Singapore Polytechnic (SP) formalised six industry and academic partnerships at Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) 2026 on 21 April, covering maritime cybersecurity, decarbonisation, and talent development — areas the institution says are central to the sector’s long-term resilience.
The partnerships were signed at the SP Networking Lunch held at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre, as SMW marks its 20th edition under the theme “Actions Meet Ambition”.
Maritime Cybersecurity
SP, through its Singapore Maritime Academy (SMA), Centre of Excellence in Maritime Safety (CEMS), and School of Computing, signed a Training Collaboration Agreement with the Singapore University of Technology and Design‘s (SUTD) iTrust centre. The two institutions will co-develop and launch the Advanced Maritime Cybersecurity for Shipboard Operations course, designed to equip seafarers with skills to identify and respond to cyber threats targeting critical shipboard systems.
Talent Development and Academic Progression
Three partnerships target maritime career pathways:
- MLA College: SMA graduates gain access to BSc and MSc programmes validated by the University of Plymouth, with aligned curricula and government funding eligibility.
- PSA Marine: Joint training courses, continuing education, and collaborative talent recruitment.
- ST Engineering AirX: Specialised training for Wing-in-Ground Craft operations, at the intersection of maritime and aviation technologies.
Decarbonisation and Alternative Fuels
SP, together with the Singapore Institute of Technology, Pyxis, and Sea Forrest, will jointly develop the Electric Harbour Craft Continuing Education and Training course. An international partnership with VOC Port India will also enable VOC Port personnel to participate in SMA’s LNG, methanol, and ammonia bunkering training programmes.
What SP Is Saying
“The partnerships we are formalising this week reflect the kind of ecosystem-building that the maritime sector needs. The industry is navigating a complex and rapidly evolving landscape across areas such as cybersecurity, decarbonisation, digitalisation and talent development,” said Ms Tan Yen Yen, Deputy Principal (Development), Singapore Polytechnic.
SP will bring close to 400 students to SMW 2026, with around 100 Singapore Maritime Academy students participating in Youth@SMW through panel discussions and industry learning journeys.
