Mr S Iswaran, Minister for Transport and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations, launched the ‘50 Years of Singapore’s Container Shipping Journey Exhibition’ at Singapore Polytechnic (SP) today. This year marks 50 years since Singapore received its first 300 containers from the then newly opened Tanjong Pagar Terminal on 23 June 1972. 

2. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Singapore’s container shipping journey, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is organising a roving exhibition to five institutes of higher learning [1] (IHL) from August to September 2022. Featuring three zones - Past, Present, and Future – the exhibition will take students through the progress of Singapore’s development into a global hub port and vibrant international maritime centre, pay tribute to our pioneers, unions, and industry professionals who made it possible, and highlight the exciting opportunities in the maritime sector. Please refer to the Annex for details about the exhibition.

3. Minister Iswaran delivered his opening address to some 300 students and guests, and officially launched the exhibition together with MPA Chairman, Mr Niam Chiang Meng, MPA Chief Executive, Ms Quah Ley Hoon, SP Principal and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Soh Wai Wah, various industry and union leaders. Minister then joined the MaritimeSG Youth Ambassadors [2] on a guided tour of the exhibition, interacted with students, and visited industry partner booths from A.P. Moller-Maersk (Maersk), CMA CGM, Jurong Port, Ocean Network Express, Pacific International Lines, and PSA Corporation Ltd.  

4. To attract and grow talent to support the maritime sector, more than 30 maritime companies across the maritime ecosystem comprising port terminal operators, shipping lines, harbour craft operators, ship broking, marine insurance, and marine-tech start-ups, will also be participating in the roving exhibitions. The companies will be sharing with students and youths about the exciting developments of the maritime industry and the rewarding maritime careers.  

5. Ms Quah said, “Our founding fathers had the strategic vision and courage to make the bold decision to build a container terminal at a time when containerisation was still a tentative idea. 50 years on, Singapore has become a leading global transhipment hub port. Today, the maritime sector is at the cusp of transformation, catalysed by a digitalisation and decarbonisation agenda. We hope this exhibition will inspire that same bold spirit in our youths, and have them come onboard, join the maritime sector, and be part of the exciting work to make the sector more sustainable and resilient.”

[1]: Singapore Polytechnic (3 to 5 August), ITE College Central (16 to 18 August), Singapore Management University (23 to 26 August), National University of Singapore (5 to 8 September), and Nanyang Technological University (19 to 22 September) 

[2]: MPA launched the Maritime Youth Ambassadors (MYA) programme in February 2022 to provide youth leaders with a platform to champion interest in the maritime sector and rally youths to join the sector.18 students from IHLs have been appointed as the inaugural batch of MYAs.