Polytechnic lecturer juggles many roles

27 Aug 2018

Editorial featured SP’s Singapore Maritime Academy (SMA) senior lecturer, Captain Cheong Kwee Thiam, who has 16 years of experience in the shipping industry. Captain Cheong worked on board a ship in roles ranging from deck cadet officer to Master Mariner (Captain) before making the decision to take up teaching at SMA. His maritime-related background helps him blend real-life experiences with theoretical insights for his students in the forms of literature, tutorial exercises and even examination questions. He also wrote a textbook — Introduction to Shipping — when he found some existing books too technical for new entrants to shipping. Captain Cheong, who has an academic background in maritime law and arbitration, shared that SP is the appropriate place to fulfil his dream of sharing knowledge and also for those who aspire to excel in the maritime industry. He believes in leading by example and does so through volunteering efforts. For about five years, he served at least 16 hours per month, as a Volunteer Special Constabulary (VSC) with the Singapore Police Force at the Clementi Land Division. He has also been volunteering as a Police Coast Guard for a year now, where he intercepts suspects on the waters and conducts training for marine police courses such as navigation and seamanship for VSC coast guards. Captain Cheong added that these volunteering activities have made him more empathetic and patient, which helps him to better empathise with, relate to and connect with students. 
[The New Paper, online]