MISC Annual Report 2017

109 Strategy & Performance MARKET REVIEW In 2017, ALAM saw the demand for its training and development programmes reduced considerably given the prevalent challenges in the global and shipping industry. Many shipping companies also reduced their participation in the cadet's sponsorship programmes due to the downturn in the industry. On top of this, the International Convention of Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) 2010 which took effect in 2012, came to an end in 2017, resulting in a large reduction in enrolments for related modular courses. However, the Academy was successful on other fronts. KEY DEVELOPMENTS ALAM secured 40 new clients for training and consultancy projects in 2017 despite the downturn. These projects included consultancy for PETRONAS FLNG (PFLNG) facility, a marine risk assessment simulation study for Tanjung Langsat Port and crew competency management for the MISC Group’s LNG carriers. Other projects included a sponsored ratings programme for the Melaka state government’s State Economic Planning Unit and a Ship-to-Ship (STS) simulator training project from Fendercare Marine (UK). In addition, Star Cruises appointed ALAM to conduct the International Labour Organisation Maritime Labour Convention (ILO MLC) shipboard catering courses on board six cruises for some 100 of its catering crew. ALAM also made good inroads abroad, securing a marine pollution training contract for the Royal Yacht of Oman with more programmes lined up for 2018. ALAM is in the process of offering two new homegrown programmes, namely the Advanced Diploma in Nautical Studies and Advanced Diploma in Marine Engineering for the post-sea officers. The specifications for these two courses have been submitted to the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and are pending approval. Back in 2016, ALAM had signed an International Collaborative Agreement with Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) in which the latter had given approval for graduates of ALAM’s Advanced Diploma programmes to transfer directly to the final semester of a Bachelor of Science in Nautical Science or a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical and Marine Engineering at LJMU in the United Kingdom. ALAM plans to roll out these Advanced Diploma programmes in July 2018 upon approval from the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE). The Advanced Diploma programmes will create a pathway for post-sea students to obtain a tertiary qualification apart from their Certificates of Competency. MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS MARITIME EDUCATION & TRAINING Received Outstanding rating in the MYQUEST 2016/2017 AWARDED A 5-STAR RATING (the highest rating) as a Training Provider for the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF). Over 156 COURSES offered including customised courses Further details on Maritime Education & Training www.misc.com.my/solutions/maritime-education-training