Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) continues its dedication to global human resources development with an international exchange program hosted by MOL Magsaysay Maritime Academy Inc. (MMMA) in the Philippines. The program welcomed students and instructors from Japanese merchant marine schools, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
From March 10 to 16, 2024, MMMA hosted students and faculty from the National Institute of Technology (KOSEN), Oshima College. This marked the inaugural practical international exchange program with Oshima College, with five students and two faculty members participating. Additionally, a group from Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology visited from March 17 to 23, renewing the program after a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tokyo University sent two faculty members and eight students, including three women.
During the exchange, Japanese students immersed themselves in the MMMA environment, sharing living quarters and attending lectures alongside MMMA students. Practical training sessions utilized simulators and actual ship equipment in the bridge and engine room at MMMA’s “Ship in Campus,” providing hands-on experience crucial for future maritime professionals.
Cultural exchange was a key component of the program, allowing students to showcase their talents through songs and folk dances. Reflecting on the experience, one participant expressed, “Not only did I broaden my sense of values by experiencing different cultures abroad, but I also made friends from other countries who share the same aspirations as I do.”
MOL reaffirms its commitment to nurturing highly skilled personnel for the future of ocean shipping by fostering deeper exchanges between MMMA and Japanese seafarer education institutions. This initiative aligns with MOL Group’s Sustainability Issues, particularly its focus on contributing to the growth and development of people and communities. By supporting seafarer training and creating job opportunities, MOL upholds its role as a responsible custodian of social infrastructure, prioritizing safety and sustainability in its operations.
The successful exchange program underscores the importance of international collaboration in shaping the maritime industry’s future workforce. Through such initiatives, MMMA and its partners contribute to building a skilled, diverse, and resilient maritime community, ready to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the global shipping landscape.