SABAH will have its first maritime academy at POIC Lahad Datu in an effort to spur development in the sector.
POIC Sabah Sdn Bhd Chairman Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee said preliminary contacts had been established with an institution in China for academic and technical input for the proposed academy. The former Chief Minister added that the proposed academy would run as an international institution guided by global industry benchmarks.
“The East Asean Growth Area territories are connected. The waters of the South China Sea, Sulu Sea and Celebes Sea wash our shores. Sabah has many maritime assets such as ports and harbours but the state as a whole has negligible participation in what is a massive economic sector with much growth potential.
“A marine academy will help develop marine human capital and strengthen our region’s position in the global logistics map,” he said in a joint statement.
POIC Sdn Bhd, BIMP-EAGA Maritime Academy Sabah Sdn Bhd (BEMA) and University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding for Strategic Cooperation to set in motion for the project.
POIC Sabah Chief Executive Officer Datuk Fredian Gan, UCSF Vice Chancellor Dr Mohamed Haleem Mohamed Razi and BEMA
Director Datuk James Ibrahim signed the agreement. Yong and Sabah BIMP-EAGA special envoy and adviser Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia witnessed the signing.
Mohamed Haleem said the proposed academy would set out to identify the needs of different industries to formulate demand-driven knowledge, products and services.
