Singapore Maritime Foundation launches “Choose Your MariTimeline” talent attraction initiative

It highlights diverse career paths to attract new talent to the maritime sector.

The Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) has launched the "Choose Your MariTimeline" campaign, aiming to attract fresh talent to its growing maritime industry. This initiative is a continuation of the foundation's efforts since 2022, focusing on showcasing the maritime sector's opportunities to the younger generation.

"Since 2022, Singapore Maritime Foundation has been running its ‘Own Your Future’ campaign," said Richard Tan, Manager at Ocean Network Express. "It is an industry branding and talent attracting digital campaign that aims to showcase the maritime industry to the younger generation and to show them the excellent array of opportunities that the maritime sectors can offer."

The "Choose Your MariTimeline" campaign emphasises the diverse career opportunities available in the maritime industry, irrespective of one's educational background. "This allows individuals with or without maritime background to enter the industry," Tan explained.

Addressing the importance of talent in making Singapore an attractive hub for maritime companies, Tan noted, "The only resource and assets that Singapore truly has are the human resource. Quality talent is a very competitive tool in differentiating our maritime city from the rest of the world." 

He emphasised the government's and educational institutions' efforts to groom the next generation for the maritime industry. "Even in my organisation, in Ocean Network Express, and also in other shipping companies, the company actually put in place upskilling programs to enhance the skill set and the knowledge of the employees."

Highlighting why someone should consider a career in the maritime industry now, Tan pointed out the sector's transformation driven by decarbonization and digitalization. "The maritime sector is an essential industry, and it offers diverse and purposeful careers," he said. "This is a particularly exciting time to be in the maritime industry that is undergoing a phase of rapid transformation."

Singapore's maritime industry is working towards decarbonization goals set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), aiming to cut carbon emissions by 20% by 2030 and up to 80% by 2040. Digitalization is also a key focus, with heavy investments in infrastructure, such as the upcoming Singapore Tuas Port, which will become the world's biggest automated port by 2040.

"These changes have created a myriad of opportunities at the intersection of maritime business, sustainability, and technology," Tan noted. He encouraged individuals with or without prior maritime knowledge to enter the industry, build on existing skills, and perhaps acquire new ones.