While the conference talks and exhibitions at Singapore Maritime Week were most informative, even more valuable was the opportunity to meet and have one-on-one conversations with some of the leading figures in the maritime community.
I learnt so much from the time spent with the likes of Captain Ken Ellam (Solis Marine Consultants), Mr Mark Cameron (Ardmore Shipping Services) and Mr Victor Leone (Bunker Partner).
I really appreciated their insights into the industry as well as the life and career lessons they – and many of their colleagues - shared. Their invitations to lunches and dinners at some of Singapore’s top restaurants also gave me an opportunity to explore new types of cuisine and really took me out of my comfort zone!
’All in all the trip to Singapore was an incredible and life-changing experience for me, an 18 year old Grade 12 student from an informal settlement, raised by a single parent who, prior to this trip, had never even set foot in an airport before.
The trip to attend such an important event on the global maritime calendar felt surreal and I had to constantly remind myself that what matters is not your background, but your capabilities, potential and the manner in which you carry yourself.
These are some of the lessons I’ve learnt during my three years studying and staying at the Lawhill Maritime Centre in Simon’s Town, South Africa, where the focus is on preparing high potential students from some of South Africa’s most underserved communities for success in the global maritime sector.
I will forever be grateful for the wonderful opportunity given to me to visit Singapore for a week and will never forget the proud look on my mother’s face when she and my family came to say goodbye at the airport.
The trip was extremely exhausting as we were determined to make the most of every minute. I was so excited to be able to learn so much more about the maritime industry and what it holds for the future.
Of particular interest was learning about digitization and how it is transforming maritime operations and the maritime business overall. Amongst others, I learnt about the use of digital tools such as sensors, data analytics and automations to improve efficiency, safety and decision making in the industry.
I also learnt about bunkers and how the industry is changing from using heavy fuel oil (HFO) for propulsion due to environmental concerns as well as the importance of moving to cleaner and more sustainable fuel options such as biofuels, hydrogen and ammonia.
The manner in which the industry is evolving in other parts of the world made me reflect on the need for South Africa to do the same. After all, we have a coastline that stretches over 2798 kilometers and our ports are strategically located on key shipping routes.
Apart from the conference and maritime discussions, I also enjoyed experiencing Singapore’s unique climate, architecture and cuisine.
Singapore is situated near the Equator; hence its tropical climate. The city also has a stunning skyline dominated by modern skyscrapers such as the Marina Bay Sands complex. The city is also famous for its cleanliness, efficient public transportation system and its diverse culinary options – from spicy foods to dim sum dumplings!
As we were staying at a small hotel in the historic Little India region, I found the surrounding streets interesting because it was safe and the restaurants and buildings told a story.
This trip definitely took me out of my comfort zone, which I really enjoyed. It was a profound experience; one that immersed me in the warm hospitality and rich tapestry of the maritime industry and introduced me to a different and vibrant culture. This cultural immersion has broadened my perspective, fostering a deep appreciation for the diversity and traditions of Singapore’s people.
Not only did the trip enrich my knowledge, but it also inspired me to continue exploring and learning about different cultures and histories around the world.
Anika Mtyelwa, whose maritime studies at Lawhill Maritime Centre (www.lawhill.org) are funded by the General Botha Old Boys Bursary Fund, is a strong academic achiever as well as a keen sailor with a SAMSA-accredited Under 9m Day Skipper license.
Anika's trip to Singapore was generously funded by Mark Cameron, Executive Director of Ardmore Shipping Services. She attended the Singapore Maritime Week 2024 which is an annual flagship event that brings together global maritime leaders and industry enthusiasts from around the world to discuss key issues, latest trends and opportunities facing the industry today and tomorrow.