Germany and Malaysia contribute to E-learning at WMU
Following IMO’s call to member States to support the World Maritime University, WMU has received contributions from the Government of Germany and the Government of Malaysia to support e-learning initiatives at WMU.
On 5 December, Mr Kitack Lim, WMU Chancellor and IMO Secretary-General, and Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, WMU President met with HE Mr Dato Sri Liow Tiong Lai, Minister of Transport of Malaysia, at IMO in London. The Government of Malaysia has committed to support the University’s distance learning efforts with a contribution of USD 32,600.
In July, Mr Reinhard Klingen, Director-General, Waterways and Shipping of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, Germany conveyed a contribution of USD 66,000 to support the purchase of technical equipment for WMU’s e-learning lab.
In response to the contributions, President Doumbia-Henry stated, “These significant contributions from the Government of Germany and the Government of Malaysia will advance the ongoing distance learning efforts at WMU. They directly support UN SDG Goal 4 focused on providing education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. The maritime industry plays a key role in international trade for both countries and these contributions reflect a commitment to the UN SDGs as well as a sustainable maritime industry through supporting technology that increases WMU’s ability to fulfill its capacity building mission.”
The Distance Learning programme and activities at the University are conducted through WMU’s Peter and Jane Muirhead E-Learning Centre that was established in 2014 by a donation from WMU Professor Emeritus Peter Muirhead and his wife, Mrs Jane Muirhead. The E-learning Centre primarily addresses the educational needs of WMU students enrolled on the MSc programme, in particular those studying in the Maritime Education and Training Specialization. In addition, the audio-visual recording elements of the Centre support WMU’s growing portfolio of distance-learning programmes delivered online. E-learning has been offered by WMU since 2005 with the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) in Marine Insurance. Since the establishment of the Peter and Jane Muirhead E-Learning Centre, four additional PgDip programmes have been made available including the following: Executive Maritime Management; Maritime Energy; International Maritime Law; Maritime Safety & Security; and an LLM in International Maritime Law. WMU distance learning offerings also include customized distance learning programmes. In addition, distance learning supports research and knowledge dissemination efforts such as the distance learning LNG course that was delivered in 2015 as part of the “On the MoS Way Network” Project.
