Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) principal Idan Ofer and wife Batia have launched a maritime scholarship fund in Singapore.
They have pledged up to SGD 200,000 ($149,000) to the fund, which will provide full and mid-programme academic scholarships to Singaporeans wanting to pursue a career in shipping onshore or at sea.
Eastern Pacific said on Monday that the “EPS Scholarship Fund presented by the Idan & Batia Ofer Family Foundation” is part of the company’s “commitment to future generations by providing students with an opportunity to become the maritime leaders of tomorrow”.
Chief executive Cyril Ducau said the aim is to provide financial support and serve as a bridge for the “next generation of maritime leaders in Singapore”.
“We want to ensure that those who have a genuine interest in building a rewarding career in maritime have the tools and resources needed to develop their talents and maximise their potential,” he said.
“This scholarship will hopefully also create awareness about the many opportunities within the maritime industry and inspire young people to consider a career in one of the most dynamic industries in the world.”
Up to 10 scholarships will be awarded each year in cooperation with the MaritimeONE scholarship programme, a key manpower initiative administered by the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF).
Executive director Tan Beng Tee said the SMF is “heartened by EPS’ firm commitment to nurture maritime talent”.
“The MaritimeONE scholarship initiative is testament of the strong partnership and dedication between SMF and the industry to nurture and grow a pool of maritime expertise in Singapore,” she said.
“We hope that more students will be motivated to join the global and diverse maritime industry, which offers an array of exciting career opportunities.”
The Ofer scholarship is part of the larger EPS Cares Initiative created by Eastern Pacific to support people and communities through donations, fundraising and volunteer work.
As an example, the Sammy Ofer EPS Scholarship Fund was established in 2013 for children of the company's employees embarking on tertiary education.
