SMF’s Maritime Youth Forum 2026 discusses future of shipping for next generation

The Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) hosted over 350 youths and maritime professionals at the Maritime Youth Forum 2026, an annual platform that unites students across Singapore’s tertiary institutions to exchange ideas, build connections, and engage directly with the maritime community.

The event was graced by Guest-of-Honour Mr. Baey Yam Keng, Minister of State, Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.

Initiated by SMF and organised by student leaders from maritime-related societies across institutions like Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore Management University (SMU) and more, attendees got to connect with industry professionals over career booths, while networking with peers across diverse disciplines.

A key highlight was a student-moderated panel discussion titled “The Future of Shipping for the Next Generation”, which explored the acceleration of digitalisation, growing adoption of AI and sustainability, and how youths can leverage emerging opportunities to build future-ready maritime careers.

“The Singapore Maritime Foundation initiated the Maritime Youth Forum in 2023 to create a platform for students with an interest in maritime to gather and to interact with industry professionals,” said Mr. Hor Weng Yew, Chairman, Singapore Maritime Foundation.  “I am particularly pleased to see the student leaders taking the lead to organise this with SMF, making this a tradition and an event that all of us look forward to. I thank our partners across the public and private sectors for sharing our commitment to build a talent pipeline for the collective good of the industry.”