Dan Kwek
Maritime Studies
School of Civil & Environmental Engineering
Summary
Dan has 12 years of professional experience in the maritime industry, having worked for two leading shipowners as well as the Singapore port authority. Currently in commercial, sales and purchase role with Eastern Pacific Shipping Pte Ltd. He is currently Honorary Treasurer of SNAMES.
The Society of Naval Architects Marine Engineers Singapore (SNAMES) aims to facilitate the exchange of ideas and information on the practical and scientific aspects of design, construction,
operation, repairs and maintenance of marine machinery, structures and vessels and related
fields. Including in our interest also the improvement of marine machinery, structures and
vessel in both marine and maritime industry.
Through our activities and engagement we are able to promote the bringing together of the
results of practical and scientific experience of working professionals in the marine and
maritime industry. And by participating in mentorship programmes, the society can share
meaningful engagement with the future generations of engineers and executives. With the
wide profile of members and experience we hope to break the stigma surrounding the Marine
and Maritime industry therefore opening up more doors for the graduates.
Featured Skills
Work Experience
Honorary Treasurer Aug 2020 - Present
Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers Singapore (SNAMES) SingaporeThe Society of Naval Architects Marine Engineers Singapore (SNAMES) aims to facilitate the exchange of ideas and information on the practical and scientific aspects of design, construction, operation, repairs and maintenance of marine machinery, structures and vessels and related fields. Including in our interest also the improvement of marine machinery, structures and vessel in both marine and maritime industry.
Sale and Purchase Manager Aug 2015 - Present
Eastern Pacific Shipping SingaporeLeveraging on his research and commercial background, Dan develops and study long term strategies and potential SP opportunities for the companys mixed fleet of close to 150 Vessels. Oversees and manages SP transactions including Newbuildings, Bareboat charters, 2nd hand Acquisitions and Demolition activities for the company. In the process, he actively engages in negotiations, financial modelling evaluations, contract preparations, and flag registrations to ensure the smooth delivery of each SP transaction.
Asset and Investment Assistant Manager Jan 2012 - Jul 2015
IMC Shipping SingaporeManager Jul 2007 - Nov 2011
Maritime And Port Authority Of Singapore SingaporeEducation
Master of Science (Maritime Studies) (Business Administration) Aug 2015 - May 2017
Nanyang Technological University SingaporeBachelor of Engineering (Computer Engineering) Aug 2003 - Apr 2007
National University of Singapore SingaporeOther Skills
Careers Dan favourited
Dan Kwek's Skill Profile
Sale and Purchase Manager @ Eastern Pacific Shipping
When I was working at Eastern Pacific Shipping (Aug 2015 - Present), I demonstrated the People Management skill when I was tasked to do coordinate vessel deliveries involving multiple departments and external counterparts. To improve the situation, I proactively propose solutions and speak to different stakeholders. As a result, I managed to positively affect and ensure a successful closure of the transaction.
Q&A with Dan Kwek
What did you do to make yourself marketable?
Volunteer for different roles and projects, even if it is not within your defined scope of work. Attend more networking sessions (if and when COVID situation improves).
- Upvote | 0
- Posted 4 years ago
- Comment
How do you effectively manage your work?
With a young family and two kids, it is important to manage your time and work load effectively, and even more so in shipping where the hours are unpredictable. It is important to get buy in from your colleagues and supervisors that the quality of your work will not be compromised even when you sometimes have to excuse yourself for critical and personal issues, and with this common understanding be prepared to also put in the extra hours to meet your goals and objectives and ensuring that your projects runs smoothly.
- Upvote | 0
- Posted 4 years ago
- Comment
Describe a project or idea (not necessarily your own) that was implemented primarily because of your efforts.
Having come from a government background, i have tried my best to provide closer communications between the various agencies and my employers for better understanding of industry needs and also government priorities and policy positions. This have resulted in both tangible and intangible outcomes in the form of public-private partnerships.
- Upvote | 0
- Posted 4 years ago
- Comment
Give an example of a recent industry development that captured your attention, and what insight or thoughts you have about it.
The surge of startup and digitalization activities in the maritime industry has been unprecedented, even before the COVID19 crisis. This has been long overdue.
The industry is also actively looking at alternative fuels such as LNG, LPG, Methanol and Ammonia some of which are still in its early stages or development and adoption.
- Upvote | 0
- Posted 4 years ago
- Comment
What are the tools or technology that you enjoy using for your work?
Anything that keeps me mobile and handsfree! Increasingly AI and automation is improving our productivity and we should not be shy to adopt some of these new technologies, even as we age and newer platforms surface.
- Upvote | 0
- Posted 4 years ago
- Comment
What are your strongest skills that have contributed to your success in this field?
i) Persevere, stay hungry and motivated and always going the extra mile to give it your all so that at the end of your day, you know that you have inspired and contributed in your own ways, whether at work, family or to the society.
ii) Never forget to connect and touch base with like minded friends, mentors, colleagues and industry partners. Their support will go a long way in many ways to nurture, cultivate and grow your career as well as your personal life.
- Upvote | 0
- Posted 4 years ago
- Comment
What do you like least about your work?
Perhaps the almost 24/7 nature as the vessels never stop sailing. It does keep my adrenaline rushing though and makes it all the more exciting.
- Upvote | 0
- Posted 4 years ago
- Comment
What are some mistakes that you have made in your career? How did you deal with it and what have you learned from them?
My lack of patience and over-eagerness to see results have sometimes backfired. Patience is indeed a rare virtue, coupled with a sense of keeping calm brings great value and results in most circumstances.
- Upvote | 0
- Posted 4 years ago
- Comment
What would you bring to a team if you join them?
My thirst for knowledge, my willingness to share and most importantly dont forget to laugh and be Merry! There will always be arguments but it is not who wins that matters, it is the progress and lessons learnt together that bonds the team together.
- Upvote | 0
- Posted 4 years ago
- Comment
What do you like most about your work?
The dynamism, everyday is not the same day, the closely knit community and the satisfaction in solving problems, issues and process of constructing deal flows.
- Upvote | 0
- Posted 4 years ago
- Comment
