Mr Lam Yi Young, Chief Executive, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Introduction

I am delighted to join you at the International Sportsweek for Seafarers 2011. This is the 16th year that the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, or MPA, is organising this event. It is the first time that Sportsweek is held during the Singapore Maritime Week. I understand that the past few days have seen about 1200 participants in the various events. I am sure that the activities gave you opportunities to pit your skills against one another; and more importantly, make new friends.

It is well-known that the maritime community is a close-knit one. Everybody seems to know, or know of, one another. Seafarers spend long periods at sea together, weathering the elements and being away from family and friends. Teamwork and camaraderie are essential. It is therefore timely to recognise your contributions to the global economy. Let me express my deepest appreciation and assure you of the Singapore Government's support. We will continue to work in partnership with the unions, seafarers' missions and industry to promote the interests and well-being of all seafarers. Let me elaborate:

Enhancing the Welfare of Seafarers

For local seamen who wish to upgrade their skills, MPA provides grants for them to attend courses to improve their qualifications. MPA also gives out the Long Service Retirement Award to local seamen who have sailed for at least 15 years. In addition, MPA provides conciliation services to help resolve disputes between employers and seafarers onboard Singapore-flagged ships. Furthermore, MPA contributes to the Singapore Stranded Seafarers Fund, and administers this in partnership with the Singapore Maritime Officers' Union, or SMOU, and the Singapore Organisation of Seamen, or SOS.

As a global hub port, Singapore welcomes all seafarers. The Singapore Mariners' Club offers a 'home away from home' for visiting seafarers. MPA has also worked with the unions and the seafarers' missions to establish International Drop-In Centres for seafarers at our cargo terminals.

In addition, you can also look forward to receiving a hamper from MPA if your vessel is in Singapore on World Maritime Day. These are co-sponsored by MPA, SMOU and SOS, and have been presented to seafarers annually since 2003 to recognise their important contributions to the maritime community.

I am glad that our efforts have been recognised. The Port of Singapore was named 'Port of the Year' by the International Committee of Seafarers' Welfare last year. I encourage MPA to keep up the good work.

Conclusion

Even though this year's Sportsweek will soon come to a close, you can look forward to more events organised by MPA this year such as the International Bowling Tournament in September and the Singapore Cup Futsal Tournament in October. I hope you will take part in these.

Let me thank the shipping community, the unions, and the seafarers' missions for their support for Sportsweek. I also thank each of you for your participation in making this event a success.