Korea Maritime & Ocean University (KMOU) reports that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Rakuten Symphony Korea to cultivate specialised talent in maritime cybersecurity and accelerate the use of artificial intelligence across the maritime sector.
The collaboration aims to create a link between education, field training, and employment in response to accelerating digital transformation. By combining the maritime education capabilities of the university with the technology firm’s expertise in AI, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity, the initiative intends to train professionals with the skills they will need within the future maritime industry.
Under the agreement, the two organisations will pursue several initiatives, including development and operation of specialised maritime cybersecurity curricula, management of student internships and field experience programmes, and introduction of graduates to employment opportunities.
“As ships become more intelligent and hyper-connected, maritime cybersecurity will become a core field determining the safety and competitiveness of the maritime industry,” said Ryu Dong-Geun, President of Korea Maritime & Ocean University (translated from Korean).
“With this agreement, we will closely connect education and industrial fields, and cultivate competitive, practical professional talent who will lead the maritime digital transformation.”
A joint steering committee comprising representatives from both sides will be established as part of the deal. KMOU plans to integrate the technology and industrial capabilities of Rakuten Symphony Korea into its academic tracks, specifically focusing on the Department of Maritime AI and Security within the College of Maritime Sciences, alongside its Global Maritime Education Centre.
“We expect a meaningful synergy by combining Rakuten Symphony Korea’s AI, cloud, and cybersecurity technologies with KMOU’s specialised maritime education capabilities,” said Son Seung-Hyun, Chief Executive Officer of Rakuten Symphony Korea (translated from Korean).
The steering committee will begin outlining the specialised training modules and internship schedules in the coming months to prepare for the upcoming academic year.
