The third successive MPA and MaritimeONE Scholarship Awards Ceremony saw a total of 41 scholarships and sponsorships being awarded this year.

These maritime scholarship awards are a collaborative effort by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the MaritimeONE partners, which comprises of the Association of Singapore Marine Industries, Singapore Maritime Foundation, and the Singapore Shipping Association. Local seafarer unions and maritime employers in Singapore have also come forth to pledge financial support to nurture and grow the maritime talent pool in Singapore. The evening's awards included 10 MPA Scholarships, two MPA Sponsorships, seven Tripartite Maritime Scholarship Scheme, one Seafaring Alternative, An Investment For Life scholarships and 21 MaritimeONE Scholarships.

With almost 700 applicants this year, it is encouraging for the maritime industry to see the consistent keen interest among young Singaporeans in maritime careers.This is a good sign as the Singapore maritime sector is set to grow in the years to come and demand for maritime specialists and professionals would rise. More talents will be required in the various sectors of the maritime industry to ensure the continued growth of it.

MPA Chairman Mr Lucien Wong presented the awards to the recipients, with representatives from the sponsoring companies and scholars' parents being in attendance at the ceremony.

"It is critical to nurture a ready pool of highly qualified maritime personnel in Singapore to meet the demands of the maritime industry," said Mr Wong. "With the support of the maritime community to sponsor deserving students, Singapore's position as a leading international maritime centre will be further strengthened."

The commitment of the maritime community in Singapore to develop its workforce is evident from the number of scholarships offered by the sponsoring companies each year. 2010 saw "K" Line, Pacific Carriers Limited, Pacific International Lines (Pte) Ltd, Singapore Maritime Academy of Singapore Polytechnic, SMTC Global (S) Pte Ltd, and The Lloyd's Register Educational Trust offering 21 scholarships in total.

"We are pleased that 21 MaritimeONE scholarships will be awarded to outstanding and deserving students to pursue maritime-related courses in Singapore and overseas. This is a significant jump from 17 in 2009 and 14 from the inaugural award ceremony in 2008. These scholarships are worth $549,500 and we are grateful to our maritime partners for their strong support to the MaritimeONE scholarship initiative. Their support is a reflection of their commitment to nurture and grow the maritime talent pool in Singapore," said Michael Chia, Chairman of the Singapore Maritime Foundation.

The maritime sector in Singapore contributed about seven per cent to the nation's Gross Domestic Product and employs about 150,000 people. The joint MPA and MaritimeOne Scholarship Awards ceremony showcases the importance the maritime companies and authorities place on creating a pool of skilled professionals capable of driving the industry forward. As Singapore's maritime sector grows in international prominence, the young scholars can be assured that an enriching maritime career awaits them.

Annex A: MPA and MaritimeONE Scholarship/Sponsorship Awards

End of Release

Jointly issued by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and MaritimeONE

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. The 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, expand the cluster of maritime ancillary services, and promote maritime R&D and manpower development.

About MaritimeONE
Launched in April 2007, MaritimeONE (Outreach Network) is a key platform for all maritime stakeholders to collectively raise the awareness of the maritime industry and attract new entrants into the industry. Besides the networking receptions, the other MaritimeONE partnership activities include scholarships and student outreach activities. The MaritimeONE Steering Committee comprises Mr Michael Chia, Chairman, Singapore Maritime Foundation; Mr Lam Yi Young, Chief Executive, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore; Mr Wong Weng Sun, President, Association of Singapore Marine Industries; and Mr Patrick Phoon, Councillor, Singapore Shipping Association. The Singapore Maritime Foundation is the administrator of the MaritimeONE scholarship programme.