ICOMIA organizes successful first conference for the water sports industry

ICOMIA and Singapore Boating Industry Association presented the ICOMIA Boating Industry Conference 2024 at ONE°15 Marina in Sentosa Cove, Singapore, on April 23-24, 2024.

In the photo on the left. Dr. Kim Choong-Hwan – Korea Marine Industry Association, Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksha – Chamber of Marine Industries Sri Lanka, Darren Vaux – ICOMIA, Joe Lynch – ICOMIA, YP Loke – Singapore Boating Industry Association, Ronnie Wang – Yachting Encounters Asia. Image copyright John Yuen 2024.

This inaugural conference in Singapore showcases much of the work ICOMIA is doing to connect the recreational boating industry in Asia. In particular, the work generated by ICOMIA Asia representative Su Lin Cheah, who was the main organizer, coordinator and creative force of the event.

The conference was opened by special guest and Chief Executive of the Maritime and Ports Authority of Singapore, Eng Dih Teo, who spoke about his vision for Singapore to become one of the leading ports in the world and how to do that while meeting the goals of the Climate Agreement of Paris to achieve. Agreement.

The main themes of the conference were sustainability and decarbonising the recreational boating industry, with ICOMIA’s ongoing Propelling our Future campaign shaping much of the dialogue. ICOMIA President Darren Vaux then took to the stage to deliver the conference keynote, discussing ICOMIA’s groundbreaking research Pathways into Propulsion Decarbonization in the Recreational Marine Industry and the further research being conducted through the ongoing #propellingourfuture campaign.

Bingrong Ng, Director of MPA Singapore’s Maritime Decarbonization Department was next to provide delegates with a detailed overview of Singapore’s decarbonization and sustainability initiatives at the Port of Singapore. These include progress on the planned electrification of port vessels and engagement with the leisure sector to ensure cooperation in implementation.

The topics then moved to more technical issues, with Dr. Grant Suzuki of Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, together with his colleagues Kash Kihira and Austin Murashima of Yamaha Motor Co. Japan, presented on their innovative approach to embracing the full domain of available technologies. applicable across Yamaha’s entire portfolio of marine and non-marine mobility products.

Following a networking lunch, Oscar Siches, an experienced professional in marina operations and design and also a member of the ISO Marina Committee, guided delegates through the ISO process and how to achieve certification or compliance standards for marina management and operations.

Oscar then led a fascinating panel discussion on the Pivot Towards Sustainability. Together with panelists Stephen Beng of Phillip Capital and Peter Jacops of WAWA Creations, their discussion showed that best practices in sustainability should be multi-faceted and pragmatic, encompassing not only environmental and social factors, but also financial and economic considerations.

The investment community is increasingly making its decisions based on sustainability criteria, demonstrating that both consumer and institutional investors are increasingly aligned with sustainability within our industry.

The following panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Sanjay Kuttan from the Global Center for Maritime Decarbonization, along with panelists Max Tan from Haphicraft and Dr. Daniel He from The Kinetic Option. Together they presented the innovation in Singapore with sustainable products for marine recreation.

The first day of the conference concluded with a session close to the hearts of those attending, discussing how we can sail responsibly and better protect the marine environment that we enjoy as recreational boaters and also as maritime professionals. Moderator Stephen Beng from Friends of the Marine Park Community led an engaging panel discussion with Klaas J Teule, Program Leader of the WWF-Coral Triangle Program, Chester Gan Program Leader for Ocean from WWF Singapore and Wade Pearce, from SG Marine Guide.

On the second day of the conference, the focus shifted to looking at the issues of sustainability in industry growth and business practices; how we can collaborate and collaborate with governments and regulators globally to ensure the best possible regulatory, tax and investment environment to help our sector thrive. about international cooperation and how it can be used effectively.

Another well-received discussion focused on changing consumer expectations and how we as an industry can work to make boating more affordable and accessible, with shared ownership schemes proving to be transformative in this regard and also good for the environment.

The recreational boating industry creates tangible economic value for the recreational boating industry and transforms communities across sectors, from infrastructure and skills development to economic and environmental protection. Supported by the right data and analysis, such relevant information will form the basis for discussions with governments in improving the business environment.

ICOMIA CEO Joe Lynch said: “We promised you a conference that would focus on sustainability in every sense of the word, a conference that is relevant to everyone regardless of their role within our industry and thanks to our incredible contributors and audiences from all over corners of the world. the world, we have fulfilled this promise.”

“Collectively, we are responsible for a vast industry that benefits the health and well-being of both our participants and local host communities. When we work together, we create a sustainable, successful and safe industry that we can pass on to the next generation.”

The ICOMIA Boating Industry Conference was organized and held in collaboration with ICOMIA member Singapore Boating Industry Association in conjunction with the Singapore Yachting Festival. If you would like more information about the conference, please send an email

www.icomia.org