Press Release
MPA and ICS Singapore Sign MOU to Strengthen Training and Development
SINGAPORE, 27 March 2025 — The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) Singapore Branch have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance cooperation in maritime education, professional development, and industry outreach.
2. The MOU was signed by Mr. Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, and Ms. Elaine Yu, Chairperson of ICS Singapore, in conjunction with ICS Singapore’s inaugural Annual Conference, held as part of Singapore Maritime Week 2025.
3. Under this partnership, MPA and ICS Singapore will work together to promote professional training and certification for maritime professionals, support capacity-building initiatives, and foster greater knowledge-sharing within Singapore’s shipping community. The collaboration will also drive outreach efforts to attract and nurture young talent in the maritime sector. ICS, which is currently the only internationally recognised professional body in the commercial maritime arena, sets and examines the Professional Qualifying Examinations (PQEs). The PQE is a flexible and modular programme aimed at equipping maritime professionals with deep knowledge and understanding of the diverse facets of the industry.
4. Mr. Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive, MPA, said, “The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers is an important stakeholder in the maritime industry, championing high standards of professionalism in the maritime industry through emphasis on training and development. These are aligned to MPA’s strategic objectives. MPA is pleased to strengthen our collaboration with ICS Singapore Branch, and we look forward to working together towards driving Singapore’s growth as a key maritime training hub in Asia.”
5. Ms. Elaine Yu, Chairperson, ICS Singapore, said, “ICS Singapore is honoured to partner with MPA in advancing professional development in the shipping industry. This MoU represents a shared vision to elevate industry standards and create new opportunities for maritime professionals."
6. The Conference was well-attended by more than 100 delegates, including Mr. Punit Oza, Global President of ICS, Capt. Saunak Rai, Vice Chairman of ICS Singapore, Capt. Subhangshu Dutt, Ex. Chairman and Executive Committee Member ICS Singapore, and other distinguished guests from the maritime industry.
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​SMW 2025 Joint Media Release - MPA and ICS Singapore Sign MOU to Strengthen Maritime Collaboration
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SCMA Signs Memorandum Of Understanding with the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (Singapore Branch)
(From left) Captain Subhangshu Dutt, Chairman of ICS Singapore and Justice Chao Hick Tin, Chairman of SCMA, at the MOU signing ceremony on 6 November 2020.
SINGAPORE, 6 November 2020 — The Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration (SCMA) is delighted to announce that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (Singapore Branch) (ICS Singapore).
As part of the maritime ecosystem, both SCMA and ICS Singapore share similar goals in improving the standards, skills, and expertise of individuals in the maritime and shipping industry. The MOU seeks to provide a framework between both organisations to achieve a sustainable, long-term relationship and permanent association.
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The MOU was signed on 6 November 2020, by Justice Chao Hick Tin, Chairman of SCMA, and Captain Subhangshu Dutt, Chairman of ICS Singapore.
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Under the MOU, there will be opportunities for cross-sharing of knowledge through cross-promotion of events and initiatives, organisation of joint events and sharing of articles. In addition, there will be cross-representation — the Chairman of ICS Singapore will automatically become a member of SCMA’s Local Users Council and the Executive Director of SCMA will automatically be an observer on the Executive Council (EXCO) of ICS Singapore. This will ensure that the momentum built up through this co-operation is sustained well beyond the tenure of the current incumbents of the roles.
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Justice Chao Hick Tin, Chairman of SCMA, said, “It is a great pleasure to formalise this MOU with ICS Singapore Branch. SCMA has had a close relationship with ICS Singapore over the years and creating a formal structure will speed up our journey towards the shared goal of improving the maritime ecosystem. ICS can play a major role in enhancing awareness of dispute resolution processes and clauses among the commercial maritime community and SCMA will provide a legal perspective in order to create the ideal blend of legal & commercial knowledge for the maritime community.”
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Captain Subhangshu Dutt, Chairman of ICS Singapore, said, “We are excited to enter into this MOU with SCMA. Our members represent the commercial shipping industry and arbitration process, while unlikely, remains a possibility in every contract. This partnership will help build a sense of comfort and acceptance amongst our members that the arbitration process is just another viable and acceptable alternative for dispute resolution. We look forward to greater involvement with SCMA in the coming months.”
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About the Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration:
The Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration (SCMA) is a specialist arbitration institution for the resolution of maritime and international trade disputes. It is guided by its principal aim of providing a comprehensive set of non-administered arbitration rules with optional features. SCMA offers the maritime and international trade communities a neutral, cost-effective and flexible framework to resolve their disputes fairly and expeditiously.
Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers Singapore Branch (ICS–SG) to provide maritime education to persons with disabilities, supported by SG Enable
ICS-SG is pleased to announce a new training initiative that is supported by SG Enable. SG Enable is an agency dedicated to enabling persons with disabilities. The course involves training people with disabilities on the basic understanding of shipping. Thereafter, ICS will coordinate and assist in finding job placements in the maritime industry.
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The results of a poll carried out a few months back indicated a positive response from the SSA member companies and ICS is confident that the support will grow.
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Capt. Subhangshu Dutt, the Chairman of the ICS Branch commented “ Getting this initiative going in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis is an achievement. An even greater sense of satisfaction would be to see the candidates with disabilities getting placements and eventually anchored in a career in shipping.” We look forward to them becoming members of the ICS eventually.
The first course is expected to commence by the end of June and higher-level courses would be available progressively.
Tan Beng Tee awarded Honorary Fellowship by the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers
We are delighted to announce that Ms Tan Beng Tee, the Assistant Chief Executive of Development of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s (MPA) has been conferred Honorary Fellowship of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers.
Ms Tan was awarded the status in September 2018, under the Institute’s Bye-Law 50 clause, which lets individuals join the Institute without undertaking the examination or dissertation process. It is reserved for those who have made a significant contribution to commercial shipping as well as consistent support towards the development of the Institute.
It is the highest honour bestowed by the Institute.
Chairman and Committee Members of ICS Singapore presenting the Honorary Fellowship Certificate to Ms Tan
Ms Tan also has the distinction of being the first lady to obtain the Honorary Fellowship.
In April 2018, Ms Tan was awarded the Seatrade Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to developing and promoting Singapore as an International Maritime Centre (IMC). She also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Lloyd’s List Asia Awards in 2008. In 2012, Ms Tan received the Public Administration Medal (Silver) (Bar) from the Singapore Government.
In July 2018, she was nominated for Honorary Fellowship consideration by the Institute’s Singapore Branch.
About ICS: The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers is the only internationally recognized professional body in the commercial maritime arena.