The MaritimeONE Scholarship programme is a key initiative of the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) to nurture talent for Singapore’s maritime sector. Funded by companies spanning all sectors of the maritime industry—port, shipping, maritime services, shipyards, and by the institutes of higher learning, the scholarships are awarded to students pursuing maritime-related as well as non-maritime courses such as Computer Science, Data Science and Analytics and Business Analytics to help grow the talent pipeline for the maritime sector that is increasingly adopting technology to catalyse its transformation.
Scholars may choose from 36 courses from local or overseas universities, and five Singapore Polytechnic diploma courses. Sponsoring companies provide funding for these scholarships which are administered by SMF and may provide internship opportunities for scholars during the school term. Candidates are selected after undergoing interviews with sponsors.
Since its inception in 2007, 30 Singapore Management University (SMU) undergraduates have been awarded MaritimeONE scholarships. Three SMU undergraduates were granted the scholarships, among SMF’s highest record total of 46 awardees this year. They are:
Elysia Tng Jia Yu, Lee Kong Chian School of Business (LKCSB), Year 3 Finance Major with Specialization in International Trading Track, was awarded the BW Maritime-MaritimeONE Scholarship valued at $20,000.
Gabrielle Soh Pao Pei, LKCSB, Year 3, majoring in Operations Management, Maritime Business & Operations was awarded the Idan & Batia Ofer Family Foundation-MaritimeONE Scholarship valued at $24,000.
Wong Pu Wo, LKCSB, Year 4, majoring in Operations Management, Maritime Business & Operations was awarded the X-Press Feeders-MaritimeONE Scholarship valued at $10,000.
Mr. Andreas Sohmen-Pao, Chairman of the Singapore Maritime Foundation, said “I am encouraged to see more scholarships awarded this year to students with a passion for technology. The industry is increasingly tapping into data science, artificial intelligence and machine learning to increase operational efficiency. I am confident our scholars will find the industry to be interesting and challenging.”
The selection committee of the sponsors were full of praise for the three SMU awardees:
“Elysia is a presentable and confident candidate who possesses good communication skills and displays the zest and enthusiasm to join the maritime industry” – Ms Lisa Loh & Ms Kiong Wei Ling, Manager, HR & Administration, BW Group
“Gabrielle’s academic achievements are quite impressive and her essay was well written. She came across as a mature individual, showing great interest in the maritime industry. During her interview, we could see her passion for sustainability issues and how much she looks forward to becoming a part of the industry’s transformation. We see a lot of potential in Gabrielle and are pleased to play a part in her academic and professional journey.” - Ms Lynnette Wee, Human Resources Manager, Eastern Pacific Shipping (The EPS Scholarship Fund presented by The Idan & Batia Ofer Family Foundation)
“Pu Wo was pro-active in seeking opportunities. She asked to be considered for part-time internship opportunities in the event that she was not selected for the scholarship. She displayed maturity at her age in wanting to relieve the financial burden of her parents. Her go-getter and resilient attitude bought us over.” – Ms Theresa Ee, Group Head of Human Resources and Administration, X-Press Feeders
Congratulations to all three scholars and wishing them the very best in riding the waves of their future!