MaritimeSG Care Awards honour outstanding contributors during pandemic

SOS, Seacare Co-operative, Seacare Maritime Medical Centre, and The Seacare Hotel were among the recipients of the MaritimeSG Care Awards 2023, presented by Mr S Iswaran, Minister for Transport and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations

The MaritimeSG Care Awards Appreciation reception on Mar 2 brought together organisations recognised for their outstanding contribution to Maritime Singapore, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

These organisations include shipping companies, unions and medical providers that have demonstrated exceptional care and compassion in ensuring the well-being and welfare of their crew and seafarers.

These recipients have gone above and beyond their call of duty, showing tireless efforts and dedication to caring for those working in the industry. SOS, Seacare Co-operative, Seacare Maritime Medical Centre, and The Seacare Hotel were among the recipients of the award presented by Mr S Iswaran, Minister for Transport and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations.

In his speech, Mr Iswaran expressed his gratitude to the attendees for their dedication and service to Singapore during these extraordinary times. Mr Iswaran praised the collective efforts of maritime tripartite partners and acknowledged the crucial role of seafarers and maritime frontline workers in the global supply chain, ensuring Singapore’s continued access to essential goods during the pandemic.

In addition, Mr Iswaran emphasised the need to embrace new opportunities as the maritime sector transitions to a new normal, where digitalisation and sustainability will fundamentally change the way it operates. He highlighted the need to implement new technologies and policies while ensuring workers are supported through upskilling and rescaling.

At the event, Caroline Yang, president of the Singapore Shipping Association, urged the audience to bear in mind the valuable lessons learned during the pandemic. Ms Yang emphasised the importance of initiatives like crew change and global seafarers’ vaccination, which were made possible by the collective effort of tripartite partners, showcasing Singapore’s true resilience.

NTUC President Mary Liew echoed her sentiment, drawing attention to the trust established between partners, which allowed them to turn crises into opportunities. She urged continued cooperation to bring Singapore to greater heights, expressing her gratitude for the bravery and hard work of all involved.

The MaritimeSG Care Awards Appreciation reception was a reminder that while the industry may face many challenges, it is the people who work in it that truly make a difference.

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