A highlight of the event was the MSC Conversations segment, where attendees had the chance to hear from and pose questions to a panel of four maritime industry professionals, where experiences ranged from Ms Toh Sze Yi, in her first year of sailing as a Deck Cadet with Pacific International Lines (PIL), to Captain Mohamad Salleh, Director of the Singapore Maritime Academy (SMA), who has been in the industry for 40 years.

Captain Salleh shared about the “ladders and bridges” in the maritime industry, where there is vertical progression for those who choose to sail to make Ship Captain or Chief Engineer, as well as roles on shore, where their seafaring expertise is much valued in various maritime sectors.

In sharing about the qualities required for his vocation, Mr Jarrod Ho, a shipbroker with Eastport Shipping, said that contrary to popular belief, one did not need to be very aggressive, or be a “pitbull” to fulfil the demands of the role in buying and selling ships, or matching ships to cargo. He likened himself to a “golden retriever”, with a more amicable and easy-going personality in his interactions with clients.

Ms Stephanie Ng, Senior Manager, Commercial with Jurong Port;; and Ms Toh Sze Yi addressed questions on what it was like for females in the maritime industry. Ms Ng shared her experience of having worked in various maritime-related companies despite not having pursued a maritime-related degree, and how it was not an issue and instead a hugely rewarding experience. Ms Toh spoke about the “family” away from home that she had, on board the ship, and how her parents had given their blessings despite initial reservations, when they saw that she was happy with her career choice.

“To maintain our lead and sustain the growth of Maritime Singapore, we need to attract talent for both seafaring and shore-based roles.” said Mr David Chin, Executive Director of SMF. “Through a session of sharing at the MSC Maritime Insights Forum, we hope that this would further provide all industry partners and education and career guidance counsellors with a better knowledge of the industry and career options available, as they guide students and jobseekers in making informed decisions about their education and career pathways.”