The Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) has announced the launch of the MaritimeONE Bursary Fund aimed to expand the talent pool for the maritime sector.

It said that the first gift of S$1 million (US$738,174) was from Pacific Carriers Limited (PCL) handed on the occasion of the shipping company's 50th-anniversary celebration on June 26, 2023.

The MaritimeONE Bursary Fund, to be administered by the Singapore Maritime Foundation in cooperation with Singapore's public universities, polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education, will be awarded to academically qualified Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who are pursuing maritime-related studies or who intend to pursue a career in maritime.

"We are honoured to launch the MaritimeONE Bursary Fund with a S$1 million gift from Pacific Carriers Limited," said Tan Beng Tee, executive director, of Singapore Maritime Foundation.

"The MaritimeONE Bursaries level the playing field by ensuring that no academically qualified student is denied the opportunity of quality education due to financial difficulties. The MaritimeONE platform signifies the maritime industry coming together as one to nurture a pipeline of talent."

Tan Beng Tee noted that the MaritimeONE Bursaries augment the Foundation's suite of talent development programmes, including the MaritimeONE Scholarships, the MaritimeONE Internships, MaritimeONE Case Competitions, and the MaritimeONE Career Portal, which have all been developed in partnership with the industry.

"As we commemorate our 50th anniversary, PCL is not only reflecting on our achievements but also recognising the importance of giving back to the community. We are delighted to make a contribution of S$1 million to the MaritimeONE Bursary Fund. This gift is a testament to our dedication in nurturing the next generation of maritime talent," said Hor Weng Yew, managing director and chief executive officer of PCL and chairman of Singapore Maritime Foundation.

He noted that the maritime sector offers exciting and fulfilling career opportunities.

"In PCL, we are actively looking at workforce transformation, which will lead to the creation of new roles, including technology-enabled ones. Investing in the education and development of young talent is key. From Maritime Singapore's perspective, attracting and developing young talent is crucial to sustaining Singapore's position as a leading international maritime hub," the PCL chied added.

"We hope more companies will come onboard the MaritimeONE Bursary and contribute in bringing young talent into the maritime sector," Hor Weng Yew further said.

The SMF noted that the MaritimeONE Bursary Fund, along with the qualifying criteria and sums of award, will be open for applications in the fourth quarter of 2023 for students pursuing any discipline at Singapore's public universities, polytechnics, and the Institute of Technical Education.