Waves of Change: Harnessing Technology to Power the Sustainable Blue Economy Workshop 25 to 28 May 2026 Busan, Republic of Korea Technology is a critical enabler of a sustainable blue economy, helping ocean-based industries grow while reducing pressure on marine ecosystems, providing greater efficiency gains while reducing adverse environmental impacts. Advances such as digital monitoring, remote sensing, artificial intelligence-enabled fisheries management, and renewable marine energy and transport technologies can significantly improve efficiency, reduce waste and emissions, and lower operational costs across sectors. New tools for data collection, traceability, and environmental monitoring strengthen governance, support science-based decision-making, and help prevent overexploitation. Together, these innovations can unlock economic value from the ocean while safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring long-term resilience. The Waves of Change: Harnessing Technology to Power the Sustainable Blue Economy workshop was organized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and hosted in partnership with the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. The workshop provided an opportunity for government officials from across Asia and the Pacific to deepen their understanding of how emerging and innovative technologies could drive sustainable blue economies. It also served as a platform for participants to share knowledge, exchange practical experiences, and explore technology-enabled solutions that supported resilient, inclusive, and environmentally responsible ocean-based development. The four-day program placed emphasis on blue economy productive sectors—such as sustainable tourism, renewable energy, and blue finance—given their growing relevance to the sustainable blue economy. Through peer learning, case studies, structured discussions, and on-site visits, participants had the opportunity to develop clear, implementable next steps aligned with their country’s context and needs, as well as with ADB’s capacity to support delivery. This workshop built on the foundations established during the inaugural 2025 Waves of Change workshop. ObjectivesThe objectives of the workshop were to: Deepen understanding of how new and emerging technologies across specific sectors could advance the sustainable blue economy agenda through presentations, peer-to-peer exchanges, and a field visit. Assist participants to explore, plan, and present pathways, identifying potential initiatives and projects, including cross-border opportunities, that harnessed new and emerging technologies to advance the sustainable blue economy agenda. Strengthen networks among blue economy experts, policymakers, and practitioners to promote ongoing collaboration and knowledge exchanges. Gather participant feedback and validate priority areas to refine ADB’s proposed initiatives for a healthy ocean and a sustainable blue economy. For more information, please check the links below: Agenda at a Glance Workshop Program Speakers' Profile Pre-reading List Concept Note Program and Learning Materials Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Session / Activity Title Speaker(s) Opening Session Video: Opening Remarks Opening Remarks from Yevgeniy Zhukov, Director General for Climate Change and Sustainable Development, ADB Yevgeniy Zhukov Session 1: Presentations Overview of ADB’s Regional Cooperation and Integration Operational ApproachThis presentation will outline the importance of regional cooperation to manage shared resources. Yuebin Zhang, Principal Regional Cooperation Specialist, ADB Session 1: Presentations Technology, Blue Acceleration, and ADB’s RoleAn overview of sustainable blue economy, unpacking how technological innovation is shaping emerging opportunities, what the evolving risks are, and discussing investment pathways. Clyde Hutchinson, Senior Technology Specialist, ADB-Korean Climate Technology Hub (K-Hub), ADB Session 2: Presentation ADB’s Strategic Approach to Support Healthy Oceans and Blue EconomiesAn overview of ADB’s emerging strategic approach to support healthy oceans and sustainable blue economies. Mary Kim, Healthy Oceans Lead, ADB Session 3A: Presentation Understanding Blue Tourism and its Value ChainA summary of the blue tourism system, identifying key drivers, and showcasing practical and replicable tourism solutions from across the region. Jessie McComb, Senior Tourism Industry Specialist, ADB Session 3A: Case Study Private Sector Showcase: Intrepid TravelThis video showcases how a private tourism company is both adding and creating value, and the enabling system