(L to R): Bernard How, Associate Professor, Engineering, SIT; Tan Cheng Peng, Director of Applied Research Partnership at SIT; Tay Chuan Beng, Associate Professor and Acting Cluster Director, Engineering, SIT; Bernard Nee, Deputy President, Industry & Community Group, SIT; Dr. Gu Hai, ABS Vice President, Technology Pacific; Qin Geng, ABS Managing Principal Engineer, Singapore Innovation Research Center; Wang Xin, Associate Professor and Programme Leader, Engineering, SIT; and Andrew Seah, Director, Strategic Partnership, SIT (Photo: ABS)

(SINGAPORE) American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at Singapore Maritime Week to advance innovations in applied research in maritime technology and enhance talent development within the global maritime and offshore industries.

The collaboration advances applied research in next-generation vessel system design, including ship power simulations with hardware-in-the-loop, shore-to-ship charging technologies, and augmented and virtual reality tools for visualizing simulated scenarios.

It also fosters talent and workforce development by offering targeted upskilling and professional growth opportunities under SIT’s Industrial Doctorate and Industrial Master’s (IDIM) programs, alongside structured on-the-job training placements for SIT undergraduate students.

“Given the rapid pace of technological evolution across the maritime industry, it is important to share best practices, breakthroughs and insight. Signing this MOU formalizes our long-standing collaboration with SIT and brings ABS’ global perspective to further maritime innovation on a range of technical and safety topics while also supporting the next generation of seafarers with new skills and competencies,” said Dr. Gu Hai, ABS Vice President of Technology.

Bernard Nee, Deputy President of Industry and Community at SIT, said: “We are committed to empowering the next generation of maritime professionals with the skills and knowledge to excel in a dynamic global landscape. As the university for industry, we offer students authentic, hands-on experience through real-world projects and industry placements. Together with ABS, we are shaping the future of maritime innovation and talent development in areas such as power system simulation, ship charging technologies, and augmented and virtual reality applications.”

About ABS

ABS, a global leader in classification services, is focused on delivering a safer, cleaner future for the marine and offshore industries. For over 160 years, ABS has been setting standards for safety and excellence and continues to innovate in the fields of clean technology, digitalization and artificial intelligence, providing industry-leading technical advisory services. With a global network of surveyors, engineers, technology specialists and support staff, ABS works with industry leaders including its members and clients around the world to improve safety in operational performance and efficiency with innovative solutions for the complete life cycle of marine and offshore assets.

Learn more here.

About Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)

As the university for industry and Singapore's first university of applied learning, the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) offers industry-relevant degree programmes that prepare its graduates to be work- and future-ready professionals. Its mission is to maximise the potential of its learners and to innovate with industry, through an integrated applied learning and research approach, so as to contribute to the economy and society.

The University’s unique pedagogy integrates work and study, embracing authentic learning in a real-world environment through collaborations with key strategic partners. Its focus on applied research with business impact is aimed at helping industry innovate and grow. SIT’s new centralised campus within the larger Punggol Digital District features a vibrant learning environment where academia and industry are tightly integrated with the community.

For more information, visit www.SingaporeTech.edu.sg