The SMU School of Economics and the International Trading Institute@SMU introduced the Maritime Economics Concentration last year to develop the next generation of maritime talents. The programme received $4.3 million in funding from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. There were 23 students in last year's inaugural batch and this is expected to rise to 40 this year. Students take the concentration when they enter their third year of study in SMU. The programme includes opportunities to travel and intern in maritime companies. International Trading Institute@SMU Director Christopher Chow said that the course is intended to allow graduates to be able to hit the ground running when they enter the industry. To further enhance the programme, SMU will extend the duration of the exchange programme from the current two weeks to a full semester. The University is also planning study missions to maritime hubs like Shanghai and Antwerp; through collaboration with maritime partners, the school will also open up internship opportunities.