The attendees were honoured by the presence of Mdm Halimah Yacob, the former President of Singapore, who stopped by the lunch table to commend the female seafarers for their resilience and contributions in a male-dominated industry. 

During lunch, the seafarers exchanged stories of their experiences at sea and shared advice with one another. SMOU Vice President Sister Nellisa emphasized the importance of safety, urging everyone to remain vigilant and mindful of their surroundings while working onboard.

One seafarer shared her inspiring journey into the maritime industry, recounting how her Maritime Business studies at ITE motivated her to pursue a seafaring career.

The discussions around the table also included practical advice from experienced seafaring officers on how to prepare for life onboard. Others talked about training opportunities that could support career progression, fostering an engaging and supportive exchange of ideas.

Through the engagement lunch, female seafarers realised that their shared experiences serve as a strong bond, connecting them as part of a close-knit community within the larger seafaring family. This gathering provided a safe and supportive space where they could openly discuss challenges, build meaningful relationships, and strengthen camaraderie, fostering a sense of unity within the maritime industry.