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On 14 June 2025, the vibrant energy at the Hyatt Regency in Manila was unmistakable. Over 130 maritime professionals, seafarers, and industry partners gathered for the SMOU Manila Maritime Forum 2025, an evening that blended insightful discussions, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to strengthening the maritime workforce.
Kicking off the forum, emcee Mr Wilfred Thiang welcomed the crowd and set the stage for a meaningful exchange of ideas. SMOU Assistant General Secretary Mr Gwee Guo Duan then took to the floor with a warm welcome address, reflecting on the importance of resilience and collaboration in an industry that never sleeps.
The spotlight soon turned to Atty Rj T Cantos, Chief of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Division at the Department of Migrant Workers. His keynote, Empowering Mariners: Insights into the Magna Carta, unpacked the protections in place for Filipino seafarers. From welfare to dignity and rights at sea, Atty Cantos’ message reminded the audience of the legal safeguards that support them in their maritime journeys.
The conversation then shifted to leadership with Mr Gerardo A. Borromeo, CEO of Philippine Transmarine Carriers. With his wealth of experience, he painted a picture of what tomorrow’s maritime leaders must look like: agile, compassionate, and equipped to manage both operations and people with care.
Adding a future-facing dimension to the evening, Mr Teo Keong Kok, Managing Director of Wavelink Maritime Institute (WMI), shared how training is evolving to meet decarbonisation goals. His presentation on Alternative Fuels in Maritime Training explored how institutions like WMI are preparing seafarers to handle fuels like LNG and methanol through updated modules and hands-on simulations.
After a refreshing networking break, the forum continued with a dynamic panel discussion, Maritime Insights: Advancing Maritime Resilience. Moderated by Mr Goh Chung Hun of Lloyd’s Register Singapore, the panel featured Ms Robelyne D Lumampao, Capt. Fared Khan of MISC Shipmanagement, and Mr Teo. From workforce development to technology adoption, the panelists shared actionable insights on how the industry can stay future-ready.
As the evening drew to a close, SMOU Emeritus General Secretary Mr Thomas Tay took the stage to thank the speakers and moderator with tokens of appreciation. But the evening wasn’t quite over. A surprise birthday celebration for Mr Teo Keong Kok brought smiles and laughter to the ballroom, rounding off the evening on a joyful and personal note.
The SMOU Manila Maritime Forum 2025 served as a powerful reminder. When maritime minds come together with a shared purpose, the future looks brighter and stronger for all.
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