MPA Academy Trains Over 110 Global Maritime Leaders
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s (MPA) training arm, the MPA Academy (MPAA) and the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), jointly organised the 6th MPLP from 3 to 7 October 2016, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) under the Singapore Cooperation Programme.
Since its launch in 2011, the programme has now trained more than 110 senior maritime officials from more than 50 countries.
Specially designed for high-level senior executives from maritime administrations around the world, who are at least Director-level and equivalent, the programme this year welcomes 26 new participants from various regions including Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, Middle East and Oceania.
Andrew Tan, MPA's Chief Executive, said, “With more training programmes in the pipeline, MPA is committed to reach out to all member states of the International Maritime Organization. Running for six consecutive years, platforms like the MPLP will help foster developmental leadership, and is designed to advance the skillsets of leaders. The programme will build on existing capacities to help participants take the lead to effect successful change.”
As one of three flagship programmes organised by MPAA, this non-examinable executive programme will cover a wide spectrum of topics, ranging from port planning and management, shipping economics and finance, maritime law and security to public leadership and governance.
Participants will attend classroom sessions on these topics, learn from experts and prominent maritime leaders, visit key maritime facilities, attend the biennial Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition, as well as network with key industry players to keep abreast with key maritime industry developments.
Rafael Quiroz Vera, Director (Legal Department), Empresa Naviera Boliviana, Bolivia, said, “I would like to thank and congratulate the organisers of the 6th MPLP for producing a programme of such high calibre. There is so much I can learn from the development and progress in Singapore. I am certain that through the various lectures, conferences and visits, I will be able to add knowledge to my field of interest. I am also looking forward to meeting many new people from different cultures but with similar interests in the maritime industry.”
Vusumzi Gladwell September, Operations Manager, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, South African Maritime Safety Authority, said, “Through the 6th MPLP, I expect to gain experiences outside the classroom through site visits and the many engagement opportunities. I expect that the programme would give me the unique opportunity to share about my country’s experiences as well as to learn from the experiences of other delegates."
Vusumzi added: "I am particularly interested in learning how my country can develop policy and regulatory capacities in compliance with IMO requirements. Furthermore, port efficiency continues to be a key area for improvement in my country and I am interested in learning from more advanced countries like Singapore about their high levels of efficiency and best practices in port development.”
