IBIA appoints new regional manager for growing Asia market

IBIA, the International Bunker Industry Association has appointed a new Regional Manager  in Asia, who will be based in  our Singapore office.

We are happy and proud to announce, that our previous Chairman, Mr Simon Neo,  has accepted our offer to return in his new capacity.

With more than  30 years of oil and shipping industry experience Mr Neo started his career as an oil terminal supervisor before becoming a senior surveyor for various surveying companies.  He joined the bunkering industry in 1992 and has been involved in  operations, sales and marketing, trading and purchasing of bunker fuel for an international shipping firm, before  holding a host of senior management roles.

Mr Neo says: “I am delighted to take on this exciting role, the bunker industry is growing, but also facing an unprecedented level of industry challenges, not least the dramatic drop in the oil price and the increasing level of environmental legislation.  IBIA’s members and potential members need our support, guidance and representation more than ever before.  I look forward to working with them, and using my industry experience to deliver even greater value to our members.

Peter Hall, Chief Executive, IBIA adds: “Simon has a unique set of  senior management experience within bunker and shipping companies, a previous Chairman of IBIA, a great understanding of the far east market and extensive government and industry contacts across the region”. With Simon’s help, the association is well positioned in Asia to develop the potential that exists to grow and to  widen the  Association’s influence.

Well versed in policy issues Mr Neo has served on many industry committees including the Spring Singapore technical committee (bunkering), Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) Bunkering sub-committee, SIBCON steering committee, the SSA services committee, SS600 and SS524 Bunkering Procedures Review Committee, and most recently the Mass Flow Meter work group which leads to the formation of the technical reference and guidelines for Mass Flow Bunkering in Singapore.

Mr Neo will be managing the IBIA Asia regional office, liaising with members and representing their interests with Governments, national authorities, shipping owners and operators across the region.  IBIA organises specialist industry training, networking and social events in addition to a range of member working groups which analyse specific issues, feeding directly into representations to the relevant authorities. His responsibilities also will include coordinating the training provided by IBIA.