Asia

Singapore highlights connectivity, innovation and talent as key for its maritime development

Not likely to rest on its laurels anytime soon, Singapore has mapped out its maritime future for the coming decade.

Widely polled as the world’s most vibrant maritime centre, Singapore has just unveiled its Sea Transport Industry Transformation Map (ITM), which aims to add 5,000 jobs and $3.4bn in maritime-related revenues by the middle of the next decade.

Connectivity, innovation and talent were the three key themes outlined by senior minister of state for transport Lam Pin Min while unveiling the ITM at an event on Friday evening.

“While 2017 was a better year than the last, the road ahead remains challenging. Indeed, we have to continue to paddle hard to stay ahead,” said Lam, during the annual Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) New Year cocktail reception.

SMF’s chairman, Andreas Sohmen-Pao, the boss of BW Group, commented that the new strategy looks to strengthen intangible assets and capabilities, and is not just about building physical assets.

“You may have noticed the key words in the ITM are connectivity, innovation, and talent,” Sohmen-Pao said. “This new emphasis – which includes non-physical flows like data and technology – will require new forms of collaboration.”

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
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