The maritime industry in Singapore plays a major role in the international shipping industry. To help grow the pool of talent and support the country’s vision of becoming an International Maritime Centre (IMC), the MaritimeONE Scholarship Programme, administered by the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF), helps students to explore opportunities within the maritime industry.
Additionally, the scholarship helps students to jump-start their careers by providing invaluable experiences through internships, overseas exposure, and networking sessions. We speak with two undergraduates, Chong Le Wen, 21, and Hor Zhi An, 23, who are part of the MaritimeONE Scholarship Programme, to understand their first-hand experiences.
Hor Zhi An
Undergraduate
Jurong Port - MaritimeONE Scholarship
Bachelor of Business (Business Analytics)
– Nanyang Technological University
What was your motivation to apply for the MaritimeONE scholarship?
Le Wen: I wanted to gain more exposure and a better understanding of the maritime industry. I heard from friends that the exposure provided by the scholarship programme goes beyond content covered by textbooks and lectures in school. These reasons led me to apply for the scholarship, and I’ve been enjoying my journey ever since.
Zhi An: I’ve always been fascinated by the maritime industry and its contribution to the Singapore economy. When Jurong Port offered me an internship, I took it up immediately. I learnt more about the industry during the course of my internship and was impressed by Jurong Port’s constant drive to improve landward and seaward supply chain processes, which contributed to national level improvements. The close-knit culture at Jurong Port also made me enjoy my internship thoroughly as my colleagues and bosses were open and supportive of what I could bring to the table. So, when the opportunity came for me to apply for the MaritimeONE Scholarship, I did not hesitate to do so.
What are the opportunities that the MaritimeONE Scholarship has offered you to develop your skills for your career?
Le Wen: The scholarship provides me with opportunities to attend seminars and exclusive networking opportunities which give me an edge over my peers and a head-start in my career. Through these events, I’m able to broaden my perspective and nurture various skills, such as public speaking and leadership skills.
Zhi An: The scholarship has given me the opportunity to attend various networking sessions and events led by the Singapore Maritime Foundation. I also get to attend sharing sessions by industry veterans, which give me greater insight into the roles of different maritime professionals and how the industry works.
What do you hope to take away after this scholarship experience?
Le Wen: I hope to be well-equipped with the relevant skill sets and knowledge to become a competent individual in the maritime workforce. I also aim to build my network and learn as much as I can from the events and workshops that I participate in. The networking events are particularly useful in nurturing one’s soft skills and confidence in speaking to professionals in the industry.
Zhi An: Through this scholarship experience, I hope to learn as much as I can about the industry and pick up the right skills that are necessary for the workforce. I also hope to meet as many people as I can within the maritime industry so that I can continue to build my professional network.
[Top Left] Feeling on top of the world at Vatnajökull Glacier.,
[Right] Le Wen at Kjeragbolten, Norway, suspended 984 metres above the abyss.
Chong Le Wen
Undergraduate
PCL – MaritimeONE Scholarship
Bachelor of Science (Maritime Studies with a specialisation in
International Trade)
– Nanyang Technological University
What aspects of a career in the maritime industry excite you?
Le Wen: Having interned at PACC Offshore Services Holdings Ltd. (POSH) last summer, I got to experience the business development and marketing side of its operations. This exposed me to the volatility of the offshore industry and enabled me to gain a better understanding of how the different facets of the industry rely on each other to keep the maritime sector running and progressing.
Zhi An: As an undergraduate with a non-maritime related degree, I hope to bring a different perspective and a new set of ideas into my future career in the maritime industry. I’m also excited to work together with my future colleagues to come up with innovative solutions that the industry can implement to enable greater excellence to further develop Singapore into a premier global hub port and an IMC.
What are the different roles you wish to learn after your studies?
Le Wen: After my studies, I wish to develop a career in the commercial sector of the maritime industry – specifically, the chartering aspect. I also hope to gain more insights in the operational side of vessels to bridge the transition to a commercial role and provide me with a holistic understanding of the industry.
Zhi An: With the knowledge I have gained from majoring in Accounting, Finance, and Retail at Singapore Polytechnic, coupled with the analytical skills that I’m currently sharpening as I pursue my degree in Business Analytics at NTU, I believe that I will be equipped with effective cross-functional skills that would be beneficial for a role in Operations, which I am interested in pursuing.
What are your goals for the future?
Le Wen: I hope to develop a career in the commercial sector of the maritime industry and be able to apply what I have learnt in school as well as the skills and knowledge that I have nurtured under the scholarship to contribute to the thriving industry.
Zhi An: I’m privileged to have secured a job with Jurong Port upon graduation, and my goal is to bring value to the organisation. To achieve this, I will proactively learn and acquire on-ground knowledge from the opportunities I am given exposure to so that I can better apply the skillsets learnt from my course of study when I step into the workforce.
