The maritime sector sits at the intersection of world trade and the global supply chain, making it full of exciting opportunities. Realising this potential requires a skilled workforce ready to drive the industry forward. SMF helps bridge this gap by partnering with the public and private sectors to develop a skilled, maritime-ready workforce. A key programme is the MaritimeONE Scholarship, which is spearheaded by SMF in partnership with the industry to nurture a strong talent pipeline.

For Avline Goh and B Thaarshen, their interest in maritime grew as they learned more about the industry. As scholars sponsored by maritime companies, they are gaining expertise in a sector that is responsible for moving some 80 per cent of global trade.

Avline is pursuing a bachelor’s in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) as a Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) – MaritimeONE Scholar, while Thaarshen is studying Maritime Studies at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) as an IMC Industrial Group (IMC) – MaritimeONE Scholar. Upon graduation, both will begin their maritime careers with their sponsor organisations, ready to make an impact on the world stage.

We spoke with Avline and Thaarshen to see how they’re charting their own course in the fast-moving world of maritime.

What about the scholarship resonated with your career ambitions?

Avline: The MOL – MaritimeONE Scholarship aligns perfectly with my goal of advancing the decarbonisation and digital transformation of shipping. MOL leads the way in sustainability and innovation in the global maritime industry, from adopting green technologies to improving operational efficiency through digitalisation. Being part of a company that champions these advancements motivates me to pursue a career that supports a smarter and more sustainable maritime future.

Thaarshen: The IMC – MaritimeONE Scholarship stood out to me because it supports not just academic excellence but also personal development and industry readiness. IMC’s commitment to sustainability and long-term growth in the maritime sector aligns closely with my desire to contribute to a more efficient and responsible industry.

What made it meaningful is that the scholarship doesn’t just offer financial support — it opened doors to mentorship, networking, and industry exposure that helped me understand the real challenges and innovations happening in maritime. It felt like a scholarship that wasn’t just investing in my education, but in the professional I could become.

Tell us more about your degree programme. How do you see yourself applying what you’ve learned in your future roles?

Avline: At SIT, my degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NAME) equips me with practical knowledge of ship design, propulsion systems, and sustainable energy solutions. These skills will be invaluable in helping MOL advance its green fleet initiatives and energy-efficient technologies.

Thaarshen: NTU’s Maritime Studies is one of the few maritime-related courses in Singapore, offering a strong foundation in maritime economics, port operations, logistics, and commercial decision-making. I’ve learned how global market trends influence shipping movements and how operational decisions impact costs and efficiency. I see myself applying these skills in fleet deployment, chartering, and supply chain optimisation to make data-driven decisions at IMC.

Beyond the classroom, how are you engaging with the maritime community?

Avline: I served as Chairman of the Association of Singapore Marine and Offshore Energy Industries (ASMI) Youth Organising Committee and Vice-President (Engagement) of the NAME Student Management Committee at SIT. We planned and executed the first ASMI Marine & Offshore Energy Hackathon and the 4th Youth Forum, bringing students and industry leaders together to exchange ideas and inspire more youths to explore maritime careers.

In addition to organising events, I’ve also participated in programmes such as the MaritimeONE Scholars’ Induction 2025. These included workshops on professional image and etiquette, tours of the PSA Innovation Centre, and visits to maritime organisations, giving me a deeper understanding of the industry, emerging technologies, and opportunities to engage with leaders across Singapore’s maritime ecosystem.

Thaarshen: As part of the scholarship programme, I took part in a range of activities, including a Meet-The Board session with maritime leaders and company visits to Ocean Network Express (ONE) and AET Tankers. These experiences deepened my understanding of the maritime industry and gave me valuable insights into the roles of key maritime organisations in Singapore.

I also contributed to community initiatives such as beach clean-ups organised by SMF in collaboration with the Ocean Purpose Project. This gave us the opportunity to give back to the community, while deepening our awareness of the environmental impact of marine debris and the importance of sustainability efforts in protecting our oceans.

At NTU, I was part of the Maritime Business Society (NTU MBS) Special Projects team, organising coastal clean-ups at Pulau Ubin and East Coast Park, as well as the Seafarers’ Appreciation Dinner. These projects strengthened my skills in event planning, coordination, and communication, while allowing me to contribute meaningfully to both the community and the maritime industry.

Thaarshen, we heard you’ve taken on internships in maritime. What were those experiences like?

At the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), I supported policy development and evaluated new harbour craft designs using alternative and zero-carbon technologies, which strengthened my understanding of maritime decarbonisation and international compliance.

Most recently, as a Trade Intern with X-Press Feeders, I managed daily vessel operations, coordinated with overseas agents, and handled capacity and bunker management. These experiences gave me hands-on insight into how commercial decisions drive service performance and reinforced how policy, sustainability, and real-time operations intersect in the maritime sector.

What kind of impact do you aspire to make in the maritime sector?

Avline: I hope to contribute to shaping a maritime industry that’s not only efficient but also environmentally responsible. As the sector moves towards alternative fuels and digital innovation, I aspire to be part of projects that push these boundaries and make sustainable practices the new standard. Ultimately, I want to help redefine how the next generation views maritime as a dynamic, forward-looking industry full of possibilities.

Thaarshen: I’m particularly interested in commercial operations, especially within the bulk shipping sector, because it involves managing cargoes, charters, and trading decisions that directly impact company performance. The sector offers complex challenges in route planning, market analysis, and client negotiations, which I find exciting and intellectually stimulating. By applying analytical thinking and strategic decision-making, I aim to contribute to efficient, profitable, and sustainable operations.

What opportunities await prospective MaritimeONE scholars, Thaarshen?

SMF hosts a suite of programmes under the MaritimeONE umbrella to connect youths with the industry throughout the year! As a MaritimeONE scholar, you can look forward to mentorship opportunities, industry exposure, internships, networking events, site visits and conversations with professionals across different areas of shipping. These experiences can help clarify career interests early and foster growth within a supportive community.

Avline, what advice would you give to undergraduates considering a career in maritime?

Be open-minded and willing to explore. The maritime industry is far more diverse than most people realise, with opportunities spanning engineering, innovation, sustainability, and operations. Even if you’re new to the field, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Every experience will help you discover where your strengths and passions align within this exciting industry.