For each challenge statement, the winning team will win a cash prize of $3,500 while the first runner-up and second runner-up will win cash prizes of $1,500 and $1,000 respectively. In addition, students will gain valuable opportunities to be mentored by maritime industry professionals and clinch internships with the participating companies.

Registration opens from today to 19 August at www.maritimesgconnect.com. Students from Singapore’s tertiary institutions are invited to form teams of between two to five to tackle the challenge statement of their choice, and submit their proof-of-concept on 10 September.

Participating companies will evaluate the submissions, and the shortlisted teams will be announced on 29 September. From here, the companies will mentor the shortlisted teams in the lead-up to the grand finals on 13 November.

“Transformation in the maritime industry—spurred on by digitalisation and decarbonisation—is gathering pace. From a talent perspective, this creates new career opportunities in technology and sustainability—fields not traditionally associated with maritime. The MSC Maritime Digital Challenge allows tertiary tech talents to connect with the dynamic maritime ecosystem, put their skills to the test, and gain valuable experience to stand them in good stead for their career,” said Ms. Tan Beng Tee, Executive Director, Singapore Maritime Foundation.

“Eastport is excited to be part of the inaugural MSC Maritime Digital Challenge. Digital transformation is profoundly impacting the nature of work and skills, and without exception, maritime businesses have to adapt swiftly. Through this Challenge, we hope to translate the perspectives of millennials into solutions for a fresh take to connect Eastportians to one another and the company, onboard new hires effectively and empower existing staff with learning opportunities to gain relevant skillsets for success in the digital work era,” said Ms. Sharon Teo, General Manager, Eastport Maritime.

“Kanda is honoured to be invited to participate in this challenge. We see this as a great opportunity to get a fresh perspective on our business and potentially find our next employees in Singapore through this collaboration with the Singapore Maritime Foundation,” said Mr. Kristian Andreasen, CEO, Kanda.

“Digitalisation is crucial for maritime enterprises to adapt to ‘the new normal’; industry leaders are calling on young talent to create solutions that will benefit the industry as a whole,” said Michael Jørgensen, Head of Dry Bulk, Torvald Klaveness.