BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

A RUSSIAN Sail Training Ship (STS) is currently in Brunei to build up interest among the youth for careers in the marine industry.

The Russian STS Pallada, said to be the fastest sailing ship in the world, is here to encourage youths to take up a career in the marine industry by showcasing the working and living environment of those who choose the vocation.

Among the objectives of its visit is to provide experiential learning to students enrolled in Maritime-related programmes as well as raise public awareness about maritime professions, a goal that relevant agencies are aiming for with the Brunei Maritime Academy starting operations next month.

Welcoming the captain and crew yesterday at Muara Port, Communications Minister Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Abdullah Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar said that the presence of STS Pallada into the country provides youth with the opportunity to gain better understanding of the maritime profession as well as related prospective careers.

He said interested youth can make an informed decision in joining the marine industry by observing the working environment of a maritime professional.

YB Pehin Dato Hj Abdullah said that the career path is very promising especially with the government working to develop a reputation in producing quality skilled workforce for the maritime industry.

The establishment of the Brunei Maritime Academy (BMA) through the joint effort of the Ministry of Education (MoE), the Energy Department at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and the Ministry of Communications (MinComm), addresses the issue of the local manpower shortage in the maritime industry.

Through the collaboration with the Singapore Maritime Academy in terms of professional trainers and instructors and the BMA’s International Maritime Organisation (IMO) compliant programmes, relevant agencies plan to safeguard the credibility and ensure the sustainability of the maritime industry in the country.

Professional and accredited seafarers are currently in demand with employment opportunities in this field projected to increase threefold by next year from 10,000 to 27,00, said the minister.

He added that with the BMA set to commence operations next month, relevant agencies have embarked on a mission to encourage and attract loyal youths to consider a career in the maritime industry.

The ship, with 95 Russian crew and cadets, 18 BMA students and an instructor on board, was invited to Brunei Darussalam during the signing of the Brunei Maritime Academy Agreement on the February 6 this year.

Attending the opening ceremony of the Russian showcase at Muara Port yesterday were Dato Paduka Dr Hj Zulkarnain Hanafi, Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at MoE, Abdul Mutalib Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Yusof, Permanent Secretary at MinComm,Rosmawatty Hj Abd Mumin, Permanent Secretary (Upstream) at the Energy Department and Hj Idris Hj Md Ali, Deputy Permanent Secretary at MinComm.

Also in attendance at the ceremony was Victor Seleznev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Brunei and Jaya Ratnam, the High Commissioner of Singapore to Brunei.

The Brunei Times