Singapore a "multiple gold medallist" in the maritime sector: Josephine Teo

Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Transport Mrs Josephine Teo speaking to students at the third Singapore Maritime Dialogue held on Friday (Aug 12) at the PSA Pasir Panjang Terminal. PHOTO: SINGAPORE MARITIME FOUNDATION

SINGAPORE - Those looking to join the maritime sector need not fear the current downturn as Singapore is a "multiple gold medallist" in the industry, said Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Transport Josephine Teo on Friday (Aug 12).

Speaking at the third annual Singapore Maritime Dialogue, Mrs Teo said Singapore continued to lead the world as a transhipment and bunkering port.

She likened Singapore's maritime sector to United States Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, adding that the country had to continue to stay ahead of the competition.

"We mustn't be fearful of economic cycles. What goes up must come down, the question is on the way down, what do you do to prepare for the time when you come up again," she said.

She said the Government has "a lot of confidence" in the maritime sector and is continuing to invest in the sector and encouraging people to join it.

Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore chief executive Andrew Tan said the maritime sector here is also continuing to stay innovative by employing new technology, including remote-controlled cranes and automated vehicles that would eventually replace prime movers in ferrying containers.

The dialogue was organised by the Singapore Maritime Foundation to give students a better understanding of the maritime industry.

Held at PSA's Pasir Panjang Terminal, it was attended by 150 students from various institutions, including the Singapore Management University, Singapore Polytechnic and the Institute of Technical Education.

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