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NEWS
International Maintenance Association
IMA World Maintenance Forum
Dr. Zohair Al Sarraj Represents IMA as Keynote Speaker at the 24th TnPM Conference in China
The International Maintenance Association (IMA) is pleased to announce that its Chairman, Dr. Zohair Al Sarraj, participated as a keynote speaker at the prestigious 24th TnPM Conference, held in China.
The TnPM Conference is recognized as a significant international platform bringing together industry leaders, practitioners, and researchers to exchange insights on Total Productive Maintenance and operational excellence. Dr. Zohair’s keynote contribution focused on the future direction of maintenance and asset management, highlighting the importance of structured frameworks, competency development, and cross-industry collaboration.
His participation reinforces IMA’s growing global presence and its role in contributing to high-level industry discussions. It also reflects the association’s strategic objective to position itself at the center of knowledge development, standardization, and professional advancement in maintenance and reliability.
As IMA continues to expand its international footprint, engagements such as the TnPM Conference serve as critical platforms to strengthen partnerships, share thought leadership, and align global efforts toward more efficient and sustainable maintenance practices.
IMA extends its appreciation to the organizers of the TnPM Conference and looks forward to continued collaboration with global stakeholders in advancing the industry.
During OMAINTEC 2026, the International Maintenance Association (IMA) had the pleasure of meeting with several board members and senior representatives from partner organizations and industry bodies.
These meetings provided a valuable opportunity to discuss strategic priorities, ongoing initiatives, and future collaboration opportunities. Conversations covered topics such as global alignment of maintenance practices, professional development, certification standards, and the role of emerging technologies in improving asset performance.
IMA highly values these engagements, which strengthen relationships with key stakeholders and support its mission to promote excellence, leadership, and innovation in maintenance and asset management at a global level.
International Maintenance Association (IMA)was honored to have its Advisory Board members recognized on stage during the closing session, highlighting the association’s growing global role.
TheInternational Maintenance Association (IMA)was proud to participate in the International Asset, Facility & Maintenance Management Conference (OMAINTEC) – 23rd Edition, held 12–14 January 2026 at the Sofitel Riyadh Hotel, Princess Nouf bint Abdulaziz International Convention Centre.
Held under the patronage of HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Riyadh Region, the conference focused on
“Building the Future of Smart Assets and Facilities – Unlocking the Power of Digital Twinning,”
bringing together global leaders to shape the future of asset and maintenance management.
Congratulations to OMAINTEC | Arab Asset, Facility and Maintenance Management Councilfor delivering a highly successful conference and exhibition. We look forward to continued collaboration in advancing excellence and innovation across the maintenance community.
The International Maintenance Association (IMA) was pleased to welcome Advisory Members from China to the IMA booth during OMAINTEC 2026, held in Riyadh.
IMA had the honor of meeting Mr. Baoqiang Xu and Mr. Li Baowen, with whom meaningful discussions were held on future collaboration opportunities, international knowledge exchange, and the continued development of maintenance and asset management practices worldwide.
These discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening global partnerships and reinforcing IMA’s role as an international platform connecting professionals, leaders, and institutions across regions. IMA values the engagement of its Advisory Members and looks forward to further cooperation in support of its global mission.
The International Maintenance Association (IMA) proudly participated in OMAINTEC 2026, one of the region’s leading exhibitions dedicated to maintenance, asset management, and operational excellence, held in Riyadh.
IMA’s participation provided an important platform to engage with industry leaders, practitioners, solution providers, and policymakers, and to exchange insights on the evolving landscape of maintenance and reliability. Key discussions focused on emerging technologies, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and the future skills required to sustain asset-intensive industries.
Through its presence at OMAINTEC 2026, IMA reaffirmed its commitment to advancing global maintenance practices, strengthening professional collaboration, and supporting knowledge exchange across regions and sectors.
Dr. Zohair Al Sarraj Meets with IMA Leadership at Lugano Office to Discuss Future Development
Lugano, Switzerland
In a significant step towards the continuous growth and strategic development of the International Maintenance Association (IMA), Dr. Zohair Al Sarraj (Saudi Arabia) visited the IMA office in Lugano, Switzerland, for an important meeting.
