MPA Assigns USD 12 Mn for Singapores Maritime Workforce

MPA The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is to invest USD 12 million in the maritime sector in the next two years in order to attract, develop and retain local talent in the sector. As a result, 5,000 individuals are expected to benefit from the new manpower schemes that will be rolled out progressively from 1 May 2016, according to MPA. The new Maritime Career Conversion Scheme (MCCS) will be focused on reskilling and training programs aimed at enhancing the workers employability in maritime jobs in the port, shipping and maritime services sectors. MPA says it will also co-found 50 percent of each employees wage for the first 6 month once they complete the trainings. Internship opportunities from students from maritime study fields will also be provided, according to MPA. MPA says that in the framework of this program, maritime businesses in Singapore are also to be encouraged to upskill their employees. “The introduction of the various manpower schemes to provide support to maritime companies and a wide spectrum of our local talent pool reaffirms MPA’s commitment to develop a quality maritime workforce and ensure that Singapore remains well-positioned when we emerge from the shipping downturn,  Andrew Tan, Chief Executive of MPA, notes. MPA also said that it would commit a further SGD 50 million to the Maritime Innovation & Technology (MINT) Fund and extend its term to 2021. With the top-up, the total amount allocated to the fund will stand at SGD 200 million.