30 July 2014

Senior Minister of State for Finance and Transport Mrs Josephine Teo Outlines Singapore's Strategy for Continued Growth as a Premier Global Hub Port & Leading International Maritime Centre at the Inaugural Singapore Maritime Dialogue Involving 200 Students

Singapore, 30 July 2014 - About 200 students had the chance to hear from, and pose questions, to a panel consisting of Mrs Josephine Teo, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Transport, and four other senior maritime leaders at the inaugural Singapore Maritime Dialogue today. The event, held at the InterContinental Singapore, engaged students from various junior colleges and polytechnics on key issues relating to the Singapore maritime industry, and the Government's plans for the continued growth of an industry contributing to some seven per cent of Singapore's Gross Domestic Product.

The Guest-of-Honour, Mrs Josephine Teo, spoke on the importance of the maritime industry to Singapore's economy, and its international accomplishments - as one of the world's busiest ports and largest container transhipment hub, a leading International Maritime Centre, and world leader in offshore and marine engineering.

She also highlighted the diverse range of maritime education and scholarship opportunities available to students, and urged them to consider a career in the maritime industry - "With Asia being a major engine of global economic growth and trade, Singapore is well-positioned to grow in relevance alongside Asian shipping. We invite young Singaporeans to uncover the treasure trove of opportunities and be part of a new generation to shape the next chapter of Maritime Singapore."

The one-hour dialogue and Q&A session between the students and dialogue panellists covered a wide range of issues pertinent to the maritime industry. The growing global competition and the Singapore government's commitment to the maritime industry through investments in manpower and infrastructure, as well as Singapore's manpower policies on developing local manpower and talent, and providing quality job opportunities for locals, were among the topics discussed. Other issues of interest for the students included the options for maritime education, scholarship and careers in Singapore.

The Singapore Maritime Dialogue is one of the activities under MaritimeONE, an initiative by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore under the Ministry of Transport, and three other leading industry associations (Singapore Maritime Foundation, Singapore Shipping Association and the Association of Singapore Marine Industries).

Said Mr Michael Chia, Chairman of the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) and MaritimeONE, "The maritime industry is not top-of-mind for most people although it is very relevant to our daily lives since shipping transports almost everything we use and consume. We need to change that, and through the efforts of MaritimeONE over the years, we have made headway in raising the awareness of our young people through various initiatives, including career fairs, school talks and events like the Singapore Maritime Dialogue."

Mr Liu Xuanyi, student moderator at the Singapore Maritime Dialogue, and MaritimeONE scholar pursuing a double degree programme in Law & Business Management at the Singapore Management University, had this to say about his choice of a career in maritime: "I am drawn to the maritime industry's dynamism and diverse workforce, which offers me the chance to meet and learn from professionals from all over the world. After I graduate, one of my plans is to practice as a ship finance lawyer because it combines my love for law with my keen interest in the maritime industry. This would not just be a job for me. It would be a career that I look forward to, and I believe that my work will play a part in the growth of Singapore's maritime industry."

Shipping moves 90 per cent of world trade so it plays an important role in the global economy. Closer to home, the Singapore maritime industry is a key pillar of our nation's economy, contributing some seven per cent to our Gross Domestic Product. There are more than 5,000 maritime establishments employing more than 170,000 personnel. Hence, students have a wide variety of choices in maritime education, scholarship and career opportunities.

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For media queries, please contact:

Regina Lim
Senior Manager
Corporate Communications
Singapore Maritime Foundation
Tel : (65) 6325-0227
Mobile : (65) 9119-5840

Cheryl Lim
Executive
Corporate Communications
Singapore Maritime Foundation
Tel : (65) 6325-0226
Mobile : (65) 8118-3098

About Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF)
Established in 2004, the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) is a private sector-led organization that seeks to develop and promote Singapore as an International Maritime Centre (IMC). As the representative voice for the commercial players of the maritime industry, the Foundation seeks to forge strong partnerships with the public and private sectors of the maritime industry. SMF spearheads initiatives to promote the diverse clusters of the maritime industry in Singapore and at international frontiers, and to attract young talents to join the sector. SMF is directed by its Board of Directors which comprises prominent leaders in the Singapore maritime community. For details, visit www.smf.com.sg.

About MaritimeONE
Launched in April 2007 by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF), Association of Singapore Marine Industries (ASMI) and Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), MaritimeONE (Outreach Network) is a key platform for all maritime stakeholders to synergise efforts to raise awareness of the maritime industry among students and their influence groups, and to interest them in maritime education and careers via various outreach initiatives. As the Secretariat of the MaritimeONE, SMF works in tandem with strategic partners to organise a variety of initiatives, including promotional campaigns, events and MaritimeONE scholarships. Other MaritimeONE activities include industry awareness talks, scholarship offers, student outreach events and regular networking events for employers and tertiary students. For details, visit www.maritimecareers.com.sg.