that supports this work. Session 3B: Presentation Scaling Blue Tourism – Trends, Models and ActionAn analysis of current and emerging trends in blue tourism, and opportunities to scale activities, drawing on examples from Asia and the Pacific. Jessie McComb, Senior Tourism Industry Specialist, ADB Session 3B: Case Study Private Sector Showcase: Coral Restoration and Eco-Tourism in PalauA showcase of a partnership between ADB and a resort in Palau, delivering both on coral restoration and providing eco-tourism opportunities. Session / Activity Title Speaker(s) Session 6: Presentations The Future is Blue Power: Innovative Solutions and Practical Global ExamplesA showcase of innovative solutions, providing practical global examples of how blue power has transformed communities and countries. Clyde Hutchinson, Senior Technology Specialist, K-Hub, ADB Session 6: Presentations ADB’s Role in Enabling Policy and Providing Innovative Financing to Meet DMC NeedsAn exploration of ADB’s role in assisting with ocean positive energy solutions, showcasing ADB supported initiatives. Cindy Cisneros-Tiangco, Director of Emerging Areas, Energy Sector, ADB Session 6: Case Studies Perspectives on Wave Energy | INGINE Yongjun Sung, Founder and CEO, INGINE Session 6: Case Studies Perspectives on Floating Solar | SCOTRA Jiwon Mun, Overseas Sales Assistant, SCOTRA Session 6: Case Studies Perspectives on Offshore Wind Woojin Choi, Attorney at Law, formerly Managing Director at Macquarie Capital Group Session 7: Presentation Introduction to Ocean GovernanceAn introduction to governance reforms and mechanisms that can be used to deliver a sustainable ocean economy, including practical examples and case studies on how to overcome challenges. Ahmad ‘Aki' Baihaki, Ocean Innovation Project Advisor, The Nature Conservancy Session 8: Presentation ADB’s Blue Finance WorkA summary of blue finance, including an overview of ADB’s financing instruments, drawing on case studies from across Asia and the Pacific. Matthew Viner, Frontier Fund Manager, ADB and Valtter Louhivuori, Senior Investment Specialist (Agribusiness), ADB Session 9: Presentation Scene Setting: How ADB Turns Ideas into ProjectsAn overview of the types of projects ADB typically supports, how project ideas are developed, and the key stages of the ADB project cycle. Yuebin Zhang, Principal Regional Cooperation Specialist, ADB Session 9: Activity Opportunity ScopingA practical exercise to enable participants to link newly acquired knowledge to early-stage project ideation, including opportunities for regional, subregional, and cross regional cooperation. Pamela Asis-Layugan, Regional Cooperation Specialist, ADB Session / Activity Title Speaker(s) Field Trip Site Visits: Exploring Technology-Enabled Sustainable Blue Economy InnovationsThis will showcase institutions and enterprises in Busan actively engaged in sustainable blue economy sectors. Session / Activity Title Speaker(s) Session 12A: Activity Project Pathway Design and Ideas ExchangeIndividual and collective exercises to enable participants to develop new project design pathways and exchange ideas. Pamela Asis-Layugan, Regional Cooperation Specialist, ADB Session 12B: Activity Blue Exchange of Ideas: Peer Review and RefinementPresentations and discussions of the project pathway canvas, identifying opportunities for collaboration, and linking to potential ADB entry points. Pamela Asis-Layugan, Regional Cooperation Specialist, ADB Session 13: Discussion Closing RemarksAn overview of lessons learned and a synthesis of key workshop insights, including an exploration of concrete actions and next steps that participants can take on returning to their respective countries. Mary Kim, Healthy Oceans Lead, ADB Disclaimer The views expressed on this website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) or its Board of Governors or the governments they represent. ADB does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this publication and accepts no responsibility for any consequence of their use. By making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area, or by using the term “country” in this document, ADB does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area. Event Coordinator/s Yuebin Zhang Mary Kim Pamela Asis-Layugan Related Full Agenda Workshop Program Speakers' Profile Concept Note ADB Organizer/s Climate Change and Sustainable Development Southeast Asia Department Read Also Pre-Reading List Partner Organization/s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea Topics Climate Change Energy Environment Public Sector Management and Governance Regional Cooperation and Integration