By Dr. Izyan Munirah Mohd Zaideen, Adzie Faraha Mo’osin and Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Nurul Haqimin Mohd Salleh, Centre for Knowledge Transfer, Industry & Community Linkages (PPIJIM), Faculty of Maritime Studies (FMS)

To provide a platform for exploring the evolving role of women in shaping the future of the maritime industry, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) recently partnered with WISTA (Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association) Malaysia to host the International Day for Women in Maritime (IDWM) 2026.

The two-day programme organized by UMT’s Centre for Knowledge Transfer, Industry & Community Linkages in collaboration with the Faculty of Maritime Studies gathered key stakeholders from academia, industry, government agencies, and professional bodies. 

The programme was held in conjunction with the International Day for Women in Maritime celebrated every 18 May. The global observance recognizes the contributions of women in the maritime industry and promotes greater gender equality across the sector. This year’s theme was From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality for Maritime Excellence. 

The organizing of IDWM 2026 reflects UMT’s position as the premier “engine room” of maritime talent and thought leadership in the ASEAN region. 

“The university’s specialized undergraduate and master’s programmes coupled with an elite line-up of subject matter experts are uniquely engineered to turn academic excellence into real-world industrial impact,” said Professor Ts. Dr. Noor Maizura Mohamad Noor, UMT Pro Vice Chancellor (industrial Linkages & Community) in her welcoming remarks. 

UMT’s event partner WISTA is a global organization dedicated to supporting women in maritime, shipping, logistics, and trading industries. It has more than 5,000 members across 60 national associations worldwide including Malaysia. Its mission includes professional development, networking, leadership advancement, and promoting gender diversity in the maritime sector. 

The keynote address by Dato’ Monaliza Suhaimi, Director General of the Malaysian Institute of Maritime (MIMA) echoed the spirit of the event. Addressing a packed hall of delegates and students, she challenged traditional industry frameworks with a resounding message on gender equity.

“Competency and capability are not determined by gender,” Dato’ Monaliza said. “True maritime excellence can only be achieved when we dismantle the structural barriers that restrict talent based on outdated stereotypes and actively move from policy on paper to lived practice.”

The highlight of the event was the leadership forum, moderated by Reshma Yussouf, president of WISTA Malaysia. It featured panellists from PETRONAS, Johor Port Authority, Sea Teknik Robotics, and a former UMT Vice Chancellor. The forum highlighted leadership experiences, industry transformation, and the importance of diversity in driving innovation within the maritime sector.

One of the programme’s most significant impacts was connecting students with accomplished women professionals from across the maritime sector. Their interactions highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion as key drivers of innovation and resilience within the maritime industry.