21 April 2009
A tanker operator, a sometime Outstanding CEO of the Year, and a well-ranked tertiary institution - they all have something in common at the fifth Singapore International Maritime Awards (IMA).
A biennial event organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to recognise companies and individuals for their significant contributions to Singapore's development as a major global hub port and international maritime centre, this year's IMA salutes six outstanding companies and one distinguished individual.
Recipients of the Maritime Industry Awards presented by Guest-of-Honour Mr Raymond Lim, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, are Global Energy Trading for the Bunker Award, Nanyang Technological University for the Excellence in Training Development Award, Ocean Tankers for the Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS) Ship Owner of the Year Award, Standard Asia for the Maritime Service Provider Award, Keppel Offshore & Marine for the Offshore & Marine Engineering Award, BW Group for the International Maritime Centre (Corporate) Award, and Mr Choo Chiau Beng for the International Maritime Centre (Individual) Award.
Through his various roles, Mr Choo, the Chief Executive Officer of Keppel Corporation and Chairman of Keppel Offshore & Marine, has contributed significantly to the development of Singapore as a global leader in the building and conversion of offshore vessels, including jack-up rigs and Floating Production, Storage and Offloading vessels, or FPSOs.
During his tenure as the Chief Executive Officer of Keppel Offshore & Marine, Mr Choo dedicated substantial resources to the development and training of talent for the industry, as well as the promotion of R&D and technology innovation. He also actively participated in numerous industry- and government-led initiatives to promote and develop Singapore's maritime and offshore sectors.
Twenty-six new companies have been awarded the Approved International Shipping Enterprise (AIS) status, with three companies receiving an extension. There are three new entrants to the Approved Shipping Logistics Enterprise (ASL) scheme, while two companies have been awarded the Maritime Finance Incentive (MFI) status. These companies received their certificates from Minister, Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and Second Minister for Finance and Transport Mrs Lim Hwee Hua.
The AIS and ASL schemes help to promote more ship owning, operating and management activities in Singapore, while the MFI scheme promotes the development of ship financing activity and encourages the use of alternative financing in Singapore.
To date, more than 110 reputable shipping groups have made Singapore their shipping hub in Asia. Together, these companies register over S$3.3 billion in business expenditure here annually. The maritime industry is a key pillar of the Singapore economy, contributing some seven per cent direct value add to the gross domestic product (GDP). The 5,000 maritime establishments in Singapore employ more than 100,000 people.
A brand new addition to MPA's stable of schemes to benefit the maritime sector is the Graduate Attachment Programme (GAP), which links fresh graduates with maritime companies via attachment stints, providing them the opportunity to gain valuable working experience.
"The maritime community welcomes initiatives such as the Graduate Attachment Programme, which ensures that the industry will continue to have a steady pool of talent," says Singapore Maritime Foundation chairman Mr SS Teo. "This close partnership between the Government and maritime businesses is especially relevant during the current economic climate."
The IMA is a premium business networking event, celebrating the growth of the Singapore maritime ecosystem as well as the key partnerships important to its success. As a testament to the maritime community's resilience, this year's event has attracted a good turnout. In spite of the recession, about 1,000 maritime luminaries and leaders have come together to renew acquaintances, forge new relationships, as well as explore opportunities in this challenging business climate.
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About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was established on 2 February 1996, with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre (IMC), and to advance and safeguard Singapore's strategic maritime interests. MPA is the driving force behind Singapore's port and maritime development, taking on the roles of Port Authority, Port Regulator, Port Planner, IMC Champion, and National Maritime Representative. MPA partners the industry and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection in our port waters, facilitate port operations and growth, grow the cluster of maritime ancillary services, and promote maritime R&D and manpower development.
