University of Turku and Singapore Maritime Institute to Collaborate on Maritime Research
The University of Turku and the Singapore Maritime Institute will start co-operation to jointly promote and develop maritime research and development activities. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Vice-Rector Kalle-Antti Suominen and Executive Director Heng Chiang Gnee on 2 November.
Vice Rector Kalle-Antti Suominen of the University of Turku and Executive Director Heng Chiang Gnee of Singapore Maritime Institute signed the MoU in Singapore on 2 November 2016.
The University and the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) will explore the exchange of academic research information and co-organise R&D events to facilitate closer maritime research collaboration between the two institutions.
– We are pleased to partner with the Universitu of Turku, an established research institution from Finland. Finland is known for their education system and information and communications technology. One of the prior research areas under this MoU is exploring smart technologies and research for autonomous maritime sector, said Mr. Heng.
The MoU was signed during the conclusion of University representatives’ three-day visit to Singapore, led by Vice Rector Suominen. The delegation made site visits to research facilities in the Nanyang Technological University and Singapore Polytechnic before participating in a joint workshop on maritime R&D chaired by Vice Rector Suominen and Mr Heng.
Three major research topics were discussed during the joint workshop: Maritime Smart Technologies, Autonomous Shipping and Systems, and Safe and Sustainable Shipping. The workshop discussions culminated in a closed-door meeting between the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, University representatives and SMI after which the MoU was formally signed.
– We have high expectations for the collaboration with the Singaporean institutions. Our strength is in our ability to build multidisciplinary research teams for solving problems or creating new innovations, said Professor Suominen.
Under the MoU, the University and SMI will explore joint maritime research activities over the next five years to foster bilateral maritime R&D collaboration between academic institutions from Finland and Singapore.
Singapore Maritime Institute is a joint effort by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, and the Singapore Economic Development Board, established in 2011. The Institute works in close collaboration with the maritime industry to develop and expand the industry through knowledge and innovation.
Sea and maritime studies is one of the strategic, thematic researcher collaborations of the University of Turku.Learn more about our multidiciplinary research.
TS/MR
Photo: SMI