Marine Engineering Programme Head & Supervisor
Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology
Chief Engineer Christalyn Delos Reyes Chiong , PhD.M.E. (Doctor of Philosophy in Maritime Education), is a distinguished maritime professional and academic leader, currently serving as the Marine Engineering Program Head and Supervisor at the College of Maritime Education, Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST), Philippines. She previously held the roles of Concurrent College Dean and Marine Engineering Program Head, demonstrating her expertise in both academic leadership and maritime industry practices.
Before transitioning to academia, Chief Engineer Chiong accumulated over seven years of onboard experience, including two years as an Engine Cadet and five years as a Junior and Senior Marine Engineer Officer aboard passenger, offshore, and container vessels operating locally and worldwide. Her extensive industry experience provides invaluable insights into maritime education, ensuring that students receive practical, industry relevant training.
Chief Engineer Chiong holds the distinction of being the first female Marine Engineering cadet at ZSCMST, as well as the first female Marine Engineer from her city and region a groundbreaking achievement in a traditionally male-dominated field. She is also recognized as the second female Marine Engineer in the Philippines. Her contributions have set an unbreakable record, inspiring future generations of female seafarers and maritime professionals.
In addition, she made history as the youngest and first female College Dean in the College of Maritime Education at ZSCMST, where she has continuously elevated both her name and the institution’s reputation. Her leadership and dedication serve as a testament to the capabilities of female seafarers and marine engineers in taking on significant roles in the industry.
While actively teaching, Chief Engineer Chiong pursued and successfully earned her Master’s and Doctorate degrees, further strengthening her academic expertise. She is also practicing to involve in research, innovation, and extension programs, recently she has her publications, in “Beyond the Maritime Education Classrooms: Analysis of Life Skills Gained from Maritime Trainings.”
Chief Engineer Chiong remains passionately engaged in both seafaring and academia, with a strong focus on marine engineering laboratory work, maritime safety, and industry. She continues to be an advocate for female leadership in maritime education, proving that women can excel in technical and leadership roles within the global maritime industry.