The Malaysian Transport Minister, Anthony Loke Siew Fook, is advocating for the younger generation, particularly those holding the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) certificate, to consider careers in the maritime industry. He emphasized the industry’s potential for lucrative income and career advancement due to a rising global demand for mariners and seafarers, citing economic growth as a key factor driving this demand.
Loke explained that the term “seafarers” encompasses a range of roles beyond just sailors, including captains, engineers, and technicians. This expanding scope highlights the diverse opportunities available in the shipping sector. The Minister noted that many leading international shipping companies are keen to recruit Malaysian seafarers, particularly valuing their proficiency in English.
In his address, Loke urged parents to change any negative stereotypes associated with maritime careers, emphasizing the importance of encouraging children to explore this field. He pointed out that Malaysia has around 35 higher education institutions offering courses related to shipping, which presents a significant opportunity for students to capitalize on.
The Minister expressed a desire for increased collaboration between Malaysian higher learning institutions and international organizations, such as the International Maritime Law Institute and the World Maritime University. He recently visited the World Maritime University in Sweden to discuss potential partnerships aimed at providing short-term courses that could enhance local education in maritime studies.
Loke envisions a collaborative approach that extends beyond training crew members, touching on various specializations within the maritime sector, including insurance, law, and maritime marketing, which require more specific skill sets. He reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering these educational partnerships and hopes to see more frequent collaborative initiatives in the future.
By promoting the maritime industry as a viable and prosperous career path, Loke is positioning it as a critical component in shaping the workforce of tomorrow, aligning Malaysia’s maritime education with global industry standards and demands.
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