SMD on Digitalisation in the Maritime Industry

300 students from Institute of Technical Education, junior colleges, polytechnics, and universities participated in the 6th edition of the Singapore Maritime Dialogue (SMD), which featured a lively panel discussion on the theme of ‘Maritime Singapore in the Age of Digitization’.

The group exchanged views on the digital revolution taking place in the maritime industry with invited panelists comprising Guest-of-Honour, Dr Lam Pin Min, Senior Minister of State for Ministry of Transport and Health; Mr John Hahn, CEO and Co-Founder of Ocean Freight Exchange; Mr Richard Koh, Chief Technology Officer of Microsoft Singapore; and Ms Melissa Kee, Chief Human Resources Officer of Kuok Singapore Ltd. The SMD was held at the Singapore Management University this year.

The panel discussion, moderated by Michael Phoon, Executive Director of Singapore Shipping Association, focused on how technology in the shipping sector has undergone considerable transformation, impacting its processes.

Artificial intelligence, for instance, is reducing the delivery time of goods by increasing automation, leading to the optimization of shipping routes.

The session also discussed how the maritime industry can attract young talents as the sector undergoes digital transformation.

In his closing speech, Dr Lam highlighted, “The maritime industry needs to tap on digitization and innovation for new growth opportunities. Besides encouraging the maritime companies to embrace digital technology, we hope that students who are interested in digital and other technologies will consider joining the ranks of maritime professionals. In this way, the industry can ride on the next wave of growth enabled by digital innovations.”