Singapore Maritime Foundation gathers industry leaders to navigate Complex Global Outlook and Foster Sector Cohesiveness at the SMF new year conversations 2026

January 16, 2026

The SMF Board ushers 2026 in with a New Year toast credit:SMF

This evening, more than 250 industry leaders representing the public and private sectors across Singapore’s diverse maritime ecosystem attended the SMF New Year Conversations 2026. Mr. Murali Pillai, Senior Minister of State for Law and Transport, graced the event as Guest-of-Honor and delivered the opening address.

Mr. Hor Weng Yew, Chairman, Singapore Maritime Foundation, welcomes industry leaders to the SMF New Year Conversations 2026

Panel Discussion on Market Outlook, Risks and Opportunities

A highlight of the SMF New Year Conversations 2026 was a panel that discussed the outlook for the year ahead amid volatility and risks. The distinguished panelists and moderator were:Panelists

Mr. Jan Dieleman, President, Cargill Ocean Transportation
Mr. Rolf Thore Roppestad, Chairman of IG Group and Chief Executive Officer, Gard
Mr. Nicholas Brown, Chief Executive Officer, Lloyd’s Register
Ms. Harvonne Yap, Vice President, Products Freight Trading, Shell
Mr. Jeremy Sutton, Chief Executive Officer, Swire Shipping
Mr. Murali Pillai, Senior Minister of State for Law and Transport, delivers the Opening Address

Moderator

Mr. Andreas Sohmen-Pao, Chairman, BW Group
Mr. Andreas Sohmen-Pao, Chairman, BW Group, moderates a panel discussion on market outlook and amid volatility and risks. The panelists comprise industry leaders Mr. Jan Dieleman, President, Cargill Ocean Transportation; Mr. Rolf Thore Roppestad, Chairman of IG Group and Chief Executive Officer, Gard; Mr. Nicholas Brown, Chief Executive Officer, Lloyd’s Register; Ms. Harvonne Yap, Vice President, Products Freight Trading, Shell; and Mr. Jeremy Sutton, Chief Executive Officer, Swire Shipping

Quote by SMF Chairman

“Through platforms such as the annual New Year Conversations, the Singapore Maritime Foundation brings the industry together and provides an avenue for senior leaders across the ecosystem to connect, take stock of the industry’s developments, and share insights. As a trusted partner to both the public and private sectors, SMF will continue to work closely with our stakeholders to drive collective action on strategic priorities such as building the talent pipeline and enhancing Maritime Singapore’s competitiveness,” said Mr. Hor Weng Yew, Chairman, Singapore Maritime Foundation.