Singapore Management University (SMU) has launched the Industry Graduate Diploma (IGD) in Maritime, delivered by SMU Academy, the professional training arm of SMU and the International Trading Institute at SMU, supported by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), as part of Singapore’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its maritime talent pipeline amid industry transformation.
Announced during Singapore Maritime Week 2026, the programme aligns with broader national initiatives to build workforce capabilities in tandem with the maritime sector’s evolution, while expanding pathways into shore‑based maritime careers for mid‑career professionals and those transitioning from adjacent industries.
Senior Minister of State for Transport and Law, Mr Murali Pillai, said:
As the industry transforms, the maritime workforce must be equipped with new skillsets to seize emerging opportunities. This keeps us relevant and adaptable in an unpredictable environment.
Minister of State for Transport and Culture, Community and Youth, Mr Baey Yam Keng, shared:
The twin forces of decarbonisation and digitalisation have introduced dynamic and diverse career pathways that did not exist in the sector just a decade ago.
The IGD in Maritime adopts a modular, stackable structure, allowing participants to pursue individual certificates or complete the full programme. It is structured around two Advanced Certificates - the Advanced Certificate in Maritime Business and Management and the Advanced Certificate in Maritime Operations and Risk Management, spanning across sectors in business, sustainability, operations, and risk management.
The IGD may be stacked towards SMU’s Industry Practice Master of Digital Economy (IPMDE), offering a structured progression pathway to postgraduate‑level qualifications.
The launch of the IGD in Maritime complements broader national efforts to develop a future‑ready maritime workforce, alongside initiatives to support mid‑career transitions, deepen industry‑relevant skills, and strengthen Singapore’s position as a leading global maritime hub. Through close collaboration with industry and MPA, SMU Academy continues to support lifelong learning and career mobility for professionals navigating a fast‑evolving maritime landscape.
More details about the press release can be found here.
Find out more about the IGD in Maritime here.
