Acting Minister for Transport, Mr. Chee Hong Tat, addressed key global challenges and emphasized collaborative solutions at the 2023 World Marine Equipment Conference in Fuzhou, China.
In a significant address at the 2023 World Marine Equipment Conference held in Fuzhou, China, Acting Minister for Transport, Mr. Chee Hong Tat, expressed gratitude for the invitation and extended warm thanks for the hospitality extended to his delegation. The conference, a crucial event in the maritime industry calendar, brought together global stakeholders to deliberate on vital issues in the sector.
The Acting Minister underscored the pivotal role played by the maritime industry in sustaining the global supply chain, revealing that over 80% of international trade is transported by sea. This significance was further highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic when maritime transport emerged as a lifeline, facilitating the movement of essential supplies including food, energy, and medical resources across the globe.
Mr. Chee Hong Tat proudly presented Singapore’s noteworthy contribution to the maritime landscape. Singapore is home to the world’s second-largest container port, the largest transshipment hub port, and the largest bunkering hub. He emphasized the historical evolution of Singapore from a port city to a modern maritime nation, with the industry continuing to serve as a vital link to the global community. The Acting Minister also outlined ongoing investments in expanding the sector, including the construction of the next-generation Tuas Port, capable of handling an impressive 65 million TEUs annually.
Looking forward, Mr. Chee Hong Tat acknowledged the challenges confronting the global maritime industry. Questions surrounding the resilience of global supply chains, the acceleration of digitalization for improved efficiency, safety, and sustainability, as well as the scaling up of decarbonization efforts to curb carbon emissions, were all addressed.
In a bid to tackle these challenges head-on, the Acting Minister proposed three guiding principles in Mandarin. “乘风破浪” (riding the waves of change and innovation), “学海无涯” (embracing lifelong and limitless learning), and “风雨同舟” (standing united in the face of adversity) encapsulate the spirit of collaboration and determination required to navigate these pressing issues. Each principle is steeped in maritime symbolism, reflecting the industry’s deep-rooted significance.
Mr. Chee Hong Tat concluded his speech in Mandarin, emphasizing the importance of concerted efforts in addressing the critical challenges ahead.
