KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Shipowners' Association (MASA) is expecting 600 participants to attend the 4th Asia Maritime and Logistics Conference and Exhibition 2006 to be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre this Sept 11-12.

Its chairman, Nordin Mat Yusoff said that the association was aiming for 35 percent foreign participants and the rest locals for the event.

Participants are expected to come from 30 countries worldwide, he told a press conference here Tuesday.

The two-day conference with the theme "The Changing World: Adapt, or Perish" will give industry participants an insight into the nature and impact of geopolitical developments on global economy and industry.

Transport Minister Datuk Chan Kong Choy is expected to deliver a key-note address and officiate the conference which would include an international maritime exhibition.

Nordin said the conference would be a useful platform for the Malaysian maritime and logistics industry to project a united front.

The event will also explore the impact of new technologies in shipbuilding, global supply chain and logistics, the port industry and regulatory regimes affecting shippers and seafarers.