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Launch of the Asian Maritime Lecture Series at the World Maritime University
The graduating class of the MSc in Maritime Affairs at the World Maritime University (WMU) will have something new to look forward to this September. They will have the benefit of gaining more insights on maritime issues and policies in Asia, first-hand from an Asian expert, thanks to a new initiative by the WMU and the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF).
Over 80% of world commodity trade is transported by ocean freight. The rapid development of economy and trade in Asia brings new opportunities to shipping in the region. Presently, Asian shipowners own and operate over 40% of the world’s total merchant fleet tonnage. As Asian shipping gains prominence, it is important to understand more about the opportunities and concerns on maritime in Asia.
The Asian Maritime Lecture Series is established at the WMU with the aim of providing an Asian perspective on maritime issues by having prominent figures from the maritime sectors of Asian economies participate in lectures, seminars and discussions at the WMU annually. The idea for a platform to discuss Asian perspectives at the WMU was earlier conceived jointly by the WMU and the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). The SMF will be the WMU’s partner to implement the programme.
The initiative was announced by the IMO Secretary-General, Admiral E. E. Mitropoulos during his address at the 13th Asian Shipowners Forum in Singapore this afternoon. He said “……I am delighted to announce that the World Maritime University has recently concluded an agreement with the Singapore Maritime Foundation on the establishment of an Asian Maritime Lecture Series at WMU in Sweden. This initiative was facilitated by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. The lecture series is along similar lines to the "Sheldon Kinney Lecture" sponsored by the US Friends of the WMU in honour of Admiral Kinney who was the second Rector of the University. In the case of the Asian Maritime Lecture Series, an eminent personality from the Asian maritime community will visit WMU every year to present a lecture or conduct a seminar or workshop with WMU students to impart maritime knowledge and experience from an Asian perspective."
“The Singapore Maritime Foundation is pleased to have the opportunity to work with the World Maritime University. This new initiative will provide another platform to promote the exchange of knowledge and experience in the maritime sector”, said Mr Teo Siong Seng, Chairman, Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF).
The inaugural Asian Maritime Lecture will be launched this year and will be held in conjunction with the WMU’s Maritime Policy Seminar, one of the end-of-the-semester seminars organized for the graduating class. The 5-day seminar, which focuses on maritime policy issues, will be held from 27 September - 1 October 2004 at the WMU. The WMU will administer the Asian Maritime Lecture Series, with the sponsorship of the SMF.
The World Maritime University (WMU), located in Malmo, Sweden, was established by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in 1983. It offers a post-graduate programme in Maritime Affairs, leading to the award of the degree of Master of Science, a Postgraduate Diploma or a Postgraduate Certificate. The WMU also offers a Doctoral research programme in Maritime Law and International Commerce.
The Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) is a private sector-led organisation which works in partnership with different sectors of the maritime industry and relevant government agencies to promote and develop Singapore as an international maritime centre. Established in January this year, the SMF is directed by a Board and supported by a permanent secretariat. It has also established an Advisory Panel which comprises industry practitioners.
End of Release.
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