Category FAQs Search : Sarawak Maritime Academy
Question: Why The Need For SMA?
Answer: Studies conducted by the Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA) indicated that, currently, almost 50% of officers and crew serving on board Malaysian-registered ships are foreigners. The dire need for Malaysians to replace these foreign nationals, especially within the officers ranks is, indeed, crucial, not only for commercial and economical reasons, but, also for strategic purposes.
The existence of a maritime academy in Melaka could not ameliorate the scarcity of Malaysian officers, more so in terms of employing those from Sarawak and/or Sabah.
As such, with the establishment of the Sarawak Maritime Academy located in Sibu, it is hoped that more youths from these 2 states would be keen to venture into a seagoing career. It is also envisaged that the many shipping companies located in Sarawak and Sabah would now source their future Malaysian officers from the SMA rather than having to look for foreigners.
(Source: Official website of Sarawak Maritime Academy, 05 May 2025)
Source Link: https://www.sma.edu.my/about-us