The MaritimeONE Scholarship Award Ceremony 2026 celebrates the newly awarded scholarship recipients and affirms the industry’s support in building a talent pipeline with the Singapore Maritime Foundation

A total of 61 MaritimeONE scholarships were awarded by sponsors from the industry, including maritime companies, unions, associations, and foundations at the MaritimeONE Scholarship Award Ceremony 2026 held last evening by the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF). Mr. Murali Pillai, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Transport, was the Guest-of-Honour.

Industry Sustains Investment in Building Talent Pipeline

This year, more than S$1.5 million was contributed by 45 sponsoring organisations spanning shipping, port operations, maritime services, marine and offshore, associations, classification societies, and foundations (see Annex A). The amount raised goes towards scholarships for tertiary students across a broad range of disciplines, building a pipeline of talent for Maritime Singapore.

Since the inception of the MaritimeONE Scholarship in 2007, more than 700 scholarships with an aggregate value of over S$20 million have been awarded by SMF and sponsor organisations.

Diverse Profile of MaritimeONE Scholars Reflects Evolution of Industry

While students pursuing maritime-related disciplines continue to form the core of the MaritimeONE Scholarship recipients, several of the awardees are pursuing second majors, minors, or specialisations in areas such as international trading, data analytics, sustainability, and business.

In a first, a MaritimeONE scholarship was awarded to a student from the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). The awardee is pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering in Engineering Systems and Design.

In another first, MaritimeONE scholarships were awarded to two current Institute of Technical Education (ITE) students. The two recipients are pursuing a Higher Nitec in Marine and Offshore Engineering.

The profile of awardees reflects the industry’s demand for talent with diverse skills to support the companies’ ongoing transformation as the sector continues to digitalise and decarbonise.

Imbuing Scholars with the Values of Civic Responsibility

The 2026 cohort of MaritimeONE scholars kicked off their journey with a three-day induction programme designed to foster camaraderie, industry integration, professional networking, and civic responsibility.

The immersive programme equips the next generation of maritime leaders with critical sector insights through site visits to prominent maritime companies, specialised career development workshops, and direct mentorship from seasoned industry professionals and SMF board members.

Aligning professional growth with social impact, the scholars also spearheaded community outreach initiatives in partnership with The Food Bank Singapore and the Ocean Purpose Project. These experiential activities allow scholars to forge lasting peer networks while driving meaningful environmental and social change. By embedding community engagement early into the scholarship experience, SMF aims to cultivate purpose-driven talent dedicated to advancing both the global maritime industry and wider society.

Quotes from MaritimeONE Scholarship Recipients

“My interest in the maritime industry stems from the myriad of opportunities and perspectives it offers. I am incredibly grateful for the people I have met along the way, whose guidance, conversations and experiences have broadened my view, deepened my understanding of shipping, and opened doors to new opportunities. The Clarksons – MaritimeONE Scholarship has given me the chance to embark on the exciting journey of shipbroking, and I look forward to discovering where this journey will take me,” said Ms. Amanda Lin Kexin, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Maritime Studies, Specialising in International Trade, at Nanyang Technological University.

“Growing up deeply fascinated by the ocean and the sheer scale of global trade, I always wanted to be part of the engine that keeps the world moving. Through The Chua Chor Tek Memorial Fund – MaritimeONE Scholarship and my studies at the Singapore Institute of Technology – Newcastle University (SIT-NU), that aspiration is becoming a reality. I am eager to help shape a more innovative and sustainable maritime sector that benefits Singapore and the global community,” said Mr. Ashok Kumar Shanmugam, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at the Singapore Institute of Technology, in partnership with Newcastle University.

“The maritime sector keeps the world moving and is entering an exciting era of technological innovation. I aim to contribute directly to this evolution through automation and smart systems, helping build an efficient, carbon-neutral supply chain,” said Mr. Rohith Sasikumar, a recipient of the MaritimeONE Scholarship 2026. Mr. Rohith is pursuing a Bachelor of Computing (Hons) in Computer Science at Nanyang Technological University.

“Over the past two years, my exposure to maritime has shown me that it is an evergreen industry with immense potential to evolve and innovate. I hope to give back by bringing in fresh perspectives, driving meaningful change, and contributing to the continued growth of Maritime Singapore,” said Mr. Tay Sai Kok, a recipient of the ONE – MaritimeONE Scholarship 2026. Mr. Tay is pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering in Engineering Systems and Design at the Singapore University of Technology and Design.

Quote by Chairman of the Singapore Maritime Foundation

“On behalf of the Board of the Singapore Maritime Foundation, I thank our industry sponsors for their continued commitment to build Maritime Singapore’s talent pipeline. As the industry evolves, we believe that our scholars will play an increasingly important part in shaping the future of maritime, bringing fresh perspectives and capabilities. I am also grateful to the educators who have helped shape the young minds and their character, as well as the parents for their support for their children to join the maritime industry. I welcome the new cohort of 2026 MaritimeONE scholars into the Maritime Singapore family, and look forward to their contributions to the industry in the years ahead,” said Mr. Hor Weng Yew, Chairman, Singapore Maritime Foundation.