CAAS and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Partnership on Masters Programme in Civil Aviation

Collaboration aims to promote high quality learning and develop human capital in civil aviation

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the launch of an ERAU Masters in Business Administration in Aviation (MBAA) programme today. This landmark MOU outlines CAAS' collaboration with an internationally established institution, renowned for its knowledge and expertise across a broad range of aviation disciplines, on a post-graduate programme focused on aviation. The collaboration is a clear reflection of CAAS and Embry-Riddle's shared interests in promoting high quality learning and developing human capital in civil aviation. The MOU was signed by Mr Yap Ong Heng, Director-General, CAAS, and Mr Martin Smith, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Campus, ERAU.

The MBAA to be conducted by ERAU in association with the Singapore Aviation Academy (SAA), a division of CAAS, is scheduled to commence in the second half of 2010 at the SAA. A forerunner in the field of aviation training, SAA brings to the MBAA programme more than 50 years of expertise and extensive international links in aviation training, contributing to raise the profile and learning value of the MBAA. SAA will provide learning courses, lessons and other learning elements drawn from its accumulated experience and expertise in aviation governance and regulation, and the wider Singapore aviation industry. These include case studies on the Singapore aviation experience, visits to aviation organisations and facilities, and talks by leading government and aviation business leaders.

Mr Yap said, "As an enabler of Singapore's aviation industry, CAAS endeavours to build the manpower resource pool for the industry as well as develop Singapore as a centre of excellence for aviation knowledge and training. We are honoured to work in partnership with ERAU on this Masters programme. We are confident that this new programme will further enhance the wide range of quality training programmes available in the SAA and Singapore, tailored to meet the demands of the dynamic aviation industry."

Mr Yap added, "As Singapore's aviation industry continues to grow, there is a need to groom and empower the next generation of leaders. Aviation is a highly specialised field. In addition to operational and technical training, management training provided through the MBAA will be useful for the overall development of aviation professionals, and preparing them to take on leadership positions."

Mr Smith said, "This is a long-term strategic relationship, and we are pleased to partner CAAS to achieve our joint objective of providing quality aviation and aerospace education to support the growing aviation industry of Singapore."

Beyond the MBAA, the MOU also establishes the framework for broader cooperation between ERAU and SAA in various areas, including aviation education and training, information exchange and research.


About the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS)
CAAS' mission is to "Grow a safe, vibrant air hub and civil aviation system, making a key contribution to Singapore's success". CAAS' roles are to enable the growth of the air hub and aviation industry, oversee and promote safety in the industry, provide air navigation services, and develop Singapore as a centre of excellence for aviation knowledge and human resource development.

Website: www.caas.gov.sg

About the Singapore Aviation Academy (SAA)
Founded in 1958, the Singapore Aviation Academy (SAA) is the training arm of CAAS. Over the past 50 years, SAA has established itself as a renowned centre of learning in aviation. It continuously introduces new programmes to address the needs of aviation professionals at all stages of their careers.

In 2000, SAA was conferred the prestigious Edward Warner Award by the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) for its eminent contribution as a centre of excellence in international civil aviation training. To date, SAA has trained almost 50,000 participants from 190 countries. SAA has currently four specialised schools - School of Aviation Management, School of Civil Aviation Safety and Security, School of Air Traffic Services and School of Airport Emergency Services.

Website: www.saa.com.sg

About Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU)
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the world's largest, fully accredited university specialising in aviation and aerospace, offers more than 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programmes in its colleges of Arts and Sciences, Aviation, Business, and Engineering. Embry-Riddle educates students at residential campuses in Prescott, Ariz., and Daytona Beach, Fla., through the Worldwide Campus at more than 170 campus centers in the United States, Europe, Canada, and the Middle East, and through online learning.

Website: www.embryriddle.edu


For more information, please contact:

Ms Nadine Kang
Senior Executive (Corporate Communications)
Tel: (65) 6541 2085
Fax: (65) 6542 0246
Email: nadine_kang@caas.gov.sg