Remarks by Senior Minister of State For Transport Mr Chee Hong Tat at the Inaugural Maritime Youth Forum 2023

Ladies and Gentlemen,

1.     Thank you for inviting me to the inaugural Maritime Youth Forum 2023.

2.     This is the first time that students from the NTU Maritime Business Society, SMU Maritime Merchants Society, and SP’s Singapore Maritime Academy Club, with the support of SMF, have come together to organise a Maritime Youth Forum to build connections, learn from industry experts, and network with business leaders. 

3.     We have more than a hundred students here with us today, together with representatives from the maritime sector, and I hope this will be a good start to further deepen the close cooperation and exchanges between our students and industry leaders. 

Maritime Singapore – Inclusive, Innovative, International, Impactful

4.     Today, I want to address why you should consider joining the maritime industry, and why I think a career in the maritime industry can be Inclusive, Innovative, International and Impactful. I know many of you are studying maritime-related courses, and you have come here to find out more about what the maritime industry can offer. 

Inclusive – Opportunities for All

5.     The maritime industry is actually very inclusive. It is exciting, dynamic, and offers a range of exciting jobs. It is not just about port operations and seafaring, although those are also very important. If we look at the whole spectrum of what the different companies in Maritime Singapore can offer, and what the different entry pathways into the industry are, and one’s progression, there are actually many, many options. 

6.     Career options in the maritime sector include a wide range of professional and technical roles, which will require both technical knowledge and soft skills. With the world’s largest transhipment port and a thriving international maritime centre, Maritime Singapore offers many meaningful career opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds and a diverse range of qualifications. 

7.     Besides seafaring opportunities – which are very important and which I encourage you to consider pursuing a career in –  there are also many shore-based opportunities. Sometimes, it is not just one or the other.  Many of our seafarers who have spent some time out at sea do transit to shore-based jobs subsequently. And these are well-paid, good jobs, such as ship charterers, and ship managers. 

8.     These jobs will allow you to contribute to Maritime Singapore, upholding our reputation as an efficient, world-class shipping hub.

Innovative – Digital and Sustainable Transformation

9.     The maritime sector is also one that is very innovative. While it is an industry that has had a very longstanding heritage and rich history, it has not stood still. It is an industry that has continued to evolve and innovate; it is forward-looking. This element of innovation runs through different parts of our industry transformation plans, from digitalisation to decarbonisation.

10.    In terms of the resilience of global supply chains, this is an area where many of us would be interested in learning more about and contributing to. COVID-19 has shown us the importance of having a good understanding of our supply chains. 

11.    It is very important for Singapore to remain connected to the world, and our maritime sector is key to maintaining this connectivity. That is why we will continue to invest in key maritime infrastructure, like Tuas Port. 

International Opportunities

12.    Maritime is naturally an international and globally-oriented industry. If you look at Maritime Singapore, we have a mix of local and global talent. That is what makes us competitive, vibrant and innovative. 

13.    For our students, and also Singaporeans working in the maritime industry, I would encourage you, if the opportunity arises, to go overseas and experience what it is like to work and live abroad. This would allow you to pick up a first-hand experience beyond the classroom, deal with people from different backgrounds, and develop a deeper understanding of the global nature of the maritime industry.  

14.    I would also like to encourage our business leaders to work with the Government to provide these international opportunities to our students. And for our students, please take full advantage of these offers when they arise. 

Impactful – For Singapore and the World

15.    Let me end with how the maritime sector can be impactful. Singapore is a maritime nation, and this industry is very important to our economy.

a.     At the MaritimeONE scholarship event in August last year, one of the SMU students, Samuel Poh, shared how a trading operations internship with Bright Point Trading introduced him to the maritime industry, and the internship further inspired him to consider a role in maritime. Samuel was studying business management, and he eventually decided to specialise in Maritime Business and Operations at SMU. 

16.    Our Maritime Singapore internships and job opportunities have allowed students, like Samuel, to find out how our maritime sector can be very impactful and meaningful. You can make a real difference to companies, to people, keeping our global supply chains open, and supporting competitive industries across different parts of the world. 

17.    If this appeals to you, then I will encourage you to find out more, and make maritime your port of call. Thank you.