- Nine-day event emphasises Connectivity, Innovation and Talent, while commemorating Singapore’s Bicentennial
- Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) 2019 was officially opened this afternoon at a ceremony graced by Mr Khaw Boon Wan, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport, at the Marina Square Central Atrium. Driven by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the theme for this 14th edition of Singapore’s flagship maritime event is “Driving Connectivity, Innovation and Talent”.
- First introduced in 2006, SMW has grown significantly and expects to receive 40,000 delegates, including industry professionals, business leaders and government officials, this year. The nine-day event features 24 forums and conferences, eight networking receptions and four public outreach activities until 14th April 2019.
- The line-up of forums and conferences will focus on strengthening Singapore’s connectivity and linkages with the global industry, developing a vibrant maritime innovation ecosystem, and building a future-ready and skilled maritime workforce.
- “Shipping industry is being disrupted by digital revolution and business transformation. Political pressures brought about by globalisation and income inequality add immense challenges. What will the shipping industry be like in 20 years’ time? Who will be the new mega players? What about the incumbents? How could policy makers facilitate orderly transformation? How should workers prepare themselves for the future? SMW gathers the thought leaders in the maritime industry to share insights on these issues, so that we can all seize new opportunities. Together, we can ride the tide and shape the future,” said Mr Khaw.
- Modern Singapore is closely tied to our history as a trading port. In support of the Singapore Bicentennial, the SMW 2019 Exhibition – Bicentennial Edition will bring the country’s maritime heritage to life. The exhibition will bring visitors on a journey of Singapore’s past, present and future by examining what distinguishes and characterises the Maritime Singapore story. Visitors can get access to archival photographs, first-person recounts and immersive interactive experiences on how the Port of Singapore has come to where we are today.
- A highlight of the exhibition is the multi-touch “Next Generation Port” exhibit featuring technology and innovation for the port of the future. The exhibition will also feature 360-degree videos where visitors get to experience life on-board a vessel. Visitors can also participate in hands-on activities at the exhibition, such as building paper lighthouses and marbling art.
- The Amazing Maritime Challenge held this morning also saw 900 contestants race around the island to discover more about Singapore’s vibrancy and diversity as a global hub port and leading international maritime centre.
