Singapore, 14 November 2024 – Seatrium Limited (Seatrium or the Group) and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) jointly announced today that both organisations have joined forces to inaugurate a state-of-the-art Digital Learning Lab.
This latest initiative, accompanied by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), aims to enhance digital skillsets and competencies in the Marine & Offshore (M&O) Energy industry and attract a new generation of talent.
Aligning Education with Industry Needs
The ITE-Seatrium Digital Learning Lab is designed to be a leading educational and innovation hub for the M&O Energy industry. By providing a dynamic and immersive learning environment for students, the Lab features essential components including practical skills development in energy and engineering, technological literacy in digital advancements and hands-on learning experiences emphasizing active engagement and problem-solving.
In tandem with the Digital Learning Lab’s opening, Seatrium and ITE also signed a MOU which outlines bold objectives aimed at preparing students and M&O workforce for future roles over the next five years. Key initiatives include expanding learning opportunities in marine digital technology for Higher Nitec students and Work-Study Diploma trainees, internship placements for Higher Nitec students, as well as local and overseas industry attachments for staff to support their professional development. Additionally, ITE will offer certification courses to upskill Seatrium’s workforce in areas such as digital technologies, robotics and sustainability.
This strategic partnership aims to train up to 4,500 students and workforce in the sector by 2027. This commitment underscores the importance of building a digitally proficient workforce equipped to embrace technology confidently, a necessity in today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape. Courses on Digital Yard Technology Applications, 5G Marine Use Cases, and AI applications also form part of the diverse curriculum offered. One such example is bringing digital twin technologies into the classroom to equip the students with real-life industry problems and problem solving.
Financial Commitment to Education
Seatrium has also pledged a donation of S$1.2 million to be disbursed over the next four years to the ITE Education Fund to benefit students from low-income families. This initiative will provide financial support for over 300 ITE students from Engineering and Electronics & Infocomm Technology courses each year. The financial commitment highlights Seatrium’s dedication to creating equal educational opportunities and nurturing the next generation of leaders in the M&O sector.
Mr Chris Ong, CEO of Seatrium, said: “Through this strategic partnership with ITE, we are taking a decisive step towards equipping our workforce with the digital skills essential for navigating the complexities of the future M&O industry. The Digital Learning Lab is not just a facility; it represents our commitment to fostering innovation, adaptability, and sustainability in a sector that is rapidly evolving due to technological advancements. By investing in the education and development of our students and the workforce alike, we are preparing them to meet the challenges of tomorrow head-on. Together, we are poised to cultivate a generation of leaders who will drive the M&O sector towards a more sustainable and technologically proficient future.”
Ms Low Khah Gek, CEO of ITE, said: “This collaboration with Seatrium represents a step forward in advancing skills education for Singapore's M&O sector. Through the Digital Learning Lab, we are equipping our students with cutting-edge skills, so they can meet industry demands. ITE remains committed to nurturing a new generation of skilled talent ready to excel in a technology-centric world. At the same time, we will contribute to training the workforce from Seatrium in the latest technologies for the industry. Together with Seatrium, we aim to foster innovation and empower our students and industry, with the expertise needed to lead effectively in an evolving maritime landscape.”
ITE and Seatrium sign Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the launch of the ITE-Seatrium Digital Learning Lab to enhance digital skillsets and competencies in the Marine & Offshore (M&O) Energy industry
In picture (from left to right): Ms Low Khah Gek, Chief Executive Officer of ITE and Mr Chris Ong, Chief Executive Officer of Seatrium
Seatrium Commits S$1.2 Million to the ITE Education Fund in a cheque presentation ceremony at the launch of ITE-Seatrium Digital Learning Lab