Secretary-General – Asian Shipowners' Association (ASA)
Singapore | Executive Leadership Appointment
The Asian Shipowners' Association (ASA) is seeking an accomplished maritime leader to serve as its next Secretary-General.
Based in Singapore, this influential appointment offers the opportunity to lead the ASA Secretariat, shape engagement across Asia's shipowning community and represent the Association on the regional and international stage.
Faststream Recruitment has been appointed by ASA to manage the search. The successful candidate will help shape ASA's next phase of development by strengthening Member engagement, enhancing the Association's industry profile and supporting its long-term financial sustainability.
The Role
As Secretary-General, you will serve as Chief Executive Officer of the ASA Secretariat and work closely with the President, Chairmen's Council (CM) and Member Associations to implement ASA's agreed priorities and work programme.
You will provide effective leadership and continuity for the Secretariat while supporting Member coordination, governance, external representation and financial oversight.
Key responsibilities include:
Providing executive leadership and direction to the ASA Secretariat.
Supporting the President and Chairmen's Council in implementing approved priorities and the Association's work programme.
Building communication, coordination and consensus across Member Associations.
Representing ASA, when authorised, with governments, international organisations, regulatory bodies and senior maritime stakeholders.
Monitoring relevant maritime, regulatory and industry developments and identifying emerging issues, risks and opportunities for the CM's consideration.
Leading the Secretariat team and supporting ASA governance through effective meetings, reporting and organisational systems.
Overseeing budgets, financial administration, internal controls and opportunities that support long-term financial sustainability.
The Candidate
We are interested in established senior leaders with substantial executive-level experience gained within the maritime industry, shipowning, maritime administration, international associations, industry bodies, regulatory authorities or comparable institutional environments.
Candidates should demonstrate:
Substantial senior executive experience, including exposure to boards, councils or equivalent governing bodies.
Strong knowledge of the maritime industry and the wider Asian shipping landscape.
Strategic and institutional leadership capability gained in complex international, association or membership-led environments.
Commercial judgement and the ability to identify opportunities that support revenue growth and financial sustainability.
The ability to build and influence senior relationships across Members, governments, regulators, international organisations and industry stakeholders.
Diplomacy, cultural awareness and the ability to balance differing stakeholder interests while maintaining neutrality and impartiality.
Excellent written and spoken English, together with integrity, discretion, independence and sound professional judgement.
A relevant university degree or equivalent professional experience is expected. Postgraduate qualifications in maritime studies, business administration, law, public policy or a related discipline would be advantageous. Familiarity with IMO processes, international regulatory engagement or the leadership of a Secretariat or membership organisation would also be highly regarded.
Location and Package
The Secretary-General will ordinarily be based at the ASA Secretariat Office in Singapore unless otherwise determined by the Chairmen's Council. The role requires international travel and participation in regional and global maritime forums.
SGD 200,000 annual fixed compensation, paid over 13 months.
Variable performance bonus.
Initial two-year appointment, with any extension or reappointment determined by the Chairmen's Council following consideration of performance.
Candidates based outside Singapore are welcome to apply; however, relocation support is not provided.
How to Apply
If you have the maritime credibility, executive leadership capability, commercial judgement and diplomatic stakeholder skills required to lead the ASA Secretariat, we would welcome a confidential application.
Please submit your CV and a brief covering statement outlining your interest in the appointment and the experience most relevant to the role.
Applications open: 28 September 2026
Applications close: 30 October 2026
Application email: asa.search@faststream.com
All applications and enquiries will be handled in strict confidence by Faststream Recruitment on behalf of the Asian Shipowners' Association.