Southeast Asia · Case study

Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, Public Maritime Outreach

Singapore (Singapore Maritime Gallery, Marina South Pier)Ongoing (checked September 2026)

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) runs a set of public outreach programs. They aim to help people understand the port, its history and how the maritime industry links to daily life (MPA, n.d.a). The programs reach the general public, schools and students in higher education, and the wider maritime industry (MPA, n.d.a; MPA, n.d.c; MPA, n.d.d).

Approach

Free public gallery. The Singapore Maritime Gallery is at Marina South Pier, next to an MRT station. Entry is free. It is open Tuesday to Sunday. Exhibits across four zones cover Singapore's maritime heritage and industry, including a maritime rescue simulation and roles in port operations (MPA, n.d.a). Visitors can reach it by MRT at Marina South Pier station. MPA advises public transport because parking is limited. Group bookings can be made by phone or email (MPA, n.d.a).

Guided tours. Under Singapore Maritime Discoveries, MPA works with tour operator Lion Heartlanders. Tours include a Raffles Lighthouse Tour, a Sea Exploration Tour and heritage trails. Schools and companies can make private group bookings. Volunteers also lead free gallery sessions on some weekends Bookings go through Lion Heartlanders or a dedicated MPA tour email address (MPA, n.d.a; MPA, n.d.b).

Youth ambassadors. The MaritimeSG Youth Ambassadors program, set up by MPA with industry partners, recruits full-time students under 30 at local institutes of higher learning. Ambassadors serve two-year terms, attend industry events, visit restricted maritime facilities and run outreach for their peers Maritime study is not needed, but interest in maritime and good communication skills are. Ambassadors are expected to share what they learn, for example through social media (MPA, n.d.c).

Industry awareness. The Green Awareness Programme under the Maritime Singapore Green Initiative raises awareness and builds industry skills in carbon accounting and management. It includes training workshops under the Maritime SG LowCarbon50 Programme (MPA, n.d.d).

Results

The gallery, tours, youth program and green awareness program are standing offers on MPA's website. Gallery entry is free, and the youth program asks ambassadors to attend at least two engagement events a year. The pages checked do not report visitor or participant numbers, so reach cannot be confirmed from these sources.

Transferability

DMC port authorities can use a free, easy-to-reach gallery at a public ferry terminal or pier to explain the port. Working with a private tour operator spreads the cost of running tours. A student ambassador program uses young people to reach their peers. Industry training on carbon accounting links public awareness with the port's green goals. Ports should also record visitor and participant numbers, which this example does not publish.

Sources

All information used for this case study was based on publicly available resources.