Opening Address by Ms Sun Xueling, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Transport and Ministry of National Development at the 71st International Congress of Aviation snd Space Medicine (ICASM)

Dr Francisco Rios Tejada, President of the International Academy of Aviation and Space Medicine (IAASM)

Dr Benjamin Ng, President of the Society of Aviation Medicine and Psychology Singapore (SAMPS)

Mr Han Kok Juan, Director-General, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS)

Distinguished Guests 

Ladies and Gentlemen

Introduction

1.     Good morning, and a warm welcome to Singapore.  I am glad to have the opportunity to be here today at the 71st International Congress of Aviation and Space Medicine, or ICASM for short. This is a prestigious conference and Singapore is proud to host the ICASM for the third time in its 70-year history.

2.     ICASM is one of the largest annual scientific meetings on aviation and space medicine globally. The event brings together leading experts to share knowledge, exchange best practices, and collaborate on pioneering research.

Continued Importance of Aviation Medicine 

3.     Aviation and space medicine is fundamental to keeping global aviation safe and resilient. It provides the scientific basis for the health, fitness, and performance standards that sustain international air operations and ensures that safety keeps pace with technological progress and the growth in air and space connectivity.   

4.     The IAASM plays an important role in this. Since its formation in 1955, the Academy has consistently turned challenges into opportunities, spearheading new initiatives and nurturing generations of aviation and space medicine practitioners. 

5.     Singapore recognises the importance of advancing the fields of aviation and space medicine. As such, we actively contribute to both ICAO and the IAASM to strengthen global aviation safety and medical standards. We also participate in key ICAO medical bodies and initiatives, and key IAASM research and advocacy work. As a global air hub, our resilience depends on the safety and health of the wider aviation system. Through this participation, we can make breakthroughs that benefit both Singapore and the global aviation community as a whole.  

6.     For instance, the world’s first ultra long-haul flight by Singapore Airlines in 2004 was the result of three years of studies on the alertness of flight crews. This work laid the foundations for ICAO’s Fatigue Risk Management System regulations.

7.     During health crises like SARS in 2003 and COVID-19, Singapore played a key role in coordinating aviation responses and led ICAO projects. Our contributions to ICAO’s anti-SARS project in 2003 led to the development of ICAO’s Collaborative Arrangement for the Prevention and Management of Public Health Events in Civil Aviation Programme, as well as pandemic measure responses. 

8.     We also play a key role in training aviation medicine practitioners globally.  The Singapore Aviation Academy, in partnership with IAASM, has trained 279 doctors from over 60 countries through its postgraduate aviation medicine course since 2005.

Soaring Towards New Horizons

9.      This year’s theme, 'Soaring Towards New Horizons in Aviation and Space Medicine’, is timely in light of the opportunities and challenges ahead. As aviation and spaceflight venture into new frontiers, our understanding of human performance must evolve with technology. International cooperation is key to progress.

10.    Today, I would like to highlight three key areas where the aviation and space medicine community can lead the way in driving meaningful progress:

(A) Preparedness for Global Health Challenges

11.    First, with global air connectivity expanding rapidly, diseases can spread faster than ever. This underscores the need for strong medical vigilance, research and response systems, to keep our air crew, passengers, and societies safe. 

12.    COVID-19 exposed vulnerabilities in global aviation systems. Global air connectivity that took decades to build was broken within days. However, strong collaboration between aviation and health communities made the difference in facilitating the recovery of the aviation sector, through the development of airport screening health protocols, standardised in-flight safety measures, and data-driven approaches to reopening borders. 

13.    Through the Plenary Lecture on Infectious Disease Pandemics, I hope we can capture these lessons from COVID-19 and strengthen cross-border collaborations. Earlier this year, Singapore introduced our new Pandemic Preparedness and Response Framework, which consolidated lessons learnt during previous disease outbreaks, including the COVID-19 pandemic and outlines a more agile, coordinated, and scalable approach to managing future health crises. We look forward to learning from the experiences of others, so that when the next global health challenge strikes, we will be ready.

(B) Strengthening Mental Health Support

14.    Second, as mentioned by speakers before me, mental health is a growing concern globally. According to the World Health Organisation, more than a billion people are now living with mental health conditions. At the same time, demand for air travel continues to surge, with IATA forecasting that passenger traffic will likely double over the next 20 years. This may bring mental health challenges for aviation workers due to the increased workload, higher operational tempo and potential staff shortages. It is vital that the aviation and space medicine community do more to help safeguard the mental health of our aviation workers.  

15.    In Singapore, CAAS has taken decisive steps to strengthen support for aviation mental health. In March 2023, CAAS alongside the airlines and unions in Singapore adopted the Tripartite Mental Health and Wellness Framework. This framework focused on the four pillars: (1) mental health education and destigmatisation, (2) expansion of peer support network and training, (3) early intervention of those affected, and (4) collaborative programmes to enable the safe return to duty.  

16.    In July this year, CAAS also partnered with one of our local hospitals, the Changi General Hospital, to boost mental health support by training peer support volunteers, offering targeted rehabilitation, and creating strong return-to-work protocols. But we know that despite these efforts, more is needed to safeguard the mental health of all our aviation workers.

(C) Diversity in Aviation Medicine

17.    Third, to better meet the challenges of the future, the aviation and space sectors will need diverse talents and perspectives. Today, women remain under-represented in aviation and space medicine. More can be done to encourage, groom, and mentor them. Their inclusion strengthens scientific perspectives about human performance and physiology.

18.    Internationally, there are many trailblazers and role models within the aviation and space medicine community. I had the privilege of meeting Dr Sally Evans, Secretary-General of the IAASM. There are also many noteworthy role-models that we have among us: Dr Jennifer Fogarty, former Chief Scientist for NASA’s Human Research Programme, was instrumental in developing health and safety standards for astronauts on long-duration missions. Other notable women leaders in their fields include Dr Susan Northrup, Federal Air Surgeon at the Federal Aviation Administration. . 

19.    Locally, we have Lieutenant Colonel Nah Jinping. She is Singapore’s first female F-15 fighter pilot, and now leads the Singapore Armed Forces’ FUTURES (formerly Women Outreach Office) branch, where she works to promote inclusion within the military. I am also heartened to note that our efforts to promote inclusion have borne fruit. Over the past five years, 1 in 2 doctors entering Aviation Medicine training in Singapore have been women. 

20.    Tomorrow’s Women in Aviation and Space Medicine Panel reflects the same conviction that diversity drives discovery. I hope it will go beyond discussion to spark a collective call to action for more inclusive research, stronger mentorship networks, and leadership pathways for women in aviation and space medicine.

Global Collaboration as Our Foundation

21.    A common thread across the three areas I have shared is global collaboration. I am happy to see that there are almost 500 delegates from 46 countries here today. International platforms like ICASM offer many opportunities for deeper interaction and stronger collaboration. As a global aviation hub committed to multilateral engagement and medical excellence, Singapore is honoured to support these efforts. 

Closing

22.    I am sure many robust discussions and passionate sharing will take place over the next three days at this Congress, and please enjoy Singapore. Thank you.