WMU and MPA Commit to Strengthening Maritime Education and Manpower Development
The World Maritime University (WMU) and Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 6 July, reaffirming their commitment to nurturing and developing maritime leaders and contributing to capacity development for the international maritime community. The MOU was signed by Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, and Professor Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr., President of WMU, on the sidelines of the 137th Session of the International Maritime Organization Council in London.
Building on the long-standing partnership established through previous agreements signed in 2015 and 2019 respectively, the MOU will deepen the collaboration between MPA and WMU to promote training and manpower development for the maritime sector. Under the agreement, both parties will collaborate on specialized training programmes, facilitate faculty and expertise exchanges, and broaden knowledge sharing opportunities for members from both organizations.
The collaboration between MPA and WMU began in 2004 with MPA hosting WMU students on annual field studies to Singapore. To date, more than 400 students from 70 countries have visited Singapore. Under the new MOU, MPA will continue these field studies. MPA will also help raise awareness of WMU’s offerings of professional development courses (PDCs) on shipping and port-related topics amongst maritime professionals in Singapore.
Mr Ang said, “WMU has been a valued partner for over two decades, not just for Maritime Singapore but for the global maritime community. This MOU reaffirms our shared commitment to developing maritime talent through capacity building and knowledge exchange. As the industry navigates decarbonization, digitalization and a more complex operating environment, we continue to work together to strengthen maritime capabilities and equip maritime professionals with skills needed to support the industry’s future.”
Professor Maximo Q. Mejia Jr., President of WMU said, “The renewal of our long-standing partnership with MPA reflects a shared commitment to capacity development and human capital. Together, we are empowering maritime professionals with the knowledge, skills and global perspectives needed to lead the transformation of the maritime industry towards a more sustainable and resilient future.”
About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
MPA was established in 1996 with the mission to develop Singapore as a global hub port and international maritime centre, and to advance and safeguard Singapore’s strategic maritime interests. MPA takes on multiple roles as Singapore’s maritime and port regulator and planner, international maritime centre champion, national maritime representative, and champion of maritime digitalization and decarbonization efforts. MPA partners industry, research community and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection, facilitate maritime and port operations and growth, expand multi-domain capabilities, and support the cluster of maritime services and manpower development. For more information, visit www.mpa.gov.sg/
About the World Maritime University (WMU)
The World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden is established within the framework of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations. The mission of WMU is to be the world centre of excellence in postgraduate maritime and oceans education, professional training and research, while building global capacity and promoting sustainable development. WMU’s vision is to inspire leadership and innovation for a sustainable maritime and oceans future. WMU is an organization by and for the international maritime community and is committed to the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
