Youth@SMW

Charting Tomorrow's Maritime Careers

The fourth edition of Youth@SMW in 2026 is themed “Future-proofing Careers: Mindsets & Skills for the Maritime Workforce”, and focuses on equipping young talents with the mindsets and skills needed to thrive in an evolving maritime industry. Co-organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF), this dynamic event is proudly led by our MaritimeSG Youth Ambassadors and MaritimeOne scholars.

This vibrant platform brings together HR Practitioners, industry leaders, and young minds from diverse educational institutions to explore how emerging professionals can build resilience and maintain their competitive edge in a maritime industry continuously transformed by digitalisation and sustainability imperatives.

A New Venue, Enhanced Experience

This year, Youth@SMW will be held at the EXPO Theatre within EXPO@SMW. Participants will be able to engage with HR professionals, industry representatives, and youths during a networking brunch, and learn more about career opportunities within the maritime industry.

Shaping Tomorrow's Workforce: Three Key Focus Areas

Our panel discussion will examine the critical areas defining the future maritime workforce:

Digital Transformation: We will explore how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are revolutionising traditional maritime operations, keeping the industry at the forefront of global innovation.
Sustainability Revolution: Participants will delve into green maritime trends and discover the expanding landscape of sustainable career opportunities that are reshaping the industry.
Dynamic Career Pathways: We will discuss the diverse professional development opportunities available, from internships and mentorships to scholarships and talent pipeline programmes, highlighting how lateral movement across maritime sectors can accelerate career growth.

Beyond the Classroom: Real-World Impact

Participants will gain practical career insights that extend far beyond academic learning, equipping them to navigate the evolving maritime landscape and position themselves strategically for long-term success in this dynamic industry.

Hands-On Learning Journeys

Participants will also embark on curated learning journeys designed to provide first-hand understanding of maritime industry trends, cutting-edge technologies, and innovative solutions that are shaping our sector's future.

Ready to Set Sail?

23 Apr 2026

8:30am to 6:30pm

EXPO Theatre within EXPO@SMW (Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre, Halls 403 - 405)

Programme

Time	Programme
8:30am - 9:00am	Registration
9:00am - 9:15am	Welcome Speech Baey Yam Keng Minister of State at Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Culture Community and Youth Republic of Singapore
9:15am - 9:25am	Photo-taking Session
9:25am - 10:45am	Dialogue Session: Future-Proofing Careers: Mindsets & Skills for the Maritime Workforce The maritime industry is no longer just about ships and ports, it is being reshaped by digitalisation, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and shifting global forces. As the industry evolves, so do the careers within it. The question is no longer just what jobs exist, but how to stay relevant as they continue to change. This dialogue session explores what it truly means to future-proof a career in maritime. Beyond technical skills, it will unpack the mindsets, adaptability, and learning approaches needed to thrive in an uncertain environment. Hear from industry leaders as they share real-world insights on how roles are changing, what employers value, and how you can position yourself for long-term success. Ready to chart your course? Let's navigate the future together. Moderator: Eleos Tan Year 3 NTU Maritime Studies Nanyang Technological University Panellists: Simona Toma Chief of Maritime HR Columbia Group Evelyn Seah Head of Human Resource Division PSA Singapore Dr. Yuen Kum Fai Associate Professor of Maritime Economics serving as Assistant Chair (Students) and Co-Director of the Maritime Energy and Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence Nanyang Technological University Katiravan Suparmaniam Junior Engineer Berge Bulk
10:45am - 11:45am	Networking Brunch
12:00pm - 6:30pm	Learning Journeys 2-way transport is provided. Limited slots available at each learning journey site. Learning Journey Option 1: Learning Journey Option 1: Guided tour at Talent@SMW (12:00PM - 2.00PM) Expand your professional networks and turn classroom concepts into real-world insights by joining the guided tours of EXPO@SMW and TALENT@SMW at Singapore Maritime Week 2026. Discover how different academic principles and concepts are applied across the maritime industry, see first-hand the latest technologies and solutions driving the maritime industry, and engage directly with maritime professionals from over 100 companies as you strengthen your career clarity. Take the next step beyond the classroom and secure your place to experience the maritime industry in action. Learning Journey Option 2: Tour of Everllence Facilities (12:00PM - 5:00PM) Join this exclusive tour of Everllence's state-of-the-art facilities and meet the people driving this innovative company. You will explore their cutting-edge operations, take a guided tour of their advanced facilities, meet their team members, learn about career opportunities at Everllence, and gain insights into their company culture. Don't miss this chance to see Everllence from the inside and discover exciting possibilities for your future career. Learning Journey Option 3: PSA Innovation Centre (12:00 PM - 3:30 PM) The PSA Innovation Centre is a multi-sensory and interactive experiential space that will present our vision of the next generation port and wider supply chain ecosystem. Featuring smart technologies, visitors can learn about the latest technologies implemented by PSA to cater to the evolving digital transformation needs and sustainability of the global maritime and supply chain industries. Learning Journey Option 4: Vessel Tour to Pulau Bukom and Penguin Shipyard Tour (12:00PM - 6:30PM) Embark on a journey to Pulau Bukom aboard a state-of-the-art electric vessel—silent, odorless, and carbon-free. Explore the cutting-edge DC charging infrastructure powering the fleet, then return to the mainland for a visit to Penguin Shipyard in Tuas, where these vessels undergo maintenance. Experience the future of sustainable maritime transport firsthand!
6:30pm	End of Programme

