A Launceston-based maritime and logistics management student has had a first-hand look at the issues facing the international maritime industry.
Bachelor of Business (Maritime and Logistics Management) graduate Yun Shang (Mindy) Tan attended the International Association of Maritime Universities student forum in London in July.
AMC was invited to nominate a student to attend the prestigious event, and Ms Tan was the successful applicant after an expression of interest process.
IAMU is the global network of leading maritime universities providing maritime education and training of seafarers for the global shipping industry. It was founded by seven universities – including the Australian Maritime College – representing the five continents of the world in November, 1999, with a shared recognition of the significance of maritime education and training in the rapid globalisation of the international shipping industry.
59 representatives of the 52 member universities gathered this year in London to discuss the topic “Connecting Ships, Ports and People” – the theme of World Maritime Day.
Ms Tan said attending the forum had given her a unique opportunity to be part of an elite student group, which included both seafarers and shore-based management students.
“It is such are rare opportunity to be part of an international forum from where everyone shares the same passion. The excitement when we entered the IMO building for the first time was intense,” she said.
“We discussed the topics with great dedication and are determined to overcome the problems when we enter the working world.”
The forum included group workshops and a technical tour Greenwich, including visits to the old English tea ship, the Cutty Sark and the National Maritime Museum.
Another major benefit identified by Ms Tan was the opportunity to network with other maritime students and develop international professional connections.
“I made many friends and bonded closely with them in an indescribable way. I’m guessing it’s because we’re all part of a huge project that is making the shipping world a better place for working and for the community,” Ms Tan said.
“The realization that all of us are part of something big, like the maritime industry, further sparks my anticipation to contribute to the shipping business.”
The forum was addressed by IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim, IAMU Chair and Australian Maritime College Principal Neil Bose, IAMU Executive Director Takeshi Nakazawa and Nippon Foundation Representative Takeshiro Umemura.
Published on: 20 Sep 2017
