Some young and enthusiastic Myanmar cadets who are groomed to be future seafaring officers participated in the inaugural 2-weeks CadetsPlus online programme conducted by Wavelink Maritime Institute (WMI).
More than 10 cadets were selected by their respected shipping employers, where they learned Confident Conversation in English & Personal Effectiveness, Maritime Occupational Safety, Health & Environmental Protection and Maritime Legislative Requirements.
This programme was borne out of expeditionary visits to Myanmar in 2019 that culminated in the SMOU Yangon Nite on 30 November 2019, where the Guest-of-Honour, Singapore Ambassador to Myanmar, Her Excellency Ms Vanessa Chan spoke of the beginning of co-operation in the maritime sector and the potential and benefit in future collaborations between Singapore and Myanmar to boost maritime capabilities.
WMI had since worked on delivering training in Myanmar. Undeterred by the COVID-19 restrictions and the enveloping political situation in Myanmar, along with periodic internet curfews, WMI successfully organised the first CadetsPlus online programme in Myanmar from 15 to 26 February 2021.
The participating cadets represented the following shipping employers, Asia Maritime Pacific (AMP), Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM), CMA Ships and MTM Shipmanagement.
Describing his experience, AMP Cadet Kaung Khant Nyi Nyi, shared that the programme was different from what he was previously used to, saying, “I like doing the group activities, critical thinking and I can also improve my English skills”.
Another participating cadet from BSM enjoyed the programme for the insights provided relating to life onboard, as well as the emphasis on safety, saying, “I like this course because I gained more knowledge about safety and what it is like to be working onboard, thank you”.
Whilst the cadets persisted during the programme especially during these extenuating circumstances, our hearts in Singapore go out to all the seafarers in Myanmar who are affected in some way or other by the recent events in Myanmar.
