Toward a Human-Centric and Collaborative Maritime Future: A Thematic Synthesis of Malaysia Maritime Week 2025

ABSTRACT: This paper presents a thematic synthesis of panel discussions held during Malaysia Maritime Week 2025, a national platform convened to address the evolving challenges in maritime transformation. Using a thematic analysis approach, the study discovered four interdependent themes namely People, Technology, Policy and Regulation, and Collaboration and Ecosystem, each explored through multiple subthemes that reflect both empirical insights and normative direction. The findings reveal a sector in transition, digitalization, decarbonization, and workforce realignment, while striving to embed psychological safety, inclusive training, equitable compliance, and regional cooperation are at the heart of maritime governance. This paper contributes to the evidence base for policy reform, strategic innovation, and shared talent development, offering a roadmap for maritime stakeholders to co-author a resilient and sustainable future.

KEYWORDS: Maritime Education and Training (MET), Maritime Transport, Maritime Policy, Safety Management, Decision Making, Sustainable Development, Human Factors, Information Technology

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Citation note:

Kamis A.S., Ahmad Fuad A.F., Ali S.A., Wan Mansor W.N., Syed Ahmad S.Z.A., Akhbar M.F.A.: Toward a Human-Centric and Collaborative Maritime Future: A Thematic Synthesis of Malaysia Maritime Week 2025. TransNav, the International Journal on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation, Vol. 20, No. 1, doi:10.12716/1001.20.01.13, pp. 117-130, 2026

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