(NEWS) 10th Annual Field Study to Singapore

April

2013

10th Annual Field Study to Singapore

Twenty-three students from the Shipping & Port Management specialization, accompanied by Professor Daniel Seong-Hyeok Moon, benefited from a Field Study to the Port of Singapore 10 -16 March. This year marked the 10th trip to Singapore which has been a highlight of the Field Study program since 2004, thanks to the generosity and continued support of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). The aim of the Field Study is to enhance and deepen the knowledge of ports in terms of management/operation, planning/development, and administration.

In addressing the group, Captain M Segar (WMU 2000 MAEP alumnus), Assistant Chief Executive (Operations) of MPA said, "MPA extends a warm welcome to Professor Daniel Seong-Hyeok Moon and all the WMU students. We have hosted the WMU students since 2004. These visits reflect MPA's commitment to contribute to the international maritime community through sharing of maritime expertise and capacity building."

The intensive five-day program included visits to the PSA Institute, MPA's newly-upgraded Port Operations Control Centre (POCC-Vista), and MPA's Integrated Simulation Centre. Through the various site visits, the students gained a better understanding of Singapore's container terminal operations and port safety management, and observed how the use of state-of-the-art simulators enhances maritime training for ship officers.

In reflecting on the collaboration between MPA and WMU, Professor Moon stated, "This annual visit to Singapore has given our students a holistic insight into the various facets of shipping and port management through a well-balanced mix of discussions and site visits. MPA's continued support has helped to further our mission of serving the global maritime community by educating future global maritime leaders. Over the last 10 years, 148 students have benefited from this study trip."

Singapore is strategically located at the cross roads of international trade, between the east and the west, making their ports an intermediary or transhipment hub. It is one of the busiest ports in the world and contributes more than 7% of Singapore’s GDP. MPA is the driving force behind Singapore's port and maritime development, taking on the roles of Port Authority, Port Regulator, Port Planner, IMC Champion, and National Maritime Representative. MPA partners the industry and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection in Singapore port waters, facilitate port operations and growth, expand the cluster of maritime ancillary services, and promote maritime R&D and manpower development.

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