Ashref Afshin graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Nautical Science where he gained extensive knowledge in ship operations and technology, maritime law, IMO conventions, cargo and marine communications, environmental science, navigation, voyage planning, and collision prevention. He joined the MSc Maritime Technology & Management programme to further develop his skills as a professional in the field of the maritime industry.

As the recipient of the ASEAN Cableship award, Afshin expresses his gratitude, “I am deeply honored to receive the ASEAN Cableship Prize this year. This recognition holds profound significance as I continue my journey in the maritime industry, driven by an unwavering passion for sustainable innovation and digital transformation.

My journey at NUS has been transformative, broadening my perspective on the sector’s evolving landscape and inspiring a strong commitment to advancing the maritime industry. By applying innovative and analytical methods to decision-making, I hope to shape a maritime sector that prospers through innovation while remaining firmly committed to environmental sustainability.

This award fuels my determination to push boundaries, encouraging me to contribute meaningfully to a safer, smarter, and more sustainable maritime future. I express my profound gratitude to ASEAN Cableship for this honour and my eagerness to collaborate with industry leaders and academic mentors to drive transformative change across the sector."

Currently, Afshin is excited to begin his journey with Bureau Veritas Marine and Offshore, Singapore as a Graduate Engineer under the Future Shipping Team (FST) for the South East Asia & Pacific (SEAP) zone. In this role, he supports innovation, decarbonisation, and digitalisation projects to shape the future of maritime operations. As part of Future Shipping Team (FST), Afshin contributes to technical analyses, engineering assessments, and project coordination, focusing on emerging technologies, regulatory compliance, and data- driven solutions aligned with the IMO sustainability goals.

Afshin elaborates, "What excites me most about this opportunity is the chance to be at the forefront of transformative change in the maritime industry and to work at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and innovation. Being part of a dynamic team that is driving future-ready solutions offers a platform for me to contribute meaningfully to the industry's evolution. I look forward to collaborating with the industry leaders and partners to advance digital tools and sustainable practices that ensure a resilient and forward-looking maritime future."