Today’s maritime industry needs more than seafarers—it needs strategists, sustainability champions, and data-savvy problem solvers to complement their sea-going colleagues. From port automation to AI-powered supply chains, the sector is evolving fast, and its future depends on a diverse pool of talent ready to take the helm.

To nurture this talent, the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) works with industry partners to offer the MaritimeONE Scholarship each year. The MaritimeONE Scholarship supports tertiary students across diverse disciplines and institutes of higher learning who are passionate about building a career in the maritime sector.

Among them are Simran Kaur D/O Ranjit Singh and Loh He Xi Jose, current undergraduate students who will join their sponsoring companies upon completing their studies. A recipient of the Bernhard Schulte – MaritimeONE Scholarship, Simran is pursuing a degree in maritime studies at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), while Pacific Carriers Limited (PCL) – MaritimeONE Scholar Jose is pursuing a degree in business analytics at the National University of Singapore (NUS). They share more about their passion and aspirations within maritime.

What sparked your interest in maritime?

Simran: Honestly, my journey into maritime began quite unexpectedly. After graduating from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), I was still figuring things out. A friend recommended the Diploma in Maritime Business at Singapore Polytechnic (SP), saying it was interesting and well-suited for theory-based learners like me, so I gave it a try. What began as a curious step turned into something I genuinely enjoy. Now at NTU, I’ve realised it’s been nearly five meaningful years immersed in maritime, and I’m proud of how far this spontaneous decision has taken me.

Jose: My interest in global maritime issues was first sparked by the 2021 Suez Canal blockage, when a massive container ship got stuck and disrupted one of the world’s busiest shipping routes for nearly a week. That incident revealed how critical shipping is to global supply chains and sparked my curiosity to learn more. As I explored further, I was fascinated to discover the industry’s ongoing transformation, particularly its push toward green technologies and the digitalisation of port systems. These developments inspired me to contribute using my passion and skills in data analytics.

Why was the Pacific Carriers Ltd (PCL) – MaritimeONE Scholarship the right choice for you, Jose?

PCL’s forward-looking commitment to decarbonisation, electrification, and digitalisation in Singapore’s maritime sector strongly aligns with my long-term career aspirations. I believe that joining PCL through this scholarship will empower me to contribute meaningfully to these initiatives while developing my professional capabilities in data analytics.

Simran, what forms of support has the Bernhard Schulte – MaritimeONE Scholarship provided you?

Beyond the financial aid, the scholarship instilled in me a sense of responsibility. Knowing I was trusted and supported motivated me to prove that I was worth investing in. It also gave me a sense of achievement, since I’ve worked hard to get to where I am today.

Through attending MaritimeONE events and interning with Bernhard Schulte, I gained real exposure to the industry. I learned how to navigate workplace dynamics and carry myself in a corporate setting. This experience gave me confidence and direction, helping me grow not just as a student, but as someone ready to enter the workforce.

How do you see your studies preparing you for your future career?

Simran: I’ve been learning about the business side of the maritime industry, from shipping operations to port economics. These subjects have helped me understand how the industry works on both operational and commercial levels. I’ll also be taking maritime law soon, and I’m excited to see how legal frameworks shape real-world decisions in shipping.

Jose: I’m gaining a strong foundation in data analysis, artificial intelligence and machine learning—tools that are key to solving real-world problems and improving maritime supply chains. This blend of skills prepares me to contribute meaningfully to PCL’s mission by using data-driven solutions to enhance operational efficiency and support the industry’s digital transformation.

Simran, what was it like interning at your sponsoring organisation?

I was placed in the sustainability department at Bernhard Schulte. Although I was new to the environment, my supervisor was supportive and patient, which gave me the confidence to work more independently and take greater initiative. I learnt a lot about sustainability reporting—not just how to write reports, but also the level of detail and accuracy expected in a corporate setting. There were many things to take note of, from compliance requirements to internal standards, and it made me realise how much thought goes into producing a single report.

What are your career aspirations?

Simran: I’m still exploring the various career paths within the maritime industry, but one thing I’m certain of is that I want to be in a role where I can keep learning and contributing meaningfully. My internship in the sustainability department has also opened my eyes to how important areas like Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting and compliance are becoming, and I’m keen to explore them further. Ultimately, my goal is to apply both the operational knowledge I’ve gained at school and the practical skills from my internship when I enter the workforce.

Jose: I aspire to become a skilled data analyst who delivers timely, actionable insights to support strategic decisionmaking in the maritime industry. Given the volatility and complexity of global shipping, data-driven decisions are more critical than ever. My training in business analytics, combined with real-world experience from my internship, has laid a strong foundation for me to grow in this specialised field. I plan to continue building on this foundation so that the insights I provide are not only relevant but impactful too.

How can future MaritimeONE Scholars make the most of the scholarship, Jose?

Be curious and don’t hesitate to ask questions—whether you’re speaking with industry professionals, seniors, or even your peers. The maritime industry is incredibly dynamic, and every conversation can teach you something new or spark fresh inspiration. The MaritimeONE Scholarship offers invaluable opportunities for any self-driven student, and staying open to learning will help you discover your interests and find meaningful ways to contribute.

At the same time, remember to give back. The scholarship isn’t just a personal journey—it’s also a chance to strengthen the MaritimeONE community by supporting others on the same path. This spirit of mutual support is what builds a resilient and trustworthy maritime industry, especially during times of uncertainty.