This article examines Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships as a major driver of industry transformation, drawing on perspectives gathered at Malaysia Maritime Week 2025. Using an exploratory qualitative approach, the authors participated in conference sessions and captured practitioner insights through casual, unstructured conversations with panelists and speakers. The analysis synthesizes recurring themes from the event reports, focusing on how autonomy is being positioned within broader maritime change. Findings indicate that autonomy is being framed less as a replacement of human labour and more as an operational redesign enabled by automation, artificial intelligence, internet of things connectivity, and immersive technologies. In the rapid technology driven transition described at the conference, remote control systems and digital platforms were expected to require enhanced human supervision, reinforcing the continued centrality of skilled decision making. Experts also emphasized that autonomous and remote operations are already reshaping maritime work and can expand shore based opportunities. The reports further highlight the need for accelerated reskilling, including stronger competencies in data analysis, systems integration, and safety, with proposals to embed emerging training requirements into STCW to improve accessibility and shared responsibility. Safety discussions also cautioned against overreliance on digital displays and rising cyber vulnerability, underscoring the need for human centered training during the transition to autonomy.