Just like last year the Erasmus Center for Urban, Port and Transport Economics (UPT) is organizing an online Exchange program for Singaporean Maritime Studies students from Nanyang Technological University (NTU). It is an one semester program starting from September with a total of 84 bachelor students participating this year. The Maritime Services Community (RMSC) is also involved in this program.
Due to COVID, the Exchange program can again only be followed from behind the computer screens. With Academic Director Dr. Wouter Jacobs and Program Manager Reinette Sluijk, an extensive curriculum has been set up and in collaboration with TU Delft an interactive game has been developed (Maritime Business Game). While last year it took some time for students to get used to online education, it has now become a daily habit. This year the students will be challenged by a new case study on Ever Given from a ship management and maritime law perspective.
The program
The program consists of five courses, which contribute to the education of the students to become future leaders in the maritime industry. The courses Ship Management, Ship Ownership, International Maritime Law, Marine Insurance and the Intensive Seminar on Disruptive Scenarios are taught online from a room that is fully equipped to give a smooth-running lecture. The academic knowledge from the Erasmus University is shared and is complimented by the in-depth expertise of the Rotterdam Maritime Services Community (RMSC) members. The guest speakers from the RMSC share their business and life experiences, which is seen as an enrichment to the program. Pieter Baan, board member of RMSC, says: “It is fantastic for us to share our maritime knowledge and experience. These topics fit in seamlessly with the practice of our members.”
Singapore and Rotterdam
Singapore has many similarities with Rotterdam: they are two large port cities, both with specific academic education in the field of port and port management. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has a partnership with Erasmus UPT. The fact that the borders were closed, did not stop this cooperation. The transition to an online program and continuation of the collaboration was therefore a logical step after several successful years.
The transition to online education has not slowed down the programme. Dr. Wouter Jacobs: “Another fantastic program is ready and by using interactive games, current case studies and lectures, the students will learn about the Dutch approach. This program remains an Exchange program in which people not only gain maritime knowledge, but also learn how we work here in the Netherlands. On the other hand, the unique Singaporean perspective of these students creates a valuable exchange of ideas to collaborate on the mission of Erasmus University: Making Minds Matter. Creating positive societal impact, the Erasmian way.”
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