Gwen Chen is an Account Manager with the International Maritime Centre Division at the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). She is a recipient of the MPA Overseas Scholarship and graduated with a Master of Arts (Politics) from the University of Edinburgh.
With Singapore’s strategic geographical location and strong global connections, the maritime sector has always been a vital pillar of our economy and a key driver for our economic growth and success.
Motivated by the desire to contribute to this vital sector, Gwen pursued a career in the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the driving force behind Singapore’s port and maritime development.
As an Account Manager with the International Maritime Centre Division, Gwen works alongside a dynamic team dedicated to positioning Singapore as an international maritime centre.
We join Gwen as she shares her journey in charting Singapore’s maritime future.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the maritime industry?
I have always had a strong interest in global affairs, and I wanted to be in a role where I could play a part in strengthening Singapore’s presence on the international stage.
Over the course of my education and experience, I grew a strong appreciation of the pivotal role our maritime sector plays in both Singapore and in shaping geopolitical dynamics. This motivated me to pursue a career in the maritime industry as I wanted to understand our region’s geopolitics and contribute to improving Singapore’s international relations and strengthening our trade flows.
Why did you apply for the MPA Overseas Scholarship?
Applying for the MPA Overseas Scholarship allowed me to bridge my interests in international affairs and the maritime sector. Singapore is a key global hub port and a leading maritime hub, as a strong business and commercial centre and on international maritime affairs.
As an agency that engages both local and global stakeholders, MPA perfectly aligns with my interests in international affairs while making a meaningful impact on Singapore’s economy. I wanted to be part of a sector that is constantly innovating and a thought leader on the global stage. Hence, the maritime industry was a natural choice.
Tell us about your current role. What does your typical workday at MPA entail?
I have been an account manager for IMC division for the past three years. Our team belongs to the industry development arm of MPA, and we work closely with shipowners and operators to set up and expand their operations in Singapore, thereby contributing to our growth as a key global shipping hub.
My account portfolio includes shipping companies from Southeast Asia, India and Greece. By building strategic relationships with our shipping partners to identify opportunities for collaboration, we promote growth in Singapore’s maritime industry and support the development of our international partners.
Meeting shipping executives, coordinating industry promotion and outreach, and strategising marketing efforts for the various markets under my charge contribute to my typical workday. I would say it is a very people-oriented role that requires me to tap into both my knowledge of the sector and soft skills to build rapport with my industry partners.
Gwen Chen
That sounds interesting! What aspects of your job do you find most rewarding or enjoyable?
Seeing my shipping accounts partners grow their offices and networks in Singapore and attending their company office openings and ship-naming ceremonies! It is a culmination of many years of hard work by many stakeholders and it is rewarding to see how these efforts were worth it. Being in this role for three years, it has been a fulfilling journey as I have come to build a strong rapport with my industry partners.
What do you count as your most significant professional accomplishment?
I am really proud of leading the establishment of MPA’s very first In-Market Business Partner in Greece. This partnership was borne out of one of my very first marketing trips to Athens in June 2022, when the industry was still getting used to the post-COVID world. As part of this partnership, I work very closely with Eurofin, a Greek-based maritime advisory Group to enhance our engagement and marketing efforts with the top Greek shipowners.
The maritime sector was then looking for new business opportunities emerging from the new normal, and Singapore had grown a strong reputation as a stable, reliable business hub open to global trade. With Greece being the largest ship-owning nation in the world, my team and I recognised that this was as an important window for us to tap on to grow the Greek maritime cluster in Singapore.
Looking ahead, what are your career aspirations?
The maritime industry is on the cusp of change, with Singapore leading the way on maritime decarbonisation and digitalisation. There are so many opportunities to further enhance Singapore’s position as an International Maritime Centre by leveraging emerging players and technologies, fostering talent development and promoting collaboration across industry stakeholders. It is an exciting time for the industry, and I am glad I can make a small contribution through my role in MPA to lead this transformation.
Rotations, attachments, and overseas work opportunities are encouraged in MPA to expose scholars to the wide range of roles and responsibilities in the industry. I am currently in the process of transitioning to a new department, where I look forward to developing my skillsets and contributing to my new role at MPA.
Lastly, what advice would you give to students who are aspiring to take up an MPA Scholarship?
Embrace the interdisciplinary, international, interdependent nature of the maritime sector and you can chart your own course and carve your own niche in the industry. Networking is incredibly important, so seize every opportunity to learn and grow, whether through internships, industry conferences or overseas attachments. Above all, remain passionate, curious, and open-minded!
