Punit Oza is a name known to many within the Bayes and City St George’s alumni network for his tireless volunteer work as a mentor and Alumni Ambassador, roles that he continues to fulfil to this day alongside an inspiring list of professional and now academic responsibilities. He spoke to us about his journey to and through Bayes, the many stages of his stellar career post-graduation, the people who have featured along the way, and the values he has remained true to throughout his journey.
What was your background prior to Bayes?
“Before joining Bayes, I began my career in the shipping industry. I completed my undergraduate studies in financial management and accounting in India. During that time, my father, a member of the Indian Civil Services, was posted to the Indian High Commission in London. I moved to London to be with him and took the opportunity to pursue professional qualifications in shipping.
“I enrolled in the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, a respected professional body similar to the Chartered Accountants or Chartered Surveyors. I completed the course at City Polytechnic (now London Metropolitan University) in 1992–93, which provided a solid foundation in maritime business.”
What brought you to Bayes?
“Following my initial studies,I joined Precious Shipping in Bangkok, where I spent four years in an operations role. This experience confirmed my interest in the industry and highlighted the need to further enhance my academic credentials.
“I had heard about City University Business School (now Bayes Business School) through a colleague, Rajiv Aishwarya, who had completed the MSc in Shipping, Trade and Finance. In 1996, three of us from Precious Shipping decided to pursue postgraduate studies at Bayes. Two enrolled in the MSc in Shipping, Trade and Finance, and one in Trade, Transport and Finance.”
What highlights do you retain from your Bayes student days?
“My time at Bayes was transformative. Having already worked in the industry, I was able to engage deeply with both the academic content and the broader maritime community in London.
“I actively networked with professionals across Lloyd’s of London, P&I Clubs, and other maritime institutions, gaining invaluable exposure. One highlight was a two-week study trip to Scandinavia, organised by our Scandinavian classmates, which fostered lasting relationships and broadened my international perspective.
“To this day, I remain connected with faculty such as Professor Constantinos Grammenos, Professor Michael Tamvakis, and Professor Nikos Nomikos, whose mentorship and camaraderie greatly enriched my experience.”
What path did you pursue after graduation?
“I returned to Asia and continued working with shipping companies in Dubai, then Hong Kong, and eventually Thailand. In 2006, I relocated to Singapore—a pivotal moment in my career. Though I was still an Indian citizen at the time, I became a Singaporean over the next seven years and have since made Singapore my home.
“I joined Torvald Klaveness, a forward-thinking Norwegian shipping company, where I managed their commercial cargo operations. During the 2008 financial crisis, the company encouraged employees to upskill, which led me to pursue an LLB through the University of London’s Singapore campus, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Maritime Law. This legal education has significantly enhanced my ability to navigate commercial and operational legal matters. I remained with Klaveness for many years, eventually becoming Head of Klaveness Asia. In my final years there, I led the company’s digital transformation initiatives.
“As for so many people, the post-COVID period in 2021 marked a major turning point. I had to choose between relocating to Oslo to continue with Klaveness or staying in Singapore with my family. I opted to remain in Singapore and transitioned to a board role with the company. Leveraging my legal and commercial background, I was appointed Executive Director of the Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration (SCMA), a role I held for two years. After completing my term, I entered the startup ecosystem, where I remain actively involved today.”
Your CV has taken an academic direction recently.
“In addition to my role as an investor with a VC, Motion Ventures and advisor with three startups, Tathya, HarborLab & FrontM, I’ve increasingly focused on teaching. I currently deliver a course on geopolitical risk and its impact on global trade and shipping. What began with two universities in Singapore has grown into engagements with 15 business schools worldwide.
“This work allows me to explore new ideas and share insights across diverse academic settings. I also host a monthly geopolitics podcast with Seatrade Maritime, which complements my teaching and advisory work.”
You’re also active within the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers.
“Yes, I’ve been involved with the Institute since qualifying in London in 1992–93. I became a Fellow more than two decades ago and, last year, was honoured to be elected as the first Singaporean Global President in the Institute’s 115-year history. My two-year term runs until October 2026. It’s a privilege to lead the very institution from where I began my professional journey.”
You’ve been a dedicated volunteer within the City and Bayes alumni community for many years. What motivates you to give back?
“My motivation stems from a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility. Over the years, I’ve benefited immensely from the guidance of mentors, professors, and senior professionals whose insights have stayed with me—often subconsciously shaping my decisions. I see myself as a custodian of that knowledge, and it feels natural to pass it on to the next generation.
“Mentoring has become even more critical in today’s remote and digital-first environment, where traditional forms of guidance are less accessible. If one generation isn’t mentored, the next inherits a gap that can’t be filled by books alone. Experience-based learning is essential, and I believe that sharing lived insights—especially when someone needs them most—is the true value of mentorship.
“This belief is reflected in my family’s commitment as well. Nine years ago, we established the Oza Family Maritime One Scholarship in Singapore. Each year, we not only sponsor a scholar financially but also mentor them throughout their academic journey. It’s about planting the seed of mentorship early, so they too feel inspired to give back one day. Ultimately, it’s about preserving and continuing a tradition of learning, sharing, and supporting others—something I’ve always valued, especially from my time at Bayes.”
How do you maintain links with classmates, amid so many activities and responsibilities?
“Over the years, my classmates and I have actually grown closer. I created a WhatsApp group that now includes 95 of our original cohort of 115. We regularly exchange ideas, support one another, and even collaborate professionally. I’ve conducted workshops and strategic sessions for some of their companies, particularly in Greece. The camaraderie we share is exceptional—especially in the shipping, trade, and finance sectors—and it’s a testament to the lifelong value of these relationships.”
Your Alumni Ambassador role has also been key to maintaining links with your alma mater.
“I’ve remained actively involved with Bayes Business School, particularly with the Shipping, Trade and Finance programme. It’s a world-class course, and I strongly recommend it to anyone seeking a career in the industry. The values instilled—integrity, curiosity, and lifelong learning—continue to guide me.
“As an Alumni Ambassador in Singapore, I help fellow Bayes and City St George’s alumni establish connections, settle in, and engage with the local network. We also organise gatherings when alumni visit, fostering a strong sense of community. For example, I am in the midst of arranging a maritime research briefing for visiting alumni, even though I would not be there to attend myself, due to travels.
“These small acts of support often have a lasting impact. My journey has been about continuous learning and giving back. I believe that when the opportunity to contribute arises, it’s important to embrace it. That’s how we build meaningful, enduring connections—by staying true to our values and supporting each other.”