SIBU: The Sarawak Maritime Academy (SMA) has welcomed 20 new cadets for its June 2026 intake, reinforcing its commitment to developing highly skilled maritime professionals to support the growing demands of the maritime and logistics sectors.
The intake, registered at SMA’s campus in Jalan Lanang here recently, comprised 15 cadets enrolled in the Diploma in Nautical Studies programme and five cadets pursuing the Diploma in Marine Engineering programme.
Speaking at the registration ceremony, SMA’s Chief Executive Officer, Ts Dr Renco Yong, said the academy is intensifying efforts to produce internationally competent maritime professionals amid increasing demand from both domestic and global shipping industries.
He noted that SMA’s training programmes are designed to meet international maritime standards, equipping graduates with the knowledge, technical competencies and practical skills required to serve in the global maritime workforce.
“The maritime industry continues to require qualified and competent personnel. SMA is committed to producing industry-ready graduates who can meet these demands and contribute meaningfully to the sector,” he added.
Yong emphasised that maritime careers offer significant opportunities for young Malaysians, with ship Captains and Chief Engineers entrusted with substantial responsibilities involving the safety of vessels, crews, cargo and the marine environment.
He said the maritime profession remains one of the most critical pillars of global trade, with more than 90 per cent of world commerce transported by sea.
Highlighting Sarawak’s strategic role within Malaysia’s maritime ecosystem, he noted that more than 60 per cent of the country’s domestic shipping fleet is owned and operated by Sarawak-based companies, underlining the state’s strong contribution to national trade, logistics and economic development.
“The future growth of the maritime industry depends on a steady pipeline of qualified talent. Today’s cadets have the potential to become tomorrow’s Captains, Chief Engineers and maritime industry leaders,” Yong reiterated.
Beyond its diploma programmes, he said SMA currently offers a range of maritime modular courses, including Basic Training, Advanced Fire-Fighting, Medical First Aid, Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats, Ship Security Awareness and specialised tanker cargo operations training.
In response to evolving industry requirements, he added that the academy is also planning to introduce new academic programmes in Port Management, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, as well as Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Meanwhile, he stated that SMA continues to strengthen access to maritime education through its Scholarship Sponsorship Programme.
This year, 10 students received sponsorships valued at a total of RM490,500.
According to Yong, several major shipping companies and port operators have also pledged scholarship support for future intakes while committing to provide employment opportunities for graduating cadets.
“The initiative reflects growing collaboration between industry stakeholders and educational institutions to ensure a sustainable supply of skilled maritime professionals while reducing financial barriers for aspiring cadets,” he said.
“The registration ceremony marked the beginning of the cadets’ professional maritime journey, with SMA reaffirming its role as a key institution in developing the next generation of maritime talent for Sarawak, Malaysia and the international shipping industry.”
