From October 20 to 23, the 18th Conference of International Maritime Lecturers Association (IMLA 18) was grandly held with the theme of “Maritime Education and Training: Facing the Global Challenges”. More than 80 delegates including IMLA members, experts of maritime education and training at home and abroad as well as SMU faculty members attended the conference.
The opening ceremony of the conference was conducted at SMU Library Hall On October 20. Attended were Prof. Malek Pourzanjani, IMLA Honorary Chairman and President of Australian Maritime College, Dr. Awni Behnam, UN Commissioner General at Expo 2010 and President of International Ocean Institute, Mr. Miao Hongde, the Deputy Director General of the International Department of China Ministry of Transport, and SMU President Prof. Yu Shicheng. Prof. Jin Yongxing, SMU Vice President and Secretary General of IMLA chaired the opening ceremony.
SMU President Yu delivered a speech during the Opening. He said, IMLA has devoted itself to maritime-related issues and the development of maritime education world widely. China’s maritime universities and academies have been its supporter and active participants since IMLA’s establishment. SMU is honored to organize IMLA annual conference again. SMU will continue to participate in IMLA activities and make contribution to the development of world maritime education.
Over 40 high-quality papers had been adopted by IMLA 18. In the following three days, participants had heated discussion, shared experiences and exchanged views on topics including modification of maritime education and training contents, innovation of teaching methods and challenges in teaching and learning . The IMLA members’ biennial gathering was held at SMU in the morning of October 21.
During the conference, the participants also visited SMU Maritime Simulation Center, Marine Engine Room Integrated Lab, Yangshan Deep Water Port and China Navigation Museum.
As an advisory body of the United Nations International Maritime Organization, IMLA is an International academic Organization which is co-organized by maritime institutes all over the world dedicated to promote maritime education and training. It is a no-border forum: a round table for discussions on sea-related issues and its aim is clearly stated: “to promote contact and cooperation between Maritime Lecturers of all disciplines and to develop a body of professional expertise”.
