New HR innovators network for Singapore's maritime industry

To drive workforce transformation in the Singapore maritime industry, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) yesterday (13 November 2019) launched the Circle of HR InnOvators (CHRO) network for maritime Human Resource (HR) professionals.

The CHRO network comprises HR leaders from maritime companies, and aims to boost the role of HR as a strategic partner in driving workforce transformation. Working together, the CHROs can formulate and execute their individual strategic workforce transformation plan and prepare their workforce for enhanced and new job roles that are required in the future.

MPA and SMF will also bring the CHRO and the Circle of Digital InnOvators (CDO) networks together to increase synergy between digitalisation and workforce transformation. The CDO network was launched in April 2019 to bring together digital innovators from maritime enterprises to champion the adoption of technology and innovation. With both networks in place, maritime companies will be better positioned to drive their own business transformation with stronger innovation capabilities and a skilled workforce that supports evolving business needs.

The initiative was launched at the MSC Connexions Forum 2019, organised by the Maritime Singapore Connect Office, a unit under SMF. Andreas Sohmen-Pao, Chairman of SMF, announced the new CHRO network at the event gathering about 150 attendees from maritime companies, government agencies, industry associations and career coaches working with students and jobseekers under Workforce Singapore and the Employment and Employability Institute.

Sohmen-Pao, said: "For Singapore to maintain its lead as a top international maritime centre, the ability to attract, develop and retain talent is crucial. This is where HR plays an important role in helping Singapore maritime companies to build a competitive workforce equipped with necessary skills to address our challenges and opportunities. The CHRO network is created by SMF and MPA for maritime HR leaders to exchange best practices and develop themselves as strategic business partners to drive workforce transformation. While we have just started, the response has been encouraging - we have 18 companies on board so far and will be inviting more companies in the coming months."

Andreas Sohmen-Pao, Chairman of Singapore Maritime Foundation, launched the Circle of HR InnOvators (CHRO) network for maritime Human Resource (HR) professionals on 13 November at the MSC Connexions Forum 2019, organised by the Maritime Singapore Connect Office.

Lead image / 123RF Event photo / Maritime Singapore Connect Office