Captain James T. H. Foong is a Master Mariner and maritime governance advisor with nearly two decades of international operational experience across global commercial shipping. Beginning his career at sea at the age of eighteen, he has served across worldwide trade routes and commands vessels responsible for complex navigation, high-value cargo operations, and multinational crews operating under demanding regulatory and commercial environments.
Alongside his seagoing career, Captain Foong contributes actively to international maritime governance and safety initiatives. He serves as a Council Member and Fellow of The Nautical Institute and sits on the Maritime Advisory Board of CHIRP Maritime, supporting confidential human-factors reporting and the promotion of a just safety culture across the maritime sector.
He also contributes to global ocean governance as a Member of the United Nations Pool of Experts for the Third World Ocean Assessment (WOA III) under the United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea.
Originally from Penang, Malaysia, Captain Foong advocates strongly for seafarer welfare, fair treatment, and the principle that human rights apply at sea as they do on land.