SMOU said in a press release that the TNTA and TETA cadet training programmes, will receive funding support from SSG, MPA and SMOU, providing opportunities for Singaporeans to develop themselves through progressive and fulfilling career pathways.
The three-year funding commences this year and aims to groom a pool of 200 Singaporeans to become deck and marine engineer officers, who will contribute to building the Singapore manpower core in the maritime sector.
The funding announcement was made by Singapore Minister for Education (Schools) and Second Minister for Transport Ng Chee Meng, who was guest-of-honour at the annual SMOU & Wavelink Lunar New Year Luncheon and Hong Bao Presentation at Raffles City Convention Centre on Tuesday.
SMOU is also contributing SGD5,000 to shipping companies it has collective agreements with, for every training placement they offer to Singaporean cadets under the TNTA and TETA initiatives.
MPA ce Andrew Tan said: “Building a future ready maritime workforce is one of the key thrusts of the Sea Transport Industry Transformation Map. MPA is pleased to cement our tripartite partnership with SMOU further by co-funding both training programmes to provide good jobs to Singaporeans through multiple pathways.”
NTUC president and SMOU general-secretary Mary Liew said: “We are pleased that SSG and MPA are onboard with us to train the next generation of seafarers. Together with the shipping companies who are providing training placements to the cadets, we are sending out a strong message that tripartism remains the right way to go even as we navigate towards the future of maritime.”
In addition, starting from 2018, SMOU will contribute $120,000 over a period of three years to The Mission to Seafarers Singapore (MTSS) to improve the welfare and general well-being of seafarers.
This contribution will serve to benefit seafarers who visit the International Drop-in Centre at Jurong Port operated by MTSS. The facilities at the centre offer seafarers a cosy environment to relax, free Wi-Fi and interaction with fellow seafarers among others.
Chairman of The Mission to Seafarers Singapore, Captain Robert Francis Walker said: “We are absolutely delighted and extremely encouraged that SMOU has stepped up and provided a significant contribution to assist in our work caring for Seafarers in Singapore.”
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