How to get tech students in Hong Kong enthused about a career in maritime. The latest instalment from our brand new Hong Kong magazine.
An insufficient number of tech students are enthused enough to enter a career in maritime in Hong Kong. It is an issue that vexes many in shipping.
“In general, younger generations are not looking at maritime as a career,” says Matthew Mcafee, president of local shipowner Fairmont, adding: “We need to put resources toward expanding the number of companies in Hong Kong developing new technologies for maritime and in general.”
Tabitha Logan, director of projects at Cetus Maritime, one of the territory’s largest dry bulk owners, is well placed to discuss the issue as she is also the co-founder of The Captain’s Table, a top maritime tech pitch competition.
“Currently, this issue seems to stem from the limited appealing roles or career paths available to them, along with a lack of understanding of how technology is, and will, transform the maritime industry,” Logan tells Splash, adding: “To address this, the responsibility lies with us, the industry.”
Logan reckons the shipping industry has yet to fully adapt its thinking about future talent needs or positions, as very few shipping companies have R&D teams, innovation teams, or technology-related internships.
“Developing a compelling narrative to encourage students to explore careers in the industry is crucial,” she says.
There appears to be much more excitement around industries that are able to move faster
According to Bjorn Hojgaard, who heads Anglo-Eastern, the world’s largest shipmanager, ensuring a sufficient number of tech students are enthusiastic about entering a career in maritime in Hong Kong requires raising awareness of maritime being an industry that is breaking free from its traditional nature and is enabling innovation.
“Presently, there appears to be much more excitement around industries that are able to move faster and where there is possibly less regulation,” Hojgaard explains. “We need to do better in being part of the broader conversation and highlight how we are contributing to causes that energise younger generations including the environment, betterment of communities, and collective wellbeing.”
Culturally, Hojgaard advises it may also be worth educating parents to look beyond the favoured professions of lawyer, banker, and doctor, a point of view shared by Rosita Lau, a partner at Ince & Co Hong Kong.
“Parents are not aware of the opportunities available to their children in shipping,” Lau says, urging for shipping to have greater exposure at school and university syllabuses.
Parents are not aware of the opportunities available to their children in shipping
Suggestions from Hojgaard include government-led education campaigns, participation of more industry players at career fairs, additional grants and subsidies and even ship tours with families to drive interest from a young age.
“Fundamentally, it is about showcasing the opportunities available for individuals to make a real difference and contribute to a higher purpose while also being able to secure themselves financially,” Hojgaard says.
An unclear career path and limited exposure to the industry are cited by Firoze Mirza, managing director of BSM Hong Kong, as stumbling blocks in attracting the next generation.
“It is essential,” he says, “to highlight the role of technology in maritime operations, showcasing advancements in areas such as automation, data analytics, and green technologies.”
Mirza also calls for shipping companies to establish more internship and apprenticeship programs to offer practical experience and exposure to the maritime industry. Further, he says university authorities should interact more with maritime companies and industry organisation, including inviting industry experts as guest speakers.
Concluding, Logan from The Captain’s Table tells Splash: “We must create engaging opportunities and career paths for these students. Communicating with students and showcasing how technology is transforming the maritime industry through automation, AI, and data analytics is essential.”
This magazine will be distributed across Hong Kong Maritime Week. Splash readers can access the full magazine for free online by clicking here.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
