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Singapore announces new initiatives to promote maritime careersSingapore announces new initiatives to promote maritime careers

Singapore is rolling out new initiatives to promote careers in the maritime sector, with an aim to attract 1,200 locals as seafarers and port operations jobs over the next five years.

Marcus Hand, Editor

September 25, 2015

1 Min Read
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The measures were announced on Friday by  Teo Chee Hean, Singapore Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, at the Singapore Shipping Association’s 30th anniversary dinner at Marina Bay Sands.

The initiatives were drawn up by two tripartite committees set-up to promote careers in the maritime sector.

A new body the Maritime Singapore Connect (MSC) Office will be formed under the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) to work with schools, employers, government agencies and industry associations. The Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will be investing SGD4m ($2.8m) over four years to set-up the MSC.

The SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme will be rolled out by second quarter 2016 and is targeted at Polytechnic students with a year-long work/study arrangement.

Singaporeans already working in the maritime sector will be able to for grants to allow them to further their skills under the SkillsFuture Study Awards, which will open for application in the fourth quarter this year, and SkillsFuture Credit in the first quarter of 2016.

On the seafaring front there will be a cadet allowance reimbursement programme, an achievement award for those completing their course and becoming junior officers, and “Up-skill” allowance scheme to help junior officers upgrade their skills.

“The maritime industry offers many exciting and rewarding opportunities to Singaporeans looking for challenge in their careers. The maritime sector is global in nature and in need of good talent,” commented MPA chief executive Andrew Tan. “MPA is committed to working closely with our industry stakeholders, associations, unions and other government agencies to attract more Singaporeans into both the seafaring and shore-based sectors.”

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About the Author

Marcus Hand

Editor

Marcus Hand is the editor of Seatrade Maritime News and a dedicated maritime journalist with over two decades of experience covering the shipping industry in Asia.

Marcus is also an experienced industry commentator and has chaired many conferences and round tables. Before joining Seatrade at the beginning of 2010, Marcus worked for the shipping industry journal Lloyd's List for a decade and before that the Singapore Business Times covering shipping and aviation.

In November 2022, Marcus was announced as a member of the Board of Advisors to the Singapore Journal of Maritime Talent and Technology (SJMTT) to help bring together thought leadership around the key areas of talent and technology.

Marcus is the founder of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast that delivers commentary, opinions and conversations on shipping's most important topics.

Conferences & Webinars

Marcus Hand regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

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