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One of the architects of the International Bunker Industry Association’s (IBIA) Asian expansion, Singapore-based Chong Kam Wah, has retired after six years as its regional manager.

Kam Wah had been overseeing the transition to the recently appointed regional manager Kwok Fook Sing, but will no longer be involved in the day-to-day running of the association’s Singapore branch, IBIA confirmed today. He will, however, remain a non-executive director of the board of IBIA (Asia).

Whilst at IBIA, Kam Wah had been an integral part of the growth and success of the Asia branch, in particular setting up the Bunker Cargo Officers course, as well as running numerous seminars in the region on topics such as the revision of ISO 8217 (2010) and MARPOL Annex VI.

Commenting on Kam Wah's achievements, Ian Adams, Chief Executive of IBIA, said: "In the 6 years that Kam Wah has worked for IBIA he has shown a dedication to the Association which has gone beyond the call of duty. He has contributed greatly to the raising of IBIA’s profile, not just with respect to potential members but also with the authorities. He has as a result seen the regional membership grow from 39 members in 2005 to 97 today. He has been a great asset to the Association, and we are delighted that he will still have a presence at IBIA as a non-executive director."

Kam Wah said: “I was privileged to have the stewardship of Chief Executive, Mr Ian Adams, and support from my colleagues in the secretariat and I would like, to each and every one of the committee members past and present, including Mr Douglas Raitt (immediate past chair), Mr Simon Neo (current chair) and Mr Daniel Phua (vice chair), to record my personal appreciation for their valuable contributions and counsel.

"I am also thankful to industry leaders who have enabled IBIA, through their support and generosity, amongst other things, to set up a bursary fund for eligible students to undertake industry-centric and IBIA approved training programmes. I am also very grateful to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore for their readiness to hear out and address issues and consider suggestions for business improvements from the industry through IBIA.”

Kam Wah added: "Moving forward we continue to grow our regional presence, connect with other industry stakeholders and port authorities, develop and implement training and professional development programmes and organise networking events to better serve members and the industry workforce.

"I am confident that Mr Kwok Fook Sing, will continue to receive the same degree of support from all stakeholders which were extended to me. I have no doubt that he, together with the executive committee; will be able to bring IBIA Asia to the next level of performance in the region. I remain passionate about the industry and as a non-executive director of IBIA Asia I will continue to contribute in the branch executive committee and other industry-level committees, albeit, at a more informal pace."