Set the tone for the conference: Malaysia is at a turning point in its maritime journey
Called for unified industry action to realise Malaysia's nautical tourism potential
9:00 AM
Keynote Keynote Address
Scaling the Marine Economy: Unlocking Billion-Ringgit Value Across the Yachting Ecosystem
Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry— MITI Representative
Key Takeaways
Highlighted the marine economy's contribution to national GDP and trade
Outlined government commitment to scaling the yachting ecosystem as part of broader industrial strategy
9:30 AM
Presentation Marine Department Overview
Malaysia Yacht Code (MYC): Practical Application for the Yachting Industry
Jabatan Laut Malaysia— Marine Department Malaysia
Key Takeaways
MYC bridges the gap between merchant ship rules and yacht-specific needs — traditional cargo/passenger regulations are impractical for yachts
Applies to commercial yachts over 500 GT (12-36 passengers) and over 24m but under 500 GT (more than 12 passengers); private yachts can use as guidance
Covers design and construction, stability, fire safety, life-saving appliances, machinery, electrical systems, navigation, and radio equipment
Reduces regulatory uncertainty and lowers compliance burden compared to merchant ship rules
Strengthens Malaysia's credibility as a responsible and competitive flag State
Continuous review of MYC is ongoing — enquiries via [email protected]
10:00 AM
Panel Discussion Panel Discussion: Harbourmaster of the Future
Balancing Safety, Sustainability and Smart Technology
Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Faizal bin Ahmad Fuad— Dean, Faculty of Maritime Studies, UMT
Moderator: En Sazli Kamal Basha
Key Takeaways
Dr. Ahmad Faizal presented peer-reviewed research (published in Australian Journal of Maritime & Ocean Affairs, Routledge 2025) from the Sail Malaysia 2024 rally
16 out of 24 reported issues (67%) relate to bureaucratic complexity in port clearance — the #1 issue by far
Malaysia lags in digitalisation versus Singapore (PANS system) and Indonesia (VDS)
Policy recommendation: establish an Integrated Digital Single Boarding Clearance system integrating MDAC, SCS, Customs, and Health
Allow self-clearance for non-commercial pleasure yachts under 24m — a "DIY clearance lane"
UK, Australia, and New Zealand all use tiered regulatory approaches — private leisure yachts receive proportionate, flexible regulation
Budget 2026 announced Teaching Shipyard TVET Marine complex at UMT
725 pleasure craft counted across 7 West Coast marinas — Langkawi dominates with 22% at Pulau Rebak alone
11:00 AM
Presentation Cruising Through Paradise
Regional MRO Facilities for Yachting — Advantages for Malaysia & Outlook
Mr. Adren Siow— President, Association of Marine Industries of Malaysia (AMIM)
Key Takeaways
Outlined Malaysia's MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) capabilities and competitive advantages
Highlighted regional positioning of Malaysian marine service yards
Discussed outlook for expanding MRO capacity to serve growing yacht traffic
11:30 AM
Presentation Cruising Through Paradise
Introducing the Gulf of Thailand
Mr. Scott Finsten— Harbourmaster, Ocean Marina Jomtien
Key Takeaways
Mapped a complete cruising route from Malaysia to the Gulf of Thailand: Redang/Perhentian → Songkhla → Samui Archipelago → Hua Hin → Pattaya → Koh Samet → Koh Chang → Cambodia → Phu Quoc (Vietnam)
Showcased Ocean Marina Pattaya as a model: 40+ marine tenants, hardstand, dry stack, boat building, 18-tonne and 75-tonne travelifts
Samui Archipelago highlighted as a key cruising destination: Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, and Angthong National Park
Candid clearance comparison: Malaysia is "relatively easy and inexpensive"; Thailand requires agents adding cost; Cambodia is difficult with high fees; Vietnam has "exorbitant" clearance fees
Malaysia positioned as the natural starting point for Gulf of Thailand cruising
12:00 PM
Panel Discussion Panel Discussion: Cruising Through Paradise
Integrating Nautical Tourism into Malaysia's National Tourism Strategy 2026-2030
Multiple Panellists
Panellists
Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia (Kedah)
Puan Zuraini Binti Abdul Ghani— Pengarah Bahagian Pembangunan Pakej, Tourism Malaysia
YBrs. Tuan Haji Dr. Azmil Munif bin Mohd Bukhari— Manager, Tourism Division of LADA
Moderator: YBhg. Dato' Nolee Ashilin
Key Takeaways
Discussion on integrating nautical tourism into Malaysia's National Tourism Strategy 2026-2030
Tourism Terengganu presented the east coast as "TRUE" — The Real Unique Experience
Duyong Marina & Resort Jetty: 100 berths, vessels up to 150 feet (45m), 3.5-4.0m depth, power and freshwater at each berth
Kuala Terengganu Drawbridge: 12m vertical clearance (closed), 50m navigation width when open, special opening RM5,000-10,000
Paradise islands accessible from mainland: Redang, Perhentian, Lang Tengah, Kapas
Cultural differentiators: batik workshops, Crystal Mosque visits, fisherman villages, unique east coast cuisine
13 anchor events in Terengganu for 2026 including Malaysia Powerboat Grand Prix
2:00 PM
Presentation Cruising Through Paradise
Opportunities & Future Outlook in Recreational Boating
Datuk Alexander Isaac— Executive Chairman, Tropical Charters Sdn Bhd
Key Takeaways
Identified three mega-shifts defining the industry: the Access Economy, the ACES Revolution (Autonomous, Connected, Electrified, Shared), and the Geographic Pivot toward Asia
Global charter and rental market projected at USD 27-32 billion by 2030; 31% of boaters are Millennials
Asia holds 30%+ of global private wealth but only 10-15% of yacht sales — "the largest untapped opportunity in this industry"
Langkawi is "The Underserved Jewel": duty-free since 1987, UNESCO Geopark, 460 berths, Andaman Sea gateway — assets are world-class, needs ecosystem to match
Specific opportunities: digital booking platform, electric/hybrid eco-fleets, bareboat fleets and boat clubs, marine support infrastructure
Each superyacht contributes approximately EUR 9 million annually to host economies — ripple effect to provision shops, water taxis, hotels, government revenue
Proof of concept: facilitated Flying Fox and MYA megayacht arrivals at Langkawi with community charity programmes
2:30 PM
Presentation Malaysia Yachting Industry and Recreational Boating Industry Association (MYIRBA)
An Introduction
Mr. Alvin Teh— Managing Director, Malaysia Yacht Support Services
Key Takeaways
Introduced MYIRBA as an NGO forming to unify and represent Malaysia's yachting and recreational boating stakeholders
Malaysia's yachting industry generates an estimated USD 200 million annually, growing 3-5%
Four objectives: policy shaping, safety and infrastructure, advocacy and policy reform, community engagement
Called for a national Malaysia Yachting & Recreational Boating Guideline championed by Marine Department and Ministry of Transport
Critiqued the MMSW reporting system — designed for 100,000 GT ships, unnecessarily complicated for recreational boats, industry not consulted
Key regions identified: Langkawi (premier hub), Penang/Pangkor (E&O marina), Sabah (Sutera Harbour), Sarawak (Santubong mega coastal plan by 2030)
LIYR now records 3,250 registered yachts (as of April 2026, per Dato' Mohd Radzi Manan)
Environmental stewardship emphasis: waste management, no-discharge zones, speed regulations in marine parks