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Industry Leaders Discuss Strategic Challenges Facing Businesses and the Outlook Ahead at the Singapore Maritime Foundation New Year Conversations 2025

January 15, 2025
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Singapore, 15 January 2025 — More than 300 leaders from across the maritime ecosystem gathered this evening at the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) New Year Conversations. Mr. Murali Pillai, Minister of State for Law and Transport, was the Guest-of-Honor and delivered a speech.

In his welcome remarks, Mr. Hor Weng Yew, Chairman, Singapore Maritime Foundation, emphasised the importance of building the cohesiveness of Maritime Singapore as a community in times of uncertainties, and to continue to invest in a skilled workforce as a means to stay competitive amidst change.

Panel Discussion on Strategic Challenges and Business Outlook

A highlight of the SMF New Year Conversations 2025 was a panel discussion discussing strategic issues facing businesses and the outlook for the year ahead. The panel comprised the following industry leaders:

Moderator
Mr. Jeremy Nixon, Chief Executive Officer, Ocean Network Express

Panelists

  • Mr. Andreas Sohmen-Pao, Chairman, BW Group
  • Mr. Christopher Wiernicki, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, American Bureau of Shipping
  • Mr. Kit Kernon, Chief Executive Officer, Vitol International Shipping
  • Mr. Patrick Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore and ASEAN, Standard Chartered Bank
  • Mr. Tan Chong Meng, Board Director, Temasek Holdings

Quote by SMF Chairman

“The Singapore Maritime Foundation New Yew Conversations is the first event for the industry each year. This is a useful opportunity for leaders from across the diverse ecosystem to gather, foster networks, and strengthen the cohesiveness of Maritime Singapore. This cohesiveness is a key ingredient that underpins Singapore’s attractiveness as a maritime hub,” said Mr. Hor Weng Yew, Chairman, Singapore Maritime Foundation.

Mr. Murali Pillai, Minister of State for Law and Transport, delivers his opening address on Maritime Singapore’s 2024 performance and achievements.
Mr. Hor Weng Yew, Chairman, Singapore Maritime Foundation, delivers his welcome remarks and thanks all stakeholders for supporting SMF’s programmes.
Mr. Jeremy Nixon, Chief Executive Officer, Ocean Network Express, moderates a panel discussion highlighting strategic issues facing businesses and the outlook for the year ahead. The panellists comprise industry leaders Mr. Andreas Sohmen-Pao, Chairman, BW Group; Mr. Christopher Wiernicki, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, American Bureau of Shipping; Mr. Kit Kernon, Chief Executive Officer, Vitol International Shipping; Mr. Patrick Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore and ASEAN, Standard Chartered Bank; and Mr. Tan Chong Meng, Board Director, Temasek Holdings.
The SMF Board welcomed 2025 with a New Year toast.

                                                                                                                                    –END–

About the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF)

Established in 2004, the Singapore Maritime Foundation is a conduit between the public and private sectors to accomplish the twin mission of developing and promoting Singapore as an International Maritime Centre (IMC); and to attract, engage and grow a talent pipeline to position Maritime Singapore for continued growth. For details, visit www.smf.com.sg

Media Contacts:

David Lee
davidlee@sgmf.com.sg
+65 9119 8044

Joshua Ong
joshuaong@sgmf.com.sg
+65 9011 6304

Download Press Release

About the Singapore Maritime Foundation

Established in 2004, the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) is a conduit between the public and private sectors to accomplish the twin mission of developing and promoting Singapore as an International Maritime Centre (IMC); and to attract, engage and grow a talent pipeline to position Maritime Singapore for continued growth. For details, visit https://www.smf.com.sg 

Media Contacts

David Lee
davidlee@sgmf.com.sg
+65 9119 8044

Joshua Ong
joshuaong@sgmf.com.sg
+65 9011 6304

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