AIMS Museo Maritimo Participates in Inaugural Asia-Pacific Maritime Culture Forum

Opening Remarks and Welcome Ceremony

September 27, 2025 – Pasay City, NCR, Philippines

Article by AIMS Museo Maritimo Personnel

AIMS Museo Maritimo took part in the inaugural Forum for Asia-Pacific Maritime Culture, co-hosted by the Hong Kong Maritime Museum (HKMM) and the China Maritime Museum, in association with the International Congress of Maritime Museums Regional Meeting. The forum concluded on September 23, 2025.

The event was held under the theme “Blue Legacy • Green Future” and attracted over 3,000 online participants alongside 120 attending in person. The forum brought together more than 30 speakers from 18 countries and regions, emphasizing Hong Kong’s role as a meeting point for Eastern and Western maritime cultures.

During the opening ceremony, several officials were present, including Mr. WONG Sai Fat, Director of Marine for Hong Kong Marine Department; Mr. JIN Xiao, Inspector II (Deputy Director General Level), Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission; Mr. Richard HEXT, Chairman of HKMM; Mr. Richard KENDALL, Director & Chief Executive of HKMM; and Mr. ZHAO Feng, Director General of China Maritime Museum, who officially launched the forum.

AIMS Museo Maritimo's Museum Curator and Researcher Mr. Daryl Lorence Abarca contributed to the forum by presenting a paper titled “Curating Maritime Education for a Sustainable Future.” The presentation addressed the role of maritime museums in supporting education focused on sustainability.

Excursion at a traditional Chinese junk.

Despite the impact of Super Typhoon Ragasa, the forum quickly adapted to ensure continuity. Activities included excursions on traditional Chinese junks and a dinner at Chiuchow Garden in Tsim Sha Tsui, providing opportunities for participants to engage informally.

Dinner at Chiuchow Garden in Tsim Sha Tsui.

AIMS Museo Maritimo acknowledged the efforts of the Hong Kong Maritime Museum and the China Maritime Museum in organizing the event and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to connect with maritime institutions and experts across the Asia-Pacific region.