Welcoming Address at Pacific International Lines (PIL)’s Launch of PIL Academy, 7 June 2024

Good afternoon,??

Mr. Chee Hong Tat, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance,?

Mr. Teo Eng Dih, CEO of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore,??

Professor Chua, President of the Singapore Institute of Technology,??

Board members of PIL, distinguished guests, colleagues, and friends.?

It is my distinct honour and pleasure to welcome you all to the official launch of the PIL Academy, a significant milestone in our journey towards excellence and innovation in the maritime industry.?

First and foremost, I extend a warm welcome to our Guest-of-Honour, Minister Chee Hong Tat. Your presence today highlights the importance of continuous learning and development within our industry, and we are deeply grateful for your support.?

The PIL Academy is our dedicated Centre of Excellence, designed to empower our team with the key skills and knowledge necessary to excel in maritime transport and logistics. Our mission is clear: to enhance the capabilities of our workforce, future-proof their careers, and ensure the business sustainability of PIL.?

Our comprehensive training curriculum addresses the diverse backgrounds and varied training needs of our employees. By adopting a structured approach, we ensure that all training aligns with our organizational needs, establishing a common baseline of knowledge that guarantees consistent and high-quality performance across the company.?

A cornerstone of our Academy is the development of the PIL Skills Competency Framework. This framework supports continuous staff development and career progression, providing clear pathways for growth and helping our employees build and enhance their skills in line with industry standards and future demands.?

Today’s launch also marks the beginning of strategic partnerships through the signing of Memorandums of Understanding with the Singapore Institute of Technology, JobKred, and the Maritime Training Academy. These collaborations are crucial in enriching our training programs and providing our employees with access to cutting-edge knowledge and expertise. We are honoured to have the President of SIT and the Executive Chairman of PIL as the witnessing officers for these significant agreements.?

The PIL Academy is not just a training institution but a catalyst for transformation. We aspire to foster PIL's transformation, enhance workforce skills, cultivate maritime collaboration, and develop training expertise. Our focus areas include comprehensive training needs analysis, content curation, and course development tailored to meet the evolving demands of the maritime industry.?

The Academy's framework encompasses a variety of training initiatives:?

• For new joiners: A bootcamp on the PIL way of doing things and core values.?

• For employees: Training in transversal skills, essential soft skills, leadership, and preparation for new job roles.?

• For management associates and management: Intensive leadership training and executive programs to prepare them for higher responsibilities.?

Our structured curriculum includes innovative and superior training in maritime transport and logistics, supported by state-of-the-art technology that empowers learners and trainers alike. The PIL Academy Innovation Lab and Learning Studio create hybrid learning environments that enable active, individual learning experiences, fostering inclusivity, engagement, and ease of access.?

To our esteemed guests from various shipping enterprises, professional bodies, and institutes of higher learning, your support and collaboration are invaluable to us. We look forward to working together to elevate the standards of the maritime industry and drive initiatives that strengthen Singapore as an International Maritime Centre.?

In closing, I would like to reiterate our gratitude to everyone who has played a part in making the PIL Academy a reality. Your dedication and hard work are greatly appreciated. As we embark on this new journey, let us continue to strive for excellence, innovation, and collaboration.?

Thank you once again for joining us today. Please enjoy the rest of the event, and I look forward to our continued partnership in the pursuit of excellence in the maritime industry.?

Dr Victor Goh

Dean, PIL Academy