Bangkok, Thailand

23^rd – 24^th January 2019

The above-mentioned conference was held in Bangkok on the 23^rd and 24^th January 2019. It was attended by port officials, operators, and practitioners in the ports and shipping sectors as well as researchers from institutions in Thailand and South East Asia region. The conference was structured into two sessions; the port business and development and the digitalization and automation. MIMA researcher, Cdr Ang Chin Hup (R) chaired the session on digitalisation and automation with speakers from Port Authority of Thailand, Hutchinson Ports and DP World as well as providers of ports security solution, positioning and automated solutions.

Cdr Ang at the conference

Cdr Ang also moderated a panellist discussion on Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI) comprising of Mr Muhammad Razif, General Manager of Johor Port Authority/Chairman of ASEAN Ports Association and Mr Patrick Ip, Managing Director of Chinese – ASEAN Investment Cooperation Fund. The panellists discussed the impact of BRI on ports and infrastructure development in the region.

Panel Discussion at the conference

Participants at the conference

The conference organiser arranged for a visit to Laem Chabang Port located at about 25 km north of Pattaya and is the largest port in Thailand. The world’s number 20 busiest container port has capacity to handle Post Panamax vessels and also serves as a port of call for passenger cruise ships.  

View of Laem Chabang Port

MIMA is pleased to share knowledge with ports and shipping regulators and practitioners in South East Asia. As a policy research institute, MIMA looks forward to collaborate with related institutions on maritime issues.