These were just two of the many compliments received following ISSA’s 60th Convention & Trade Exhibition held in Singapore from 24th to 26th April.

Delegates and their partners from 50 ISSA countries attended.
 

Guest of Honour – Mr Andrew Tan, Chief Executive of Singapore Port Authority – rang the ISSA Bell to declare Convention open.
 

In a wide-ranging Keynote Address to a rapt audience he extolled the virtues of “Innovation & Productivity” which was this year’s theme.
 

A record 60 Stands were occupied by a wide range of members and suppliers to ship suppliers as well as dedicated Pavilions for Singapore Association of Shipsuppliers & Services (the Association’s new name), Australia and New Zealand Associations.
 

ISSA had its own Stand displaying ship supply from 200BC to 2015 and the many highlights and milestones we have achieved along the way.
 

There was a real “buzz” of excitement throughout the 3 days. A huge range of topics was covered in an intense series of plenary sessions. These included a review of e-commerce, the launch of Project Watchdog (ISSA’s credit information and debt recovery service), what on-board caterers want from their ship suppliers and a fascinating presentation by The Baltic Exchange’s Chris Jones on his life in shipping and an update on The Baltic’s global operations and market review. ISSA’s home is, of course at The Baltic Exchange in London.
 

Day 2 of Convention was devoted to a series of educational and informative presentations stage managed by Singapore Management University.

The range and quality of the day’s topics and debate was breath-taking and caused one ISSA Member to confide: “This is the best day’s plenary ISSA has ever organised”.
 

There was plenty of opportunity for the ISSA Family to network and socialise. One of the most popular events was a buffet reception at the Oceanarium. Of course seeing all the amazing fish swimming above your head did beg the question: “Where are the chips?”! Only joking – it was an amazing experience long to be remembered.
 

Convention came to its climax on the evening of Sunday 26th April at Singapore’s famous and glamorous Shangri-La Hotel when 600 sat down to a Gala Dinner like no other in recent memory.
 

Our ISSA President, Mr Abdul Hameed Hajah, who had tirelessly led the team himself that put together ISSA’s fantastic Diamond Jubilee celebration, was preceded into the Dinner by a Scottish Pipe Band.
 

This set the tone for an amazing evening. One of Singapore’s most popular Bands provided the musical accompaniment along with a comedy act.

However in between ISSA paid tribute to nearly 50 Member Companies who had achieved long and distinguished service within the ship supply industry.

In addition Capt. Peter Machado, CEO of Middle East Fuji LLC (Dubai), was presented with the Shipsupplier of the Year Award 2015 as recognition of his significant contribution to the industry over very many years.
 

With the hand-over of the ISSA Flag from Mr Danny Lien, SASS President to Mr Abdul Hameed Hajah (ISSA President) and on to Mr Saeed al Malik, UAE National Association of Ship Suppliers President, ISSA 60 came to a triumphant end.
 

There is only one thing left to say: See you in Dubai for ISSA 61 in November 2016!