SINGAPORE - Port operator PSA Corporation has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) to build up its expertise in advanced port technologies.

The two parties will also look at developing manpower in the engineering and infocomm technology (ICT) disciplines of the university.

Under the agreement, SIT - through its continuing education unit, SITLearn - will develop a 16-month part-time systems engineering training programme.

This will help equip PSA engineers and ICT professionals with the competencies to design, develop and maintain complex integrated systems that are "vital" for PSA's new generation of ultra-modern and intelligent container terminals, said PSA and SIT in a joint statement on Friday (Mar 10).

At the same time, PSA specialists will deliver guest lectures on port technology and operations at SIT, which will allow students and faculty members from the university to gain exposure to the inner workings at PSA.

PSA and SIT 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 positions in selected engineering and ICT Bachelor's programmes.

The work study programmes will expose students to the port industry, and offer them the opportunity to embark on capstone projects which will allow them to delve deeper into and offer solutions to various port business and technology problems.