Celebrating 20 Years of
NUS Centre for Maritime Studies
From humble beginnings to
20 years of achievement.
This is where our story begins...
On 7th August 2025, the Centre for Maritime Studies (CMS) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) proudly marked its 20th Anniversary with a meaningful celebration held at NUS Innovation 4.0. The event brought together key stakeholders, industry partners, esteemed Management Board members, faculty, students, and alumni to reflect on two decades of thought leadership, research excellence, and innovation in maritime. The emcee for the event was Mr Alexios Makarezos from the MSc (Maritime Technology and Management) Class of 2025.
The day began with a warm Welcome and Opening from CMS Director, Professor Chew Ek Peng, followed by a Keynote Address from CMS Management Board Chairman, Mr Nelson Quek, and a heartfelt Special Address by our Inaugural Director, Emeritus Professor Bernard Tan. Together, their speeches reflected the growth of CMS from its humble beginnings to its status as a leading maritime research institution.
A ceremonial cake-cutting, joined by CMS Management Board members, faculty, and student representative, commemorated this special milestone. Guests were also treated to thought-provoking presentations by Senior Research Fellow Dr Khaja Irfan on “The Maritime Decarbonisation Journey,” (on behalf of Track Leaders A/Prof Ng Szu Hui and A/Prof Chai Kah Hin), and Track Leader A/Prof Goh Puay Guan on “The Sea Ahead – Disruptions, Digitalisation and Discord?”
Two videos followed the research presentations: A celebratory video tribute highlighting CMS’ achievements over the past 20 years, and a video of well wishes from recent Master of Science (Maritime Technology and Management) (MTM) graduates and alumni. Representing the next generation of maritime leaders, MTM Student Council President, Mr Phang Fu Chun, delivered a speech that underscored the importance of collaboration between academia and industry.
The event concluded with a networking lunch, where attendees had the opportunity to engage, reconnect, and share visions for the future of maritime studies.
As we turn the page on this chapter, CMS remains steadfast in our mission to advance maritime knowledge and research, nurture talent and industry leaders, and foster collaborations and innovation for the challenges of tomorrow.
…and this is where the next chapter unfolds.
Our achievements are made possible by you.
With our past as our compass, the future awaits.
20 years on, our journey sails forward.
Thank you for being part of our story.
This milestone is ours — together.
