Secretary-General Emeritus of The International Maritime Organization Conferred National Day Award

President Halimah Yacob has conferred the Public Service Star (Distinguished Friends of Singapore) on Mr Koji Sekimizu, Secretary-General Emeritus of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This was in recognition of his leadership and contributions to the development of the global maritime industry, and his work with Singapore to advance various international maritime initiatives, training and capacity-building amongst IMO member states and industry.

2     During Mr Sekimizu’s tenure as Secretary-General of IMO from 2012 to 2015, several significant initiatives were introduced to enhance global maritime rules and regulations in the areas of safety, security, and sustainability, and to develop maritime human resources. Today, Mr Sekimizu continues to make key contributions to the promotion and development of Singapore’s maritime industry as the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS)-Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) Distinguished Visiting Fellow and Senior Advisor to MPA Academy.

3     Mr Khaw Boon Wan, Co-ordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport, presented the award to Mr Sekimizu at a ceremony.

4     “Mr Sekimizu has played a significant role in shaping the global maritime landscape. The initiatives he introduced have helped IMO deal effectively with the many complex and challenging issues faced by the global maritime community. As a member State of the IMO, Singapore has worked closely with Mr Sekimizu, including the years when he was the Director of the Marine Environment Division, and Director of the Maritime Safety Division of the IMO, and appreciates his support for our efforts to develop Singapore’s maritime industry, particularly in the area of maritime training and capacity- building,” said Mr Khaw.

5     Mr Sekimizu expressed his gratitude to President Halimah Yacob, Minister Khaw, and the Government of Singapore for conferring him this prestigious award. He said, “It is truly a great honour for me to be conferred the Public Service Star by the Government and people of Singapore. I am immensely grateful to Transport Minister Mr Khaw Boon Wan, and many government officials for their support and cooperation extended to me while I was working at IMO as an international civil servant. I would like to take this award not only as the kind recognition of my work in the United Nations system but also as a token of friendship from the people of Singapore. It will also encourage me to continue my endeavor in the search for sound and sustainable international shipping.”

Annexes:
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CV of Mr Koji Sekimizu

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Citation for the Public Service Star (Distinguished Friends of Singapore)
2018