CruiseWorld Malaysia 2025
programme schedule
Plan ahead and never miss a beat.Happening on 10 June 2025 at Penang Marriott Hotel.
| Time (MYT) | Agenda |
|---|---|
| 08.30am | Registration & Networking |
| 09.45am | Welcome Address • Irene Chua, VP and Group Publisher, Asia, Northstar Travel Media |
| 09.50am | Opening Keynote by Host City • YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State Executive Councillor (EXCO) for Tourism and Creative Economy |
| 10.00am | Opening Speech by Guest of Honour • YB Anthony Loke, Minister of Transport |
| 10.15am | Opening Presentation • Michael Goh, President, StarDream Cruises |
| 10.25am | State of Asia’s Cruise Industry Industry leaders share top-level insights into the region’s cruise growth – from demand and infrastructure to homeporting. How are destinations like Penang leveraging its UNESCO status and cruise infrastructure for future growth? • Ooi Chok Yan, CEO, Penang Global Tourism • Michael Goh, President, StarDream Cruises • Dato Azman Shah Mohd Yusof, CEO, MMC Port Holdings |
| 10.50am | Networking Break |
| 11.10am | Building Cruise Ports for Tomorrow Regional port leaders explore developments and strategies to meet next-gen cruise demands and attract homeport and port of call operations. • Dato Sasedharan Vasudevan, CEO, Penang Port • Gregory Tan, CEO, SATS-Creuers Cruise Services • Alvin Geoffrey Alphonso, CEO, Port Klang Cruise Terminal • Rahardian Zebedianto, Department Head of Passenger Services, Pelindo |
| 11.40am | Cruise Line Spotlight • Cynthia Lee, Vice President - Sales, StarDream Cruises |
| 12.00pm | Power Up and Sell Better for Cruising Leading agents reveal how they differentiate cruise brands, manage communications, and what support they need to boost sales. • Dato’ Sri Koh Yock Heng, Founder & Group Managing Director, Apple Vacations • Edwin Tan, Business Development Director, Tong Yan Travel & Tours • Mike Wong, Head of Cruise Department, Ice Holidays • Dr Fred Yip, Executive Director, Goldjoy Group |
| 12.30pm | Destination Spotlight • Ooi Chok Yan, CEO, Penang Global Tourism |
| 12.45pm | Lunch |
| 02.00pm | Lucky Draw |
| 02.10pm | Explore the Evolving Fly-Cruise Market: Oceans, Rivers and Expeditions Discover what’s driving demand across Asia in the evolving fly-cruise market and. This session dives into the latest trends, what’s selling well, and how to position different cruise lines to match customer expectations. • Cynthia Lee, Vice President - Sales, StarDream Cruises • Mae Cheah, Managing Director Asia, TTC Tour Brands • Constance Seck, Regional Director Sales & Marketing, APAC, Scenic Tours |
| 02.40pm | Are Travel Fairs Still Driving Sales? Tourism associations discuss the relevance of travel fairs and the evolving role of industry associations. • Nigel Wong, President, Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) • Pauline Suharno, President, ASTINDO |
| 03.05pm | Meetings and Incentives at Sea Discover how companies are tapping into cruises for corporate meetings, incentive trips, and full ship charters. • Chanet Ham, Director, Xpedition Travel |
| 03.20pm | How to Drive Sales with AI Learn how AI and data tools are transforming sales strategies in cruise and travel. • Kelferd Hor, Digital Innovation Leader |
| 03.35pm | Staying Ahead in the Digital Booking Era A look at how digital tools, platforms, and strategies are reshaping how agents sell and market cruises. • Khe Han Lai, Director, TLC Travel & Tours • Dr Fred Yip, Executive Director, Goldjoy Travel • Kelferd Hor, Digital Innovation Leader |
| 04.00pm | Lucky Draw |
| 04.15pm | Coffee Break & Cruise Line Showcase |
| 04.45pm | End of Programme |