A career in seafaring presents lucrative opportunities, with salaries for Malaysian seafarers ranging from RM20,000 to over RM100,000 per month. Despite this potential, the inflow of young locals into the profession is insufficient, largely because of several barriers, including inadequate English language skills and limited awareness of seafaring as a career option.
Associate Professor Dr. Jagan Jeevan, a maritime expert at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), emphasizes the importance of English proficiency for seafarers. Since they often work abroad and interact with international colleagues, a solid command of the language is crucial. He notes that many students, both in secondary and higher education, tend to overlook the necessity of mastering English, which hinders their eligibility for careers in this field. He underscores that Malaysian youths must contend with intense competition from foreign sailors, particularly those from countries like the Philippines.
Dr. Jagan also points out that exposure to the seafaring profession remains limited. In educational institutions, there is a predominant focus on more traditional careers such as marketing, management, medicine, and law. As a result, students are not fully aware of the diverse opportunities available within the maritime industry. Additionally, a career as a sailor demands a strong foundation in science subjects, along with physical health requirements, such as being free from color blindness. Specialized English terminology used within the industry further necessitates a firm grasp of the language.
T. Suriya, a chief engineer at Eaglestar shipping company with over two decades of experience, echoes Dr. Jagan’s sentiments regarding the profession’s lack of visibility. Many young people still lack a comprehensive understanding of what a career as a seaman entails. Suriya has participated in interviews for new cadet admissions and often finds that candidates, much like his younger self, have little knowledge about seafaring careers.
Despite the lucrative nature of positions such as ship captain or chief engineer—roles that can offer salaries above RM450,000 annually—the profession remains less popular compared to careers in policing or medicine. This is attributed to the general public’s limited awareness of the benefits and opportunities associated with a seafaring career.
In summary, there is a pressing need to enhance the visibility and appeal of the maritime profession among Malaysian youths. By increasing exposure to the field and emphasizing the importance of English language proficiency, more young people may consider pursuing a rewarding career at sea.
Source link
