Opening Address by Senior Advisor Mr Yap Ong Heng at the Opening Ceremony of the 3rd Advanced Maritime Leaders’ Programme

Ms Quah Ley Hoon, Chief Executive, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore,

Excellencies,

Distinguished participants and guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

1.     I am delighted to join you at the opening of the 3^rd Advanced Maritime Leaders’ Programme. Launched in 2015, the AMLP is the MPA Academy’s flagship executive programme. It provides a platform for heads of maritime administrations and other senior maritime officials to learn, network and build ties.

2.     For the 3^rd AMLP, we are pleased to have 29 distinguished individuals from 26 countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Oceania, as well as the International Maritime Organization, participating. This is the highest number of participants from around the world since the inaugural run of the programme. A warm welcome to all of you, especially those who have come from afar.

Key Challenges to Maritime Industry

3.     We are gathering at a time when the world and the maritime industry face increasing uncertainties and complexities, even volatility. Indeed, those in the maritime sector know that the industry is a bellwether of the global economy. When the number of ships calling at ports changes, we know that there are similar fluctuations in global trade. This relationship also works the other way. When the global economy encounters strong headwinds, so too does the maritime industry.

4.     Allow me to highlight four key challenges faced by the world and the maritime sector, and the questions and issues they raise for maritime leaders to grapple with.

   i.     First, uncertain economic growth. The global economy is expected to slow down this year, and we are seeing signs of increasing protectionism. Of note, the trade dispute between the US and China, if unresolved, is a cause for gloom in the horizon. And Brexit, which continues to hang in the balance, fuels uncertainty not only in the United Kingdom and the EU, but also the rest of the world. More broadly, there will be shifts in consumption, production and trade patterns. We would need to think about how the maritime landscape and industry would change. We would also have to look at how to manage the impact on shipping, ports, and their workforces.

   ii.    Second, shipping and the environment. Climate change and pollution are critical challenges confronting mankind, and the maritime industry must do its part in addressing them. For one, we can expect more stringent environmental regulations to be promulgated and effected. For example, the mandatory global 0.5% sulphur cap on ship fuel, which will come into force in less than a year from now. Decisions have to be made now on fuel types, technological and operational measures, infrastructure, and mitigation of impacts. Similar decisions are required on how the maritime sector can further contribute to protecting the environment, but on a much wider and larger scale.

   iii.   Third, disruptive technologies. Technologies, such as automation, the internet of things, big data, block chain and artificial intelligence, are all fast developing. The waves of disruption they create are likely to change the face of shipping and port operations, even fundamentally. What new visions can we sketch for the maritime sector? How do we harness these technologies to raise the efficiency and productivity of the sector, and advance its transformation? What can we do to mitigate the adverse effects? These are just some of the many questions to be addressed.

   iv.  Fourth, security threats. We are all familiar with the established threats of piracy and terrorism to shipping, sea lanes and ports. But increasingly, security threats are not just in the physical realm. With digitalisation, we have to guard against cyber-attacks that could cripple maritime systems and operations. More than that, we need to ensure cyber-security, while getting the most of the benefits that digitalisation brings.

Leadership Key

5.     The four challenges I have spoken about and others require strong governance and leadership, both individually and collectively. At the global level, cooperation and collaboration is key to advancing the IMO’s mission of ensuring safe, secure, environmentally sound, and efficient shipping. And at the national level, it is important that States and those at the helm of their maritime sector demonstrate bold and forward-looking leadership in building the industry to raise economic growth and the standard of living for their peoples.

6.     Hence, in the dynamic and challenging landscape, maritime leaders have to hone their mastery of their professional responsibilities as well as the management skills to lead an effective organisation. The AMLP brings all of you together to advance this goal. You will be able to exchange knowhow, views and perspectives with experts on leadership and organisation transformation. You can also share your rich and diverse experiences, best practices and ideas with one another. And the AMLP, being held during the 14^th Singapore Maritime Week, allows you to attend events of interest to engage and network with the maritime industry.

7.     Indeed, Singapore is honoured to be able to play a role in your learning and development to better prepare for an increasingly complex and ever-changing global environment. I encourage you to make the best of the programme and the opportunities available. This AMLP is held in a special year for us – the bicentennial of the founding of modern Singapore. Even before 1819, Singapore was already a thriving sea port, as records show. If you can, do take a bit of time to enjoy the heritage and culture, and the sights, sounds and flavours of Singapore!

8.     I wish all of you a fruitful and enjoyable time in Singapore. Thank you.