Challenges

Besides limited physical infrastructure, developing countries often lack the knowledge and expertise required to develop their national maritime capacities to the fullest potential to capitalize on the opportunities of the global maritime industry. This knowledge gap prevents countries from being more efficient in running and regulating their port and maritime infrastructures, which is particularly dis- advantageous to Small Island Developing States (SIDS) where shipping trade often constitutes a large part of their economies. If left unaddressed, this could ultimately result in longer-term implications on the economic growth and societal development at large of these countries.

Toward a Solution

Beyond the provision of material support and financial aid, human resource development is a crucial factor in helping developing countries progress sustainably. Noting that developing countries, especially SIDS, often lack the expertise to strengthen their maritime sector, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) Academy established flagship programmes to provide maritime leadership training to current and future maritime leaders from SIDS. These trainees are expected to use their influence to translate their knowledge into leadership on tangible outcomes within their respective maritime domains.

By enabling key personnel to build robust systems of good maritime governance, the flagship programme facilitates the effective implementation of international conventions on maritime transport and builds resilience within the global maritime supply chain. Furthermore, by enabling the safe and efficient management of port traffic, countries can reap substantial socioeconomic gains for their societies and narrow their developmental gaps with other countries.

At present, the MPA Academy regularly runs three flagship programmes catering to different levels of maritime leaders with various areas of emphasis.

• Advanced Maritime Leaders’ Programme (AMLP)

This is the MPA Academy’s apex programme for senior maritime officials heading maritime and port administrations. Held biennially, it hones the leadership skills of senior maritime leaders and builds new capacity to transform their respective organizations amidst an increasingly complex and globalized environment. Through peer-to-peer sharing and learn- ing, participants gain insights on transformational leadership, effective policymaking, stakeholder engagement and strategic communications.

• Maritime Public Leaders’ Programme (MPLP)

This annual programme is specifically developed for senior maritime officials at the director-level and higher. It provides fundamental training on various aspects relevant to the maritime sector, including port planning and management, shipping economics, maritime law, security, public leadership and governance.

• Port Management Programme (PMP)

Another annual programme, the PMP is designed specifically for port and harbour masters and middle management maritime personnel. The programme strengthens participants’ competency in navigating the complexities and challenges faced in running ports, covering topics such as master planning for new ports, vessel traffic management using high technological equipment and crisis communications management.

The flagship programmes are conducted using a mix of classroom-based lessons and experiential learning modes, such as site visits, case study practices, engagement sessions with subject matter experts and networking opportunities. Given the ever-changing nature of the maritime industry, the MPA Academy’s flagship programmes are regularly updated to stay in line with international maritime developments.

To ensure fruitful discussions, the MPA Academy invites a diversity of participants from different regions and job responsibilities. This allows for the cross-fertilization of ideas and delivers maximum benefits to participants who can gain from and contribute meaningfully to discussions. Often participants discover that they face similar challenges and can learn from each other’s best practices. In recent years, the MPA Academy has also involved the IMO Secretariat to ensure the continued relevance of the curricula, while providing the IMO a platform to better understand the needs of member states.

The benefits to participants extend beyond the duration of the flagship programmes. The MPA Academy distributes newsletters and hosts events for alumni to keep in touch. Additionally, through networking sessions, participants have the opportunity to become personally acquainted and can share knowledge and support one another.

To date, the MPA Academy’s flagship programmes have benefitted more than 350 participants from over 80 countries. The MPA Academy endeavors to continue delivering its programmes to help more maritime leaders to drive progress in their respective domains and regularly reviews its curricula to ensure that the changing needs of developing countries continue to be met.