PSA Corporation is linking up with the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) to develop its expertise in advanced port technologies.
They will also look at developing manpower in the engineering and infocomm technology (ICT) disciplines of the university.
Under an agreement signed yesterday, SIT's continuing education unit, SITLearn, will develop a 16-month part-time systems engineering training programme.
This will help train PSA engineers and ICT professionals to design, develop and maintain complex integrated systems that are "vital" for the port operator's new generation of ultra-modern and intelligent container terminals.
At the same time, PSA specialists will deliver guest lectures on port technology and operations at SIT, which will allow students and faculty members to gain exposure to the inner workings of PSA.
The two parties will also collaborate on applied research projects to explore solutions to business problems.
In addition, PSA will offer scholarships and provide Integrated Work Study Programme (IWSP) positions in selected engineering and ICT bachelor's programmes.
The IWSP will "expose students to the dynamic and exciting port industry", said the statement. Students will also have the opportunity to embark on projects that will allow them to delve deeper into various port businesses and technology problems.
Mr Ong Kim Pong, PSA International regional chief executive for South-east Asia, noted that the collaboration with SIT is timely as the firm continues its development of advanced technologies for both its present and future terminals.
"By equipping PSA staff and SIT students with the knowledge and skillsets to handle and work with smart systems, we can ensure that they are ready for future challenges and will help propel the Singapore port to the next level of excellence and productivity," he said.
Professor Loh Han Tong, deputy president (academic) and provost at SIT, added: "Through the various collaborative platforms, SIT students will benefit from learning opportunities in PSA and develop skills of adaptability and innovation that will allow them to navigate the fast-changing economy."
PSA will eventually consolidate all its container port activities at the upcoming Tuas megaport, which will incorporate new port technologies and equipment and allow 65 million standard-sized containers to be handled each year.
The port leases for the terminals at Tanjong Pagar, Keppel and Pulau Brani are due to expire in 2027. The move to Tuas is expected to take place before then.
PSA has already begun relocating some workers from the Tanjong Pagar Terminal to the Pasir Panjang Terminal, where they will pick up new skills, such as those related to operating automated equipment.
