YUICHI Sonoda has been announced as the new secretary-general of the Asian Shipowners’ Association, effective from 1 May.
Mr Sonoda was to be have been confirmed in the role during the ASA’s annual meeting in Darwin, however the gathering had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
He served in the same role between 2010 and 2014 and was said to have been extremely instrumental in numerous initiatives and conferences.
In 1996, he was appointed secretary of the Shipping Economics Review Committee, one of the five standing committees of the Asian Shipowners’ Forum (the precursor to the ASA).
He had also served as the vice chairman of Maritime Transport Committee of Business and Industry Advisory Committee to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
A law graduate from Keio University in Tokyo, Yuichi Sonoda joined the Japanese Shipowners’ Association and was mainly involved in its activities of various international shipping policy issues.
During his tenure at JSA, he was also appointed to JSA’s London branch office for five years.
Due to his being unable to make his trip into Singapore for the time being, ASA has name him as Sec-Gen Designate until he lands in Singapore with the proper documentary filings. Yuichi Sonoda is to take over as secretary-general from Michael Phoon.
