S Iswaran, Minister for Transport and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations, launched the ‘50 Years of Singapore’s Container Shipping Journey Exhibition’ at Singapore Polytechnic (SP) August 4. This year marks 50 years since Singapore received its first 300 containers from the then newly opened Tanjong Pagar Terminal on 23 June 1972.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Singapore’s container shipping journey, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is organizing a roving exhibition to five institutes of higher learning (IHL) from August to September 2022.
Featuring three zones – Past, Present, and Future – the exhibition will take students through the progress of Singapore’s development into a global hub port and vibrant international maritime center, pay tribute to our pioneers, unions, and industry professionals who made it possible, and highlight the exciting opportunities in the maritime sector.
To attract and grow talent to support the maritime sector, more than 30 maritime companies across the maritime ecosystem comprising port terminal operators, shipping lines, harbor craft operators, ship broking, marine insurance, and marine-tech start-ups, will also be participating in the roving exhibitions.
The companies will be sharing with students and youths about the exciting developments of the maritime industry and the rewarding maritime careers.
MPA Chief Executive, Quah Ley Hoon, said, “Our founding fathers had the strategic vision and courage to make the bold decision to build a container terminal at a time when containerization was still a tentative idea.
“50 years on, Singapore has become a leading global transhipment hub port. Today, the maritime sector is at the cusp of transformation, catalyzed by a digitalization and decarbonization agenda. We hope this exhibition will inspire that same bold spirit in our youths, and have them come onboard, join the maritime sector, and be part of the exciting work to make the sector more sustainable and resilient.”
Photo credit: MPA. Minister Iswaran with students from the Singapore Maritime Academy.