By Doreen Ling
KUCHING, June 16: Over 60 per cent of Malaysia’s domestic shipping fleet is owned and operated by Sarawak-based companies—reflecting the strategic importance of the State within Malaysia’s maritime sector.
According to Sarawak Maritime Academy (SMA) chief executive officer (CEO), Ts Dr Renco Yong, this demonstrates Sarawak’s significant contribution to the nation’s maritime economy.
“Our shipping companies, shipyards, marine engineers, and maritime professionals play a vital role in supporting trade, logistics, and economic development throughout Malaysia,” he said at the SMA June 2026 intake registration ceremony held at the campus in Jalan Lanang, Sibu, on Monday (June 15).
At the same time, he reaffirmed SMA’s commitment to developing competent, responsible, and industry-ready maritime professionals for the future, which is also reflected in the academy’s scholarship sponsorship programme that has benefited ten students this year, with a total sponsorship value amounting to RM490,500.
Further strengthening this initiative, several major shipping companies and port operators have pledged scholarship funding for upcoming intakes and have expressed their commitment to providing career placements for graduating cadets, which not only eases the financial burden on students but also ensures a sustainable talent pipeline to support the continued growth of Malaysia’s maritime industry.
“Most maritime academies provide domestic maritime training, but SMA offers international maritime training. These personnel must possess maritime experience and knowledge. Therefore, SMA needs to train more students to meet the industry’s demand,” he said.
He added that SMA plans to introduce several new diploma programmes in the near future, including Port Management, Logistics and Supply Chain, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) courses, to further support the growing needs of the maritime and logistics industries.
This is in addition to its existing courses, including Basic Training, Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations, Medical First Aid, Advanced Firefighting, Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats, Ship Security Awareness, Designated Security Duties, and Direct Entry Watchkeeping Officer.
Meanwhile, the registration saw the academy welcoming 20 new cadets—15 in the Diploma in Nautical Studies programme and five pursuing the Diploma in Marine Engineering programme—which highlighted the increasing demand for competent maritime professionals in both local and international sectors.
Addressing the new intake, he emphasised that ship captains and chief engineers hold some of the most important positions in the global transportation industry, bearing responsibility for the safety of vessels, crews, passengers, cargo, and the environment.
Drawing on maritime history, he explained that ship captains have long been regarded as representatives of their nation as they often carried the authority to establish trade relations, negotiate peace, or defend national interests.
“Even today, maritime law recognises the captain as the highest authority on board a vessel while at sea. Their role extends beyond navigation and vessel management; they are entrusted with safeguarding lives, property, and the reputation of their company and country,” he said.
He then expressed confidence that the future of Sarawak’s maritime industry is bright.
“Ships are not commanded by certificates alone. They are commanded by leaders. Leadership, integrity, discipline, courage, and professionalism are the qualities that transform cadets into captains and engineers into chief engineers.” — DayakDaily
