Opening Remarks by Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance, Mr Chee Hong Tat, at the Changi Aviation Summit 2024 Welcome Dinner

Honourable Ministers,

Mr Salvatore Sciacchitano, President of the ICAO Council,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

1.     Good evening. I am pleased to welcome all of you to Singapore and to the second edition of the Changi Aviation Summit. 

Introduction

2.     Two years ago, when we held the inaugural Changi Aviation Summit, the world was just emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic – countries were re-opening their borders and reconnecting with the world. At the Changi Aviation Summit then, we discussed how we could drive the recovery in a safe, inclusive and sustainable manner.

3.     This year, as we meet again for the second run of the Changi Aviation Summit, we are on firm footing. The sector has recovered robustly, thanks to the collective efforts of the global aviation community. Our meeting this week is therefore opportune, for us to reconnect, discuss our strategies to navigate the post-pandemic world, and gear up for future growth.

Building up the next generation of aviation professionals

4.     This evening, let me kick off the Changi Aviation Summit by speaking about our efforts to build up the next generation of aviation professionals. We start with a focus on people, because our people and our workers are at the heart of what we do.

5.     Aviation is a key enabler for our economies to grow, and for all of us to be connected to one another. As a small island nation, Singapore strongly believes in this. Central to the aviation sector’s growth are the people who work in the sector. For aviation to continue to soar, we need a skilled and capable workforce. 

6.     The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) plays an important role through its “Next-Generation Aviation Professionals” initiatives. Singapore is committed to contributing to these initiatives. To date, our efforts to support a capable local and global aviation workforce have been centred at the Singapore Aviation Academy (SAA), the training arm of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). 

7.     Since its establishment as a local school for air traffic controllers in 1958, the SAA has grown into an internationally-recognised training institution for aviation. Over the past 65 years, more than 157,000 aviation professionals from over 200 countries have been trained by the SAA. We take great pride that our alumni currently include serving Directors-General of Civil Aviation from 16 countries. 

Enhancement of the SAA

8.     To support international aviation and our plans to grow the Singapore air hub, CAAS will enhance the SAA to strengthen its position as a leader in civil aviation training, and a convenor of global experience and expertise. The enhancement will have two key elements. 

9.     First, SAA will refresh its curricula to better equip aviation professionals with new competencies. These include important functions such as aviation safety and air navigation services, as well as in emerging areas such as sustainability and innovation. 

10.     In support of this, CAAS has appointed three of its professional chiefs to head the three SAA schools –  aviation management, aviation safety and security, and air traffic services respectively. The new Heads of School will combine practice with theory to provide well-rounded curricula, build up the pool of trainers, and develop new avenues for thought leadership and engagement. 

11.     CAAS will also appoint five international and local industry veterans as SAA Senior Fellows. The SAA Fellows will guide curriculum development, personally deliver training programmes targeted at C-suite executives and Directors-General, and mentor SAA scholars. 

12.     Second, over the next two years, SAA will undergo a S$120 million transformation to increase its training capacity by 20% and improve its facilities. The new SAA will provide an enhanced learning experience for aviation professionals at different levels, with technology-enabled classrooms and more networking and informal learning spaces. 

13.     The new SAA building will include an Aviation Gallery sharing the story of Singapore civil aviation, with  a rooftop terrace providing unique views of Changi Airport. These facilities will be accessible to members of the public, to support our efforts to engage families and young people, and through this process we will also  interest more Singaporeans to consider taking up courses and careers in the aviation industry.

14.     We look forward to welcoming you to the new SAA building in 2026 when it is completed. 

Signing of agreements with ICAO

15.     Ladies and Gentlemen, this year, we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Chicago Convention. Singapore remains committed to supporting ICAO’s important efforts to support the training and development of aviation professionals. 
 
16.     This evening, we are signing with ICAO a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Singapore-ICAO Next Generation Aviation Professionals Scholarship Programme. This Scholarship Programme is targeted at young aviation professionals from all regions, to provide them a strong foundation on key aviation topics. Scholars will have the opportunity to complete a 6-week in-Singapore programme at the SAA and an aviation company in Singapore, and will be personally mentored by a SAA Senior Fellow. 

17.     We are also signing a new Annex to the Singapore-ICAO MOU on Cooperation in Leadership and Management Training, for SAA to develop and deliver a refreshed ICAO-SAA Directors-General Programme on Aviation Safety. The training programme, which will have seven runs held around the world, targets Directors-General to help them better manage safety-related challenges post-COVID environment, and provides a platform for them to network and discuss topical challenges.

18.     As we enhance SAA with an eye on the future, we look forward to more collaborations with ICAO and also with other like-minded partners. 

Conclusion 

19.     Let me conclude, ladies and gentlemen. We all do better when we work together to collectively invest in our future. Together, we can ride the next wave of growth and take aviation to greater heights.

20.     I hope you enjoy the dinner tonight, and I wish everyone a fruitful and productive Summit ahead. Thank you.