The true test of leadership occurs in extreme situations. In times of difficulties, a good leader needs to stay calm, strategise, have faith in oneself and be confident about the company’s ability to ride through the challenges.

This was one of the many life lessons which Mr S.S. Teo, Executive Chairman, PIL, shared with the 21 leaders from 18 maritime companies who are participating in the 2nd Maritime Leadership Programme organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and conducted by the Singapore Management University (SMU).

Mr Teo was speaking during the first module of the programme on Leadership on 8 Sep 2022, and gave a rare glimpse of his personal experiences in steering PIL through its most challenging period in the last three years.

PIL is progressing well on its transformation journey to become a robust and sustainable company. To this, Mr Teo emphasised that it was important for leaders to set a clear example by keeping an open mind, to accept changes and to be adaptable.

His one key advice to all promising maritime leaders, is to be passionate about the work and the industry, and to have care for people. It is also crucial to be flexible and nimble, and not be afraid of difficulties. Challenges are the best teachers one can get in moulding and shaping oneself into a strong leader.