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The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) has appointed a new regional manager to manage its office in Singapore, covering the Asia region.

Simon Neo [pictured], IBIA's new regional manager in Asia, has more than 30 years of oil and shipping industry experience, including senior management roles.

He started his career as a supervisor in an oil terminal and then worked as a senior surveyor for different surveying companies. He joined the bunkering industry in 1992. A summary of his career details has been provided below.

Career Summary:

January 2016 - Present: Asia Regional Manager at The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA).

May 2012 - December 2015: Executive Director at Piroj International Pte Ltd.

March 2011 - March 2012: Regional Manager Asia at Integra Fuels Asia Pte Ltd.

January 2009 - February 2011: Deputy Managing Director at Equatorial Marine Fuel Management Services Pte. Ltd.

1 November 2003 - 31 December 2008: General Manager at Wilhelmsen Premier Marine Fuels Singapore Office.

1996 - 31 October 2003: General Manager at Ignition Point PPE Ltd.

1994 - 1996: Marketing Manager at Olrich Pte Ltd.

1987 - 1993: Various Surveying Companies.

1985 - 1987: Supervisor at Singapore Bulking Pte Ltd.

Commenting on his appointment, Neo said: "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 greater value, ensuring that IBIA's services exceed our members' needs."

Peter Hall, IBIA's Chief Executive, remarked: "Simon has a unique set of experience with senior management experience with bunker and shipping companies, a previous Chairman of IBIA, understanding of the far east market and extensive government and industry contacts across the region. The association is well positioned in the region to develop the potential that exists to increase our membership base and influence in the region."

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

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.