Opening Address by Mr Murali Pillai, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Transport at the Grand Opening of Paxocean Singapore’s New Shipyard

Mr Kuok Khoon Ean, Chairman of Kuok (Singapore) Limited,

Distinguished guests,  

Industry partners,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Introduction

1.       Good morning, it is a pleasure to be here with you to celebrate the opening of PaxOcean Singapore’s new shipyard facility.

2.       My congratulations to PaxOcean, a part of Kuok Maritime Group, for achieving this significant milestone. This facility is a testament to PaxOcean's commitment to providing its clients with best-in-class services.

3.       Such an achievement is made possible by the wider Kuok Group’s support and long-term commitment to investing in Singapore’s maritime ecosystem.

Significance of Shipyards in Singapore’s History

4.       Singapore’s maritime sector has long been a cornerstone of our economy and the shipyard industry has a long and distinguished history. From the early dry docks established in the 19^th century at New Harbour (now Keppel Harbour), to the development of our first modern commercial shipyards during the early years of industrialisation, shipbuilding and repair have played an important part in Singapore’s growth as a maritime nation.

5.       Over the decades, our shipyards have continuously adapted to changing technologies and global demands, laying the foundation for Singapore’s position today as a leading international maritime centre and global hub port.

PaxOcean’s New Shipyard and Innovation Hub

6.       This new shipyard facility is sited where Jurong Shipyard, one of the first shipyards established when Singapore was industrialising in the 1960s, once operated. It represents not only a bold step forward for PaxOcean Group, but also the broader transformation and advancement of the sector.

7.       The facility integrates smarter processes, cleaner energy use and higher safety standards, with new amenities such as graving docks and workshops, to support complex and high-value maritime and offshore assets.

8.       In particular, the iHub5 represents Kuok Maritime Group’s commitment to developing and advancing novel solutions in decarbonisation, digitalisation, advanced manufacturing and sustainable maritime development.

a.       Supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), this dedicated space for research and development within PaxOcean’s shipyard creates a “living lab” where technologies can be tested and scaled in a real-world environment.

b.       This type of innovation aptly captures the bold spirit of Maritime Singapore – (i) never being satisfied with the status quo; (ii) always thinking about the future; (iii) and ensuring that we keep abreast of developments and seize opportunities that will enable us to make meaningful contributions to the global economy.

c.        I look forward to witnessing the formalisation of the partnership between the EDB and PaxOcean Group later today, to support the establishment of PaxOcean’s Centre of Excellence in Engineering Research and Development through the Research and Innovation Scheme for Companies.

Dynamic, Multi-Disciplinary Opportunities

9.       Beyond its technical contributions, iHub5 plays a vital role in opening up a new frontier for the maritime workforce. Beyond traditional engineering, it welcomes research engineers and scientists to the shipyard, fostering a multi-disciplinary environment that enables talent to explore diverse career trajectories within the PaxOcean Group. This creates meaningful and high-value career pathways that will attract more Singaporeans to join our dynamic sector.

a.       Mr Kuniadi Wandy Huang’s journey exemplifies this. After years of pioneering research in emission control, Wandy was supported by a PaxOcean scholarship to complete his PhD in chemical engineering.

b.       His work extends beyond the laboratory as he collaborates with the shipyard teams to bridge the gap between advanced research and the practical application of sustainable maritime technologies.

c.        Wandy will be joining the PaxOcean Centre of Excellence as an R&D Lead.

d.       His career journey is a testament to how this hub cultivates an agile workforce—one capable of taking bold ideas and translating them into the decarbonisation solutions the world needs today.

e.       I wish Wandy all the very best in his new position!

f.        I understand PaxOcean is also looking to hire more STEM talents for its Centre of Excellence. I hope to see more brilliant individuals joining this challenging and trailblazing sector.

Kuok Group’s Contributions to Maritime Singapore

10.      The Kuok Group has been a valued and long-time partner in Maritime Singapore’s journey, contributing significantly to the maritime ecosystem here.

a.       Kuok Maritime Group’s efforts in the Coastal Sustainability Alliance (CSA) supports MPA’s goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and spurs innovation in ship design and technology.

i.         As Thai Yong shared earlier, PaxOcean designed Singapore’s first and largest electric tugboat, which will be delivered later this month!

ii.        PaxOcean has also formalised collaboration agreements with local research institutes to innovate in ship design and technology, which supported the development of the electric tugboat and its customisation for Singapore’s maritime coastal ecosystem.

b.       Kuok Maritime Group’s commitment to local talent development in the maritime industry is commendable.

c.        A strong supporter of MPA’s and Singapore Maritime Foundation’s manpower development programmes, Pacific Carriers Limited, a member of Kuok Maritime Group, has sponsored 15 students under the MaritimeONE Scholarship since 2008, and in 2023, contributed S$1 million to the MaritimeONE Bursary Fund. 

Business with a Heart

11.      I also applaud the Kuok Group for continually supporting the wider community and undertaking meaningful causes that have great impact. I am told that PaxOcean will be making significant contributions to two of its beneficiaries, (i) ItsRainingRaincoats and (ii) Migrant Workers Centre. Through initiatives such as upskilling programmes and welfare provisions, these two organisations support migrant workers, whose efforts are indispensable to multiple industries, including the maritime sector.

Conclusion

12.      In summary, this new facility represents not only a major investment in Singapore’s maritime infrastructure but an evolution of traditional shipyard models and new career pathways. One has to look no further than its agile workforce, including Wandy, to recognise the vitality and dynamism of our sector.

13.      I commend Kuok Group Singapore for its vision and innovation, and wish PaxOcean every success as this new facility begins operations. Thank you, and congratulations once again.