PSA & KMSKA: art and culture as a source of inspiration

PSA, a leading global player in the port industry, is firmly anchored in Antwerp with its PSA Antwerp division, not only in the port, but also in the city and the wider area. After all, PSA employs thousands of people. The exchange of ideas, international mobility, numerous nationalities in the teams: at PSA, these things are deeply embedded in the DNA. Managing Director Edward Tah – himself Singaporean and some time who moved to Belgium ago from Saudi Arabia – is the walking poster boy for this. And it is precisely these things that PSA finds in the identity of the KMSKA. That is why has the company joined forces with a cultural partner as part of its social responsibility.

"When people think of the port, they quickly conjure up an image of a tough sector, strongly focused on efficiency, trade and business. But we also fulfil a social responsibility in the places where we are based, and that includes here in Antwerp," says Edward Tah. "Few people know that PSA supports numerous social causes throughout the year. Art and culture should not be left out of this." 

An icon in the city

According to Tah, the KMSKA is an icon in the city. Everyone knows the building and knows where to find the museum. The partnership with the museum brings opportunities for PSA. " Our partnership with the museum gives us the opportunity to organise meetings with business partners, stakeholders and colleagues. This gives us the chance to talk about things we don't talk about on a daily basis: art, creativity and imagination," he explains.

An extension of our culture

PSA is an international player with diverse teams, and PSA sees a parallel with what the KMSKA does: "The museum brings together works from all over the world, art and ideas from across borders and across the centuries. When people exchange ideas and cultures, it brings innovation and creativity. The museum is closely aligned with our corporate culture. A place we can experience , where we are taken out of our routine, where we encounter the unexpected and – perhaps most importantly – where we can enjoy ourselves together, with our families,."

The partnership between PSA and KMSKA was appropriately sealed with the painting An Art Room by Frans Francken II. It depicts a collection of objects, rarities and art from all over the world that were displayed by the wealthy elite in a wunderkammer at the time. A beautiful symbol for the many goods that are shipped and traded around the world by PSA today.