Head of MOAB Participates in International Maritime Leadership Programme at WMU

For Immediate Release

16th July 2026

MALMÖ, SWEDEN — Kimberley Lam, Head of the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Bureau (MOAB), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, participated in the IMO/WMU/WISTA Gender-inclusive Leadership in Maritime (GILM) Training Course 2026, held at the World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden from 22^nd to 26^th June 2026.  She was among a select group of maritime professionals supported through the International Maritime Organization’s Women in Maritime Programme, which provides fellowships to women from developing countries to participate in leadership development initiatives aimed at strengthening maritime capacity and promoting greater inclusion across the sector.

Delivered by WMU in partnership with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA International), the programme is designed for mid-career and senior maritime professionals working across maritime administrations, port authorities, coast guards, maritime education and training institutions, and other maritime organizations. The course focuses on strategic leadership, communication, project management, team building, mentoring, public speaking, and professional development, while promoting gender-inclusive approaches to leadership and decision-making.

The week-long residential component in Malmö brought together participants from around the world representing a diverse range of maritime disciplines and institutions. Through interactive workshops, case studies, group exercises, and collaborative learning activities, participants explored contemporary leadership challenges facing the maritime sector, examined approaches to strengthening organisational effectiveness and innovation, and shared perspectives on key maritime priorities, including sustainable development, capacity building, workforce development, and the advancement of women in the maritime sector.

Following the programme, Lam attended meetings of the IMO Council in London as part of her regular professional responsibilities, providing an opportunity to maintain engagement with ongoing discussions on international maritime affairs.

While in London, Lam also had the opportunity to briefly meet with Dr. Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr., President of the World Maritime University to personally highlight her positive experience with the GILM.

Speaking about her experience, Lam noted:

“Participating in the Gender-inclusive Leadership in Maritime programme in Malmö was an invaluable experience. Bringing together maritime professionals from diverse backgrounds and regions, the programme provided a valuable platform to exchange perspectives, share best practices, and build lasting professional networks. The experience reinforced the importance of international cooperation and collaboration in addressing the opportunities and challenges facing the maritime sector.”

The experience in Malmö highlighted the value of bringing together women maritime professionals from around the world to exchange perspectives, share expertise, and strengthen networks across the sector. Programmes such as the Gender-inclusive Leadership in Maritime course play an important role in supporting greater participation and visibility of women, particularly those from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and developing countries, in maritime leadership and international decision-making processes.

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IMO Council L to R – Kimberley Lam, Head of MOAB, Dr. Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr., President of WMU, Dwain Hutchinson, Manager Director of BMA

Group Session WMU GILM Course