The maritime industry in Singapore is undergoing significant changes, with a focus on decarbonization and technology integration. Hor Weng Yew, chairman of the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF), emphasized the need for lifelong learning to adapt to these transformations. Initiatives like the partnership between SMF and the National University of Singapore to offer data science courses for maritime professionals aim to equip the workforce with essential skills.
Scholarship programs like MaritimeONE and Tripartite Maritime Scholarships (TMSS) are helping to nurture talent in various fields related to maritime, such as accountancy, data science, and artificial intelligence. Efforts to expand Singapore’s maritime research talent pool through initiatives like the SMI-MaritimeONE postgraduate R&D scholarship are also underway. These initiatives aim to strengthen Singapore’s position as a global leader in maritime technology.
While there is government support to drive students towards maritime careers, industry leaders like Vinay Gupta of Union Marine Management Services (UMMS) hope to see more local talent entering the field. The challenge lies in revamping the industry’s image to attract younger generations and compete with industries perceived as more exciting. Initiatives to highlight maritime’s contributions to causes like the environment and community well-being are crucial in addressing this global industry issue.
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