Indonesia and Malaysia Join Thailand to Shape the Future of Asia Yachting Through Sustainability Innovation Luxury Yachts and Marine Tourism

Published on December 28, 2025

Indonesia and Malaysia are aligning with Thailand to help steer the future of Asia’s yachting industry, bringing together sustainability focused policies, advanced marine innovation, and the rapid expansion of luxury yacht tourism. This growing partnership is driven by shared environmental priorities, increasing demand for premium marine experiences, and stronger collaboration between governments, yacht operators, and tourism leaders aiming to position Southeast Asia as a unified and competitive yachting destination.

That momentum was clearly reflected in Phuket, which became a key meeting point for the region’s marine sector when the Thailand Yachting Conference took place on January 8, 2025. Hosted by JAND Group Co. Ltd, the conference gathered 150 industry professionals, policymakers, and marine enthusiasts to discuss sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity, setting the stage for the Thailand International Boat Show A Luxury Lifestyle Event held from January 9–12, 2025. Together, these platforms highlighted Asia’s rising influence in luxury yachting, marine technology, and high end tourism while reinforcing long term regional growth ambitions.

Empowering the Workforce and Navigating Regulations
The conference began with a keynote by David Hayes, Director of JAND Group Co. Ltd, emphasizing the need for a skilled and adaptable workforce to drive the industry forward. Representatives from the Thailand Skills Department and Technical College highlighted training programs, apprenticeships, and funding opportunities for marine professionals. Complementing this, the Thai Marine Department provided updates on national regulations, offering essential guidance for compliance and operational excellence in the rapidly evolving yachting sector.

Championing Environmental Sustainability
Sustainability emerged as a central theme, with thought-provoking presentations by Dr. Chantinee Boonchai, Kanokwan Homcha-aim, and Assistant Professor Wan Chantavilasvong. Speakers explored marine conservation initiatives, wilderness preservation, and strategies to enhance ocean livability. A panel moderated by Shemaine Sebastien engaged the audience in practical discussions on reducing environmental impact, sharing actionable approaches that industry stakeholders can adopt to protect marine ecosystems while promoting luxury yachting experiences.

Driving Innovation and Regional Tourism Growth
Afternoon sessions focused on marketing innovation and regional collaboration. Trewut Anurakapndit and Jeanette Teo demonstrated effective digital and multilingual marketing strategies, while Paul Poole led a panel on diverse marketing approaches for different markets. Representatives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and neighboring countries—including Indonesia and Malaysia—presented insights on the IMT-GT regional initiative, emphasizing cross-border tourism opportunities. A lively Q&A session allowed participants to explore market development and collaboration prospects across Southeast Asia.

Prioritizing Inclusivity and Crew Welfare
The human aspect of yachting was also highlighted, with Shemaine Sebastian from Galileo Academy and Georgina Allen of ISWAN addressing mental health support and inclusivity for yacht crews. Their presentations sparked meaningful conversations on improving working conditions and promoting well-being, underscoring the industry’s growing recognition of its social responsibility.

Networking and Collaboration Opportunities
The conference concluded with a dynamic networking session, where professionals, students, and policymakers exchanged ideas, established partnerships, and explored collaborative ventures. Attendees left with actionable takeaways, ranging from sustainable practices and innovative marketing strategies to insights on workforce development and regional growth.

From Conference to Boat Show: Showcasing Asia’s Marine Potential
The energy and insights from the Thailand Yachting Conference seamlessly transitioned into the Thailand International Boat Show A Luxury Lifestyle Event. Held over four days in Phuket, the show featured over 50 luxury yachts, cutting-edge marine technology, and high-end lifestyle products. International yacht brokers, shipbuilders, and tourism operators showcased their offerings, attracting a global audience eager to explore Asia’s yachting potential. Attendees praised the event for its organization, premium exhibitors, and immersive luxury experiences.

Testimonials from Industry Leaders
Suzy Rayment messaged: “I think the conference went very well. It had some great content, and
thank you for including APSA. You can be proud of what you achieved, as I know it takes a lot of
hard work to make it all happen. Hope you can rest today, and I hope to see you around the
show before I leave. Cheers, Suzy.”
Barada Chocolate, a key sponsor, highlighted the conference’s success: “Attendees from the
conference visited our factory and not only purchased chocolate but also created their unique
chocolate flavors. The connections we’ve made here are invaluable,” said a company
representative.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Indonesia and Malaysia have joined Thailand to shape the future of Asia’s yachting industry by uniting sustainability focused policies, marine innovation, and luxury yacht tourism into a coordinated regional growth strategy. This collaboration aims to strengthen marine conservation while expanding high value yachting experiences across Southeast Asia.

Together, the Thailand Yachting Conference and Thailand International Boat Show highlighted the innovation, growth, and collaboration shaping Asia’s marine industry. As these events continue to evolve, they remain essential platforms for fostering sustainable practices, expanding regional tourism, and enhancing the luxury lifestyle experience. With an eye toward the future, the industry looks forward to continued advancements and the next edition in 2026, promising even greater opportunities for networking, innovation, and marine excellence.