Norway-Singapore Arctic Symposium
Co-organised by MPA and the Royal Norwegian Embassy to raise awareness of Arctic issues

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Royal Norwegian Embassy, with support from the Singapore Maritime Institute and Innovation Norway, organised the Norway-Singapore Arctic Symposium on Friday, 14 March 2014.

Mr Andrew Tan, Chief Executive, MPA who delivered the welcome remarks said, "As a maritime nation and global hub port, Singapore has been following closely the developments in Arctic shipping and its possible impact on maritime trade and the freedom of navigation. As an observer to the Arctic Council, Singapore also participates in the Arctic Council's Working Groups and shares our knowledge and experience in emergency response planning and prevention of marine oil pollution. Through today's symposium, we hope that participants will be able to gain a deeper awareness and understanding about developments in the Arctic."

The symposium aims to raise awareness and facilitate discussion of Arctic issues among agencies, enterprises, and academia in Singapore. Distinguished speakers for the event included officials from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Arctic Council, Royal Norwegian Embassy, academia from National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University and the shipping industry. The topics covered activities of the Emergency Prevention and Preparedness Response Working Group in the Arctic, the rule of law and prevention of marine pollution in the Arctic, as well as Arctic technology and the challenges facing oil and gas activities with the changing Arctic environment.

The Norway-Singapore Arctic Symposium was attended by more than 100 participants comprising shipping industry partners, members of the Singapore Shipping Association, researchers and students from the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University of Singapore, and members of the local Norwegian business community.

Lively panel discussion at the Norway-Singapore Arctic Symposium
From left:Ms Else Berit Eikeland, Special Adviser, Department for Security Policy and the High North, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norway's Senior Arctic Official to the Arctic Council
Mr Ole Kristian Bjerkemo, Chair, Emergency Prevention Preparedness and Response Working Group, Arctic Council
Associate Professor Robert Beckman, Director of Centre for International Law, Faculty of Law, National University of Singapore
Dr Cynthia Wang Dewi, Assistant Manager, Keppel Offshore & Marine Technology Centre
Ms Angela Png, Director (International), Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore

End of Release.

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