The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) commenced the fourth Maritime Public Leaders' Programme
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) commenced the fourth Maritime Public Leaders' Programme (MPLP) on 13 October 2014, MPA said in its press release.The MPLP is a learning platform that brings together senior maritime officials from around the world to discuss and exchange ideas on maritime issues and challenges. Organised by MPA in partnership with the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) under the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP), MPLP will be held from 13th to 18th October 2014.
The week long programme contains a series of specifically designed lectures, site visits and networking functions, enabling leaders and maritime representatives from around the world to interact and discuss key concerns in the international maritime industry.
The maritime industry is currently facing significant opportunities and challenges arising from evolving global trade patterns, technological advancement and growing concerns on environmental sustainability. With more than 90% of the world' trade carried by sea today, it is critical for international trade that the maritime industry examines these issues and continuously seeks improvements.
"Singapore is a leading maritime nation with one of the world's busiest ports. Over the years, we have developed strong expertise as a responsible port state and flag state administration.We are happy to share our experience with other port administrators and regulators from around the world. Some 21 participants from 20 countries are taking part in the 4th run of the Maritime Public Leaders Programme. I am confident that the exchange of views and best practices will add to a stronger maritime community with greater attention to safety, efficiency and sustainability of future shipping," says Mr Andrew Tan, Chief Executive, MPA.
"Working closely with MPA and the maritime industry, NTU is actively propelling its maritime R&D and education activities, and contributing to the overall effort in enhancing Singapore's status as an International Maritime Centre," says Professor Wang Rong, Chair of School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, NTU.
Since its launch in 2011, 52 representatives from 28 countries have benefitted from the annual MPLP. This year, distinguished speakers from the private and public sectors including NUS' Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and NTU's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies will share their wealth of knowledge and experience with 21 maritime representatives from Asia, Africa, Europe, Middle East, the Caribbean and Oceania. Some of the maritime-related topics that will be discussed include port planning and management, shipping economics as well as maritime law, security and management of the marine environment.
In addition to the lectures, participants will learn about Singapore's rich maritime heritage and strengths in port planning and management from field visits to MPA's Port Operations Control Centre, PSA Container Terminal and the Urban Redevelopment Authority Centre.
About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was established on 2 February 1996, with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre (IMC), and to advance and safeguard Singapore's strategic maritime interests. MPA is the driving force behind Singapore's port and maritime development, taking on the roles of Port Authority, Port Regulator, Port Planner, IMC Champion, and National Maritime Representative. MPA partners the industry and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection in our port waters, facilitate port operations and growth, expand the cluster of maritime ancillary services, and promote maritime R&D and manpower development.