Held In

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SMW 2026 SPONSORS & MEDIA PARTNERS

Lead Sponsor

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Expo Theatre & Talent Pavilion Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

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Welcome Reception Sponsors

SMW Anniversary Party Sponsors

Delegate Lanyard Sponsor

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Official Media Partner

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Trade Media Partners

Programme

Time	Programme
8:30am - 9:00am	Registration
9:00am - 9:15am	Welcome Speech Baey Yam Keng Minister of State at Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Culture Community and Youth Republic of Singapore
9:15am - 9:25am	Photo-taking Session
9:25am - 10:45am	Dialogue Session: Future-Proofing Careers: Mindsets & Skills for the Maritime Workforce The maritime industry is no longer just about ships and ports, it is being reshaped by digitalisation, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and shifting global forces. As the industry evolves, so do the careers within it. The question is no longer just what jobs exist, but how to stay relevant as they continue to change. This dialogue session explores what it truly means to future-proof a career in maritime. Beyond technical skills, it will unpack the mindsets, adaptability, and learning approaches needed to thrive in an uncertain environment. Hear from industry leaders as they share real-world insights on how roles are changing, what employers value, and how you can position yourself for long-term success. Ready to chart your course? Let's navigate the future together. Moderator: Eleos Tan Year 3 NTU Maritime Studies Nanyang Technological University Panellists: Simona Toma Chief of Maritime HR Columbia Group Evelyn Seah Head of Human Resource Division PSA Singapore Dr. Yuen Kum Fai Associate Professor of Maritime Economics serving as Assistant Chair (Students) and Co-Director of the Maritime Energy and Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence Nanyang Technological University Katiravan Suparmaniam Junior Engineer Berge Bulk
10:45am - 11:45am	Networking Brunch
12:00pm - 6:30pm	Learning Journeys 2-way transport is provided. Limited slots available at each learning journey site. Learning Journey Option 1: Learning Journey Option 1: Guided tour at Talent@SMW (12:00PM - 2.00PM) Expand your professional networks and turn classroom concepts into real-world insights by joining the guided tours of EXPO@SMW and TALENT@SMW at Singapore Maritime Week 2026. Discover how different academic principles and concepts are applied across the maritime industry, see first-hand the latest technologies and solutions driving the maritime industry, and engage directly with maritime professionals from over 100 companies as you strengthen your career clarity. Take the next step beyond the classroom and secure your place to experience the maritime industry in action. Learning Journey Option 2: Tour of Everllence Facilities (12:00PM - 5:00PM) Join this exclusive tour of Everllence's state-of-the-art facilities and meet the people driving this innovative company. You will explore their cutting-edge operations, take a guided tour of their advanced facilities, meet their team members, learn about career opportunities at Everllence, and gain insights into their company culture. Don't miss this chance to see Everllence from the inside and discover exciting possibilities for your future career. Learning Journey Option 3: PSA Innovation Centre (12:00 PM - 3:30 PM) The PSA Innovation Centre is a multi-sensory and interactive experiential space that will present our vision of the next generation port and wider supply chain ecosystem. Featuring smart technologies, visitors can learn about the latest technologies implemented by PSA to cater to the evolving digital transformation needs and sustainability of the global maritime and supply chain industries. Learning Journey Option 4: Vessel Tour to Pulau Bukom and Penguin Shipyard Tour (12:00PM - 6:30PM) Embark on a journey to Pulau Bukom aboard a state-of-the-art electric vessel—silent, odorless, and carbon-free. Explore the cutting-edge DC charging infrastructure powering the fleet, then return to the mainland for a visit to Penguin Shipyard in Tuas, where these vessels undergo maintenance. Experience the future of sustainable maritime transport firsthand!
6:30pm	End of Programme

Youth@SMW

Programme

SMW 2026 SPONSORS & MEDIA PARTNERS

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Youth@SMW

Programme

SMW 2026 SPONSORS & MEDIA PARTNERS

Have a Question?