Keynote Speech by Ms Sun Xueling Senior Minister Of State, Ministry of Transport and Ministry of National Development at the International Air Transport Association-Singapore Air Cargo Agents Association Air Cargo Day

Mr Steven Lee, Chairman, Singapore Air Cargo Agents Association 

Mr Sheldon Hee, Regional Vice President, Asia Pacific, International Air Transport Association   

Ladies and gentlemen,  

1.     Good morning! I am delighted to join you for the fifth edition of Air Cargo Day. Let me begin by thanking our hosts, the International Air Transport Association and the Singapore Air Cargo Agents Association, for bringing together the air cargo community once again.  

Air Cargo Day 2025: Connect, Collaborate, Celebrate  

2.        This year’s edition takes place against the backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty and rising protectionism. In his speech earlier, Mr Sheldon Hee has given us great insight into modernising the sector. Globally, trade flows are shifting and companies are diversifying production and reconfiguring their supply chains. Amid these changes, air cargo flows continue to connect economies and strengthen supply chain resilience. Without all of you, I think we would have had a more difficult time during COVID-19. This is testament to how the industry is a lifeline for Singapore. And for that, I thank you for being in this business, sticking through thick and thin with Singapore. As we navigate a changing world together, the theme of today’s event — Connect, Collaborate, Celebrate — reminds us of the importance of coming together as an ecosystem to seize new opportunities and tackle emerging challenges.

3.     In Singapore, air cargo is a lifeline for trade, logistics, and livelihoods. The Government is committed to maintaining Singapore’s position as a leading international air cargo hub. We are developing the Changi East Industrial Zone and the Airport Logistics Park 2, which will play host to a variety of logistics companies and activities, including Regional Distribution Centres and freight forwarding activities. Together with the Changi Airfreight Centre and the Airport Logistics Park, this will grow the overall cargo handling capacity of the Changi air cargo hub from 3 million tonnes per annum to 5.4 million tonnes.

4.     However, a leading air cargo hub is not defined by infrastructure alone. It is shaped by three key sets of relationships which underpin our air cargo ambitions:  

a.     within industry;  

b.     beyond industry; and 

c.     between industry and Government.  

Within industry – harnessing synergy as our competitive advantage  

5.     To begin with, we must leverage the relationships within industry as our competitive advantage. The air cargo landscape is variegated with different players performing specialised but critical roles. Close coordination is needed to ensure the seamless flow of goods. A foundation of trust also facilitates digital innovation, by allowing companies to share data and adopt common standards and platforms.   

6.     Since its founding in 1971, the SAAA has served as the voice of the freight forwarding community. SAAA has advocated for the growth of air cargo, build trust with regulators, and advance professional standards.  

7.     I am pleased to hear that the SAAA is deepening its relationship with trade associations in adjacent sectors, including the Association of Aerospace Industries, the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association, the Logistics and Supply Chain Management Society, and the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises. Mr Steven Lee also shared with me earlier that SAAA Council Members have been leveraging their relationships to increase the number of partnerships that SAAA have with industry associations. By working across sectors, we can better harness synergies, anticipate trends and opportunities, and collectively advance Singapore’s position as a competitive node in global supply chains.   

8.     The SAAA’s collaboration with IATA also ensures we stay aligned with international best practices in the airline industry. I am heartened that IATA recently reaccredited SAAA as a Competency-Based Training and Assessment Excellence Centre for Dangerous Goods. IATA’s reaccreditation affirms that the SAAA’s training programmes meet rigorous international benchmarks, and our workforce is equipped to handle sensitive cargo, such as lithium-battery products, which is a fast-growing segment of trade. 

Relationships beyond industry – nurturing the next generation of talent  

9.     Next, we must reach beyond our industry to attract and nurture the next generation of talent. Before the session, I had the chance to speak with four young students involved in industry attachments. They are very excited by the opportunities available. The SAAA has partnered our Institutes of Higher Learning to offer internships and work-study programmes, giving students first-hand exposure to air cargo operations. Interested students are paired with companies, where they will be exposed to the wide range of opportunities available in the sector. They will also build up competencies through the training and mentorship provided by the SAAA. 

10.     Entrants to the air cargo industry can look forward to dynamic careers that will require diverse skillsets, spanning digitalisation, data analytics, sustainability, and supply chain management. And that is why the students I spoke to earlier were enthusiastic to work in the sector. Earlier this year, we unveiled the Aviation Jobs Transformation Report at the OneAviation Careers Fair. Building on the report, I am delighted to share that we will be launching the Job Redesign Playbook for Aviation here today.    

a.     The playbook is jointly developed by the Job Redesign Centre of Excellence at the Institute for Human Resource Professionals and Workforce Singapore, in close collaboration with SAAA and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore. It is a practical guide to help aviation companies identify emerging skill needs and implement effective job redesign strategies. I hope that it will serve as a valuable resource in enhancing our sector’s productivity, job satisfaction, and career attractiveness. 

11.    I want to highlight a few companies that have taken the lead in transforming jobs in air cargo. For example, Union Air Freight has redesigned the role of the Billing Officer to manage rising shipment volumes more efficiently. It has equipped its employees with the competencies needed to digitise manual processes, through the e-filing of airway bills and shipper documents and the automated grouping and batch emailing of invoices. This has enabled officers to process about 25% more shipments per month, with improved accuracy and turnaround time. Employees have also acquired transferable skills that enhance their career longevity in an increasingly digitalised environment.

12.    Beyond transforming the nature of work, the SAAA is also working with the Singapore National Employers Federation to promote progressive employment practices, to support companies’ efforts in talent development, employee engagement and well-being, and workforce retention.  

13.    By opening doors to both current and future workers, we can inspire young Singaporeans to see air cargo as a career with a purpose, to secure talent for the future of the sector.  

Between Industry and Government – creating an enabling regulatory environment  

14.    FFinally, we must deepen the relationship between industry and Government to create an enabling regulatory environment that stays agile and business friendly.. The Government will continue to review our rules and processes to facilitate the flow of goods and reduce unnecessary burden on firms. 

15.    At the same time, safety and security remain the bedrock of our status as a trusted air cargo hub. I am pleased to announce that the Ministry of Transport will work with SAAA to co-develop and deliver training courses for SAAA members, with a focus on the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Annex 17 Security Standards.  

a.     This initiative will strengthen compliance by deepening industry competencies, foster knowledge exchange between the public and private sector, and enhance Singapore’s reputation for safety and trust.  

16.    In conclusion, we are living in a time of rapid flux, where the rules of international trade are being rewritten. In such times, the strength of relationships within the air cargo community will become even more critical. I have shared how we could look at deepening ties within industry, beyond industry, and between industry and government. I am confident that Singapore will not only adapt, but further grow into a trusted, competitive, and leading air cargo hub.  

17.    I wish you an enriching Air Cargo Day ahead. Thank you.