 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 drive forward key maritime industry conversations regarding sustainability, technology and inclusive leadership.
"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."Elpi Petraki — President, WISTA International
Petraki adds that as the world’s largest maritime market, Asia plays a vital role in defining the industry's next chapter. The collaboration between the three National WISTA Associations provides a valuable platform to share perspectives, exchange ideas and strengthen connections while exploring Asia’s growing influence on shipping and global trade.
High-Impact Maritime Programming
Thomas Kazakos, Secretary General, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)
Mariana Noceti, Programme Officer, International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Helio Vicente, Director of Employment Affairs, ICS
Michelle de la Harpe, Founder, Meraki Daat
Delegates hear from a distinguished line-up of experts. Highlights include a fireside chat with Thomas Kazakos, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS). A panel discussion on Leadership Shaping the Future of Maritime in Asia accompanies a timely session on Building an Inclusive and Future-Ready Maritime Workforce, featuring Mariana Noceti of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Helio Vicente of the ICS.
Other panel sessions explore Connecting Ships, Ports and Global Trade and Building a Resilient Maritime Economy Through Global Partnerships.
For the first time, delegates hear directly from female seafarers in a focused session on Women at Sea. This segment celebrates the evolution of women’s participation in the maritime profession and provides practical insights into addressing future workforce challenges.
Alongside industry-focused discussions, the conference highlights the wider social and environmental aspects of the maritime sector. A guest presentation from Michelle de la Harpe, Founder of Meraki Daat, explores ocean conservation, community empowerment, women-led initiatives and sustainability through her work with coastal communities in Sabah.
"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."Isabel Tse, Reshma Yusuf, and Yukie Teo — Presidents of WISTA Hong Kong SAR China, WISTA Malaysia, and WISTA Singapore
Event Details: The full agenda for the 2026 WISTA AGM and Conference is available at www.wista2026.com.
About WISTA International: Formed in 1974, the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA International) is a global organisation connecting executives and decision-makers around the world. WISTA International serves as a connector for its network of more than 6,500 professionals from all sectors of the maritime industry. Today, National WISTA Associations (NWAs) are active in 60 countries, providing in-country and regional networking, business and skill-building opportunities, corporate visibility, and facilitating relationships within the industry. Each NWA is a member of WISTA International, which guides and cooperates with national associations on upholding the values and aims, and achieving the objectives agreed at the international association’s AGM.
Press Enquiries:
Amanda Buchan, Account Manager, JLA Communication (Amanda.buchan@j-l-a.com)
Laura Betteley, Head of Global Coordination, WISTA International (Wista@Wistainternational.com)