Keppel IMarEST Corporate Marine Partner

Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) are looking forward to a continuing cooperation as Corporate Marine Partners. The Marine Partners Scheme is the corporate partnership programme of the IMarEST. Customised corporate packages are created for each of the Partners who include companies, universities, research institutes and training colleges.

IMarEST is developing a package of services that covers employee engagement, professional development opportunities, networking, technical support and information opportunities which will allow Keppel Offshore & Marine to further demonstrate its commitment to developing employees' skills and competencies.

"We are delighted that our partnership with Keppel Offshore & Marine continues to grow and develop," says Dr Marcus Jones, Chief Executive of IMarEST. "They initially became our Marine Partner in late 2008. Since then we have been working with them to actively achieve their goals. Our Past President, Professor Yoo Sang Choo, Divisional President, David Kinrade and Manager South East Asia Division, Jenny Seow, have worked closely with Keppel Offshore & Marine to design the ideal on-going programmes to meet their aims and objectives."

Mr Charles Foo, Managing Director (Special Projects), Keppel Offshore & Marine said, "Our first twelve months of being an IMarEST Marine Partner has seen firm foundations being built, and the next twelve months will see us capitalising on that early work. The Institute's advice and input has led to very definite improvements in the standard of our Initial Professional Development programme and independent recognition of our commitment to career development and training for our employees.
"Our graduate engineers are eagerly looking for courses that are accredited by professional bodies. Encouraging young people to join our industry is vital, and working with IMarEST ensures we provide the best possible on-going training programmes for them."

Many initiatives are put in place in the coming year that include investment in Continuing Professional Development programmes by means of a streamlined membership for 30 Keppel employees and a student membership for 30 Keppel-sponsored students. Other efforts will continue to benefit Keppel Offshore & Marine through the participation in IMarEST Young Members' Network, optional guidance on service training, mentor schemes, education and career development. Four IMarEST Professional Development Workshops for young professionals and a refresher Membership workshop will also be organised for topics of particular interest to Keppel Offshore & Marine.

Equally important are the branding opportunities through the Marine Partner link. "Global networking and making connections are also important to Keppel Offshore & Marine and we are delighted to be able to build them an interesting programme in this respect," says Dr Jones. "Naturally too, as discerning businessmen and women, Keppel is eager to ensure they benefit from Partner discounts, and we are pleased to oblige in this respect with discounts on use of the IMarEST Employment Service; and special rates for events, and publications."

Keppel Offshore & Marine, a wholly-owned company of Keppel Corporation Limited, is a providing services in offshore rig design, construction and repair, ship repair and conversion and specialised shipbuilding. Its near market, near customer strategy is bolstered by a global network of 20 yards in the Asia Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, the Caspian Sea, Middle East and the North Sea regions.

Further information on all aspects of the IMarEST Marine Partners scheme, which now nearly 40 members globally can be found on the website.