Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Transport, Mr Murali Pillai, participated in a focus group discussion today with students, parents, educators, career counsellors and community groups, to discuss their aspirations for Maritime Singapore and opportunities to consider meaningful maritime careers.

2.          Today’s discussion is one in a series of public and industry consultation sessions organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to co-create the Maritime Singapore Master Plan. This Master Plan will be an industry-wide blueprint that charts the next phase of Maritime Singapore's development.

Maritime Singapore Master Plan

3.         As the maritime sector evolves amid changing global trade patterns, technological advances and energy transition, there is a need to refresh Singapore’s longer-term strategies for the maritime sector, to secure good growth for our maritime businesses and good jobs for Singaporeans.

4.         The Master Plan will outline strategies, with clear plans, to:

a. Strengthen Singapore’s competitiveness as a key node and hub port,

b. Enhance Singapore’s attractiveness as an International Maritime Centre,

c. Establish Singapore as a global leader in maritime innovation including Artificial Intelligence, and

d. Develop a future-ready maritime workforce.

5.         The development of the Master Plan was announced during the Ministry of Transport’s Committee of Supply Debate in March 2026, and is targeted for release in 2027.

Engaging Industry and Singaporeans

6.         Since March 2026, MPA has embarked on a comprehensive and inclusive consultation journey. Singaporeans and industry partners can contribute their views through:

a. Industry and union engagements

MPA has been engaging companies and unions across the maritime ecosystem and adjacent industries, and has received feedback and suggestions from more than 50 stakeholder groups to date. These engagements will continue in the months ahead to gather views on the opportunities and challenges facing Maritime Singapore. Stakeholders who are interested in contributing their views can do so via https://go.gov.sg/msmp-feedback.

MPA has also formed a Local Industry Panel comprising more than 20 key local maritime business leaders. The Panel will share industry perspectives, test and refine ideas, and conduct deeper dives into specific topics.

b. Focus group discussions on maritime careers

MPA is conducting two focus group discussions with students, parents, educators, career counsellors and community groups, as well as individuals considering or pursuing maritime careers. The sessions seek participants’ views on maritime careers, the factors that influence their career choices, and what could make maritime careers more attractive to them. The feedback will help MPA’s efforts to strengthen the maritime talent pipeline as part of the Master Plan.

c. Public engagement and feedback

Public engagement has been underway since May 2026 through the Maritime Singapore Master Plan Public Survey and the “Maritime Singapore in 2050” AI Image Contest on MPA’s website, as well as the “Voyage Beyond: Reimagining Maritime Singapore” travelling exhibition. Members of the public can continue to share their views for the Maritime Singapore Master Plan at https://www.mpa.gov.sg/maritime-singapore/MSMP until 30 September 2026.

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