Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, ABS and SUTD ink MOU on Maritime Technology Professorship
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) have collaborated to set up an ABS-MPA Maritime Technology Professorship (MTP) programme at SUTD, with funding of up to S$12.5 million. The aim is to build up SUTD's capabilities in maritime education and Research & Development (R&D) to further boost the growth of marine and offshore R&D in Singapore, said in the MPA's press release.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to set up the MTP was signed today by ABS President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Christopher J. Wiernicki, MPA Chief Executive, Mr Lam Yi Young, and SUTD President, Professor Thomas Magnanti.
The MTP is a five-year programme which will be supported by a donation of US$2 million (~S$2.5 million) from ABS and a grant of up to S$2.5 million from MPA's Maritime Innovation and Technology (MINT) Fund. The total funding will work out to close to S$12.5 million, including matching grants from the Singapore government.
Through the MTP programme, a reputable professor or expert with specialised knowledge in marine and offshore-related technologies will be appointed as the ABS-MPA Maritime Technology Chaired Professor in SUTD to provide leadership across SUTD's four academic pillars. In addition, prominent Visiting Professors and Resident Professors will also be appointed to develop marine and offshore-relevant content, courses and R&D projects to enrich SUTD's curriculum and to provide the students with pathways to careers as technology leaders in the maritime industry. Research will be conducted in areas such as analysis, design and integrity assessment and management of marine structures and systems to advance state-of-the-art maritime technologies.
MPA and ABS are looking forward to working alongside SUTD as they initiate marine and offshore-related R&D activities and look forward to the inclusion of maritime-relevant content into their cutting-edge curriculum and the future development of specialised maritime courses, and internship opportunities. As the marine industry continues to change at a rapid pace, both ABS and MPA recognise the vital importance of inspiring the next generation of industry leaders in the fields of maritime technology, design and innovation, as well as bringing modern technological advances to the industry.
"ABS is dedicated to the support and enhancement of maritime education at premier institutions around the world. Singapore plays a fundamental role in ABS worldwide operations and we are proud to support the development of a new University in Singapore through the establishment of a Maritime Technology Professorship Programme," said Mr. Wiernicki.
"MPA is glad to partner ABS and SUTD on this important initiative. The Professorship is very much in line with our efforts to promote and develop maritime education and R&D in Singapore. Such tripartite partnership among the industry, tertiary institutions and the government is vital for the development of Maritime Singapore and we thank ABS and SUTD for their partnership and support," said Mr Lam.
"The needs and opportunities of the maritime industry align beautifully with the expertise, technology and design focus of SUTD. Through the gracious support of ABS and MPA, SUTD will be well positioned to contribute to important societal needs by developing deeper relationships with industrial partners," said Professor Thomas Magnanti.
About American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
Founded in 1862, ABS is a leading international classification society devoted to promoting the security of life, property and the marine environment.
About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was established on 2 February 1996, with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre (IMC), and to advance and safeguard Singapore's strategic maritime interests. MPA is the driving force behind Singapore's port and maritime development, taking on the roles of Port Authority, Port Regulator, Port Planner, IMC Champion, and National Maritime Representative. MPA partners the industry and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection in our port waters, facilitate port operations and growth, expand the cluster of maritime ancillary services, and promote maritime R&D and manpower development.
About the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) is Singapore's fourth publicly-funded university, and one of the first universities in the world to incorporate the art and science of design and technology into a multi-disciplinary curriculum. Established in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), SUTD seeks to nurture technically-grounded leaders and innovators in engineering product development, engineering systems and design, information systems technology and design, and architecture and sustainable design, to serve societal needs.