SMOU warmly welcomed Brother Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State in the Ministry for Transport (MOT) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on his visit to the Union for a round-table discussion on 17 August. Among those present were Sister Quah Ley Hoon, Chief Executive, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA); Brother Kam Soon Huat, President, Singapore Organisation of Seamen (SOS); and delegates from MOT, MPA, SMOU, and SOS.

The discussion focused on the impact of COVID-19 on the maritime sector and recognising the role of seafarers in the transportation of vital goods across the global supply chain. At the roundtable discussion, MPA, SMOU, and SOS exchanged views on how Singapore, as a leading international maritime centre could facilitate crew change safely. Other items on the agenda included the protection of seafarers’ welfare, especially during these difficult times, as well as providing maritime opportunities to fresh and recent graduates under the SGUnited Traineeships Programme.

Following the discussion, Sister Mary Liew shared the needs for building a stronger Singapore Core, with the support from the tripartite partners, to provide quality training for the next generation of local seafarers and groom future Captains as the maritime industry transforms.  

It was a productive and fruitful dialogue where the spirit of solidarity among the industry and Union leaders was further strengthened through collaborative discussions. Together, we can work together to keep Singapore waters safe and supply chains secure and emerge stronger during the COVID-19 pandemic!

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