Young maritime experts to offer advice on oceans ministry's policies

A group of 20 young maritime experts in their 20s and 30s is set to commence their year-long term this week as members of an advisory panel, providing counsel to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. The inauguration ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday at the Government Complex in Sejong, as announced by the ministry on Monday.

They were selected as the advisory panel’s members last year in line with the Yoon Suk Yeol administration’s efforts to help young people deliver their opinions directly to the government. Other government ministries have also launched advisory panels comprised of young experts.

The oceans ministry explained that its panel consists of maritime and fishing industries officials, university students, sailors and lawyers. They will belong to four subcommittees dealing with fisheries and fishing village affairs, shipping industry, marine environment and maritime industries.

Park Sung-min, a 32-year-old marine engineer, will lead the advisory panel. He won the license last year after training and practice at the Korea Institute of Maritime and Fisheries Technology. Although he majored in hospitality management and worked at a hotel previously, his experience as a crewman on cruise and passenger ships led him to be interested in becoming a marine engineer.

“I will communicate with the advisory panel’s members and think carefully to suggest innovative ideas,” Park said.

Oceans Minister Kang Do-hyung promised that the ministry will sincerely listen to the advisory panel’s opinions and apply their suggestions to maritime policies.

“For the development of the maritime and fisheries sectors having a great growth potential, it is particularly important to listen to the future generation’s voice,” the minister said.