He was joined by key IMA leaders, including:
Claudio Rolandi (Italy)
Mohd Abu Afifeh (Jordan)
Daniel Pfammatter (Switzerland)
Dr. Muhammad Al Fouzan (Saudi Arabia)
The meeting focused on shaping the future development of IMA, exploring new initiatives to enhance the association’s global outreach and its role in setting industry standards for maintenance and asset management. Discussions also centered on strengthening international collaborations and expanding IMA's influence across diverse sectors and regions.
On 16th September 2024, the International Maintenance Association (IMA) held a significant Research Committee Meeting at the I-Suite Hotel in Rimini, Italy. The meeting was chaired by Adolfo Crespo Márquez (Spain) and gathered key figures from across the globe to discuss the vital topic of Digitalization of Asset Strategies and Asset Management, with a focus on how these innovations impact maintenance practices at all levels.
The esteemed attendees included:
Dr. Zohair Al Sarraj (Saudi Arabia)
Adolfo Crespo Márquez (Spain) – Chairman
Asim Khalid AlYemni (Saudi Arabia)
Claudio Rolandi (Italy)
Tomas Hladik (Czech Republic)
Mohd Abu Afifeh (Jordan)
Alan Wilson (UK)
During the meeting, the committee explored how the integration of digital technologies and AI can reshape asset management strategies, particularly in optimizing maintenance operations. Discussions highlighted the growing importance of predictive maintenance, real-time data analytics, and AI-driven decision-making in improving the efficiency, safety, and longevity of assets.
This meeting is part of IMA’s ongoing commitment to advancing maintenance standards through innovation and collaboration across the global industry.
In the 22nd TnPM Equipment Operation and Maintenance Conference and Global TPM Development Forum in 2024 in Shenzhen - China, It has been decided to establish and implent the TnPM GaoYao Award (International Gold Award) to inspire advancement, innovation management sincere cooperation and give back to society.
Number of Awards:
The award will have:
- 1 International Gold Award
- 1 gold and 2 silver awards for national nominees
- The award will be awarded by several intenational nominations
The Founding Members Comprise:
Dr. Emanuale Carpanzano (Supsi)
Dr. Claudio Rolandi (Supsi)
Dr. Jamal El-Chaar (Supsi)
Dr. Mohamad Fouzan ( Arab Institute of Maintenance)
Dr. Zohair AISarraj (CEO Specialist Group)
Prof. Li Baowen, Mr. Guido Walt (Wear-Management)
Dr. Alan Wilson (Carmichael Smith Ltd.)
Participants in the Forum valued the Formation of the International Maintenance Association and urged a speedy launching of the IMA into Globalization.
The Founding Members recommended that the Association Headquarter is set in Lugano, Switzerland in line with the neutrality principles of the Association and to be formed under the Applicable laws of Switzerland The Founding Members announced the formation of an interim Board of Directors (BoD) that will serve for two years and function to manage the institutional phase of the Association.
It was agreed to nominate an additional representative in the Board by each Founding Member, thereby the Interim Board would comprise Twelve(12) members. Additional members could be added to the Board as required to a total of twenty (20) members.
Worl d Maintenance Forum (WMF) will be the biannual Congress of the IMA. The Venue and date will be announced later.
The Founding Members urge societies,institutions, enterprisesand individual to collaborate and contribute to the goalsand objectivesof the IMA.
Founding Members appointed Dr. Zohair AI Sarraj to act asthe IMA Chairman for the Interim Period.
During the period of 4 to 6 September 2013, the World Maintenance Forum held in the City of Lugano, Switzerland, under the auspices of the WMF and SUPSI University, announced the formation of the International Maintenance Association IMA with the vision to:
“Global Platform for Knowledge Exchange of Effective Maintenance Practicesand Management”
The Goals of the Association are to:
Develop and promote the appropriate use of effective methods and tools to maintain facilities and machinery, etc.
Enrich the knowledge of the latest techniques and research in maintenance science and technology.
Founding Members are comprised of Institutions, Research and Development, Academics, Enterprises and Individuals from various world regions collaborated to form the International Maintenance Association (IMA).
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