CAAS Boosts Aviation Human Capital Development in Singapore

CAAS partners distinguished Institutes of Higher Learning to provide leadership and high-level training for the aviation community

In meeting the call to train leaders and senior professionals, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) today concluded collaborative agreements with three internationally renowned Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), namely Cranfield University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) and Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP). These agreements outline the framework for collaboration between CAAS and each IHL on the joint development and delivery of specialised, aviation-focused programmes involving its training arm, the Singapore Aviation Academy (SAA). These programmes cover areas such as air transport management, airport planning and management, aeronautical science, public policy in aviation, and aviation leadership.

Mr Yap Ong Heng, Director-General of CAAS, said, "As the Asia-Pacific region’s aviation industry continues on a growth trajectory, there is a need to train leaders and professionals to advance their careers in aviation and to ensure its sustainable growth. We are honoured to partner these renowned IHLs to equip aviation practitioners with critical leadership, expert and specialised knowledge for higher roles and responsibilities in aviation. By collaborating with these IHLs, both local and foreign, we are also able to provide a comprehensive range of aviation-focused programmes that will contribute to making Singapore a centre of excellence for aviation knowledge and human capital development."

Specialised Aviation Masters Programmes Being Offered In Asia For The First Time

Cranfield University will be offering two specialised aviation-focused Masters programmes in collaboration with SAA:

• Master of Science (MSc) in Air Transport Management; and
• Master of Science (MSc) in Airport Planning and Management.

This is the first time these Masters programmes are being offered in Asia by Cranfield University. Leveraging on CAAS' cumulative expertise and experience in aviation planning, governance and regulation, SAA will provide the regional perspectives and practical learning to the programmes.

(left to right) Professor Graham Braithwaite, Head, Department of Air Transport, Cranfield University and Mr Yap Ong Heng, Director-General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), sealed the collaborative agreement to provide two specialised aviation-focused Masters programmes in collaboration with CAAS’ training arm, the Singapore Aviation Academy (SAA).

Cranfield University is internationally recognised for its aviation postgraduate programmes. Both the three-year part-time MSc programmes aim to expand aviation professionals' knowledge in the areas of air transport and airport management. Scheduled to be launched in Singapore in 2013, both programmes will require students to complete some modules at SAA and some at Cranfield University in the United Kingdom, enabling them to learn from both the Asian and European aviation experience.

(left to right) Dr John Watret, Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Mr Yap Ong Heng, Director-General of the CAAS, signed the agreement to offer a second Master programme, Master of Aeronautical Science, in association with SAA.

Customised Aviation Leaders Programmes

Apart from the Masters programmes, SAA will also work with LKYSPP, a school of the National University of Singapore, to launch the Aviation Leaders Programme in Public Policy (ALPPP). The ALPPP will be LKYSPP's first aviation-focused public policy programme that leverages on both LKYSPP's extensive knowledge in public policy and SAA’s experience in aviation management-related programmes. The inaugural two-week programme will be conducted in Mandarin in the second quarter of 2012 to address the training needs of the fast growing aviation industry in China.

(left to right) Mr Stavros Yiannouka, Executive Vice-Dean, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and Mr Yap Ong Heng, Director-General of CAAS, inked the collaborative agreement to launch the Aviation Leaders Programme in Public Policy.

Additionally, CAAS will be partnering INSEAD to jointly launch a three-week full-time Aviation Leaders Programme in Advanced Management (ALPAM) which aims to provide senior professionals with broad cross-functional management training in civil aviation. INSEAD is one of the world's leading graduate business schools offering executive programmes. The ALPAM will be INSEAD's first aviation-focused executive programme, and the programme will be launched in the second half of 2012.

The mission of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) is to "Grow a safe, vibrant air hub and civil aviation system, making a key contribution to Singapore's success". CAAS' roles are to oversee and promote safety in the aviation industry, develop the air hub and aviation industry, provide air navigation services, develop Singapore as a centre for aviation knowledge and training, and contribute to the development of international aviation.
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 more than 52,000 participants from 190 countries. SAA has currently four specialised schools - School of Aviation Management, School of Aviation Safety and Security, School of Air Traffic Services and School of Airport Emergency Services.
Website: www.saa.com.sg

About Cranfield University

Founded in 1946, Cranfield University (UK) is a postgraduate university with a well established reputation for undertaking applied research and teaching in partnership with the industry and government. The Department of Air Transport within the School of Engineering is the main international centre for postgraduate teaching in the fields of air transport management and airport planning and management. Cranfield University has received a Queen's Anniversary Prize in 2011 for its contribution to aviation safety through research and training in accident investigation.
Website: http://www.cranfield.ac.uk/

About Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the world's largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, is a nonprofit, independent institution offering more than 40 baccalaureate, master's, and Ph.D. degree programs in its colleges of Arts and Sciences, Aviation, Business, and Engineering. Embry-Riddle educates students at residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Fla., and Prescott, Ariz., and through the Worldwide Campus with more than 150 locations in the United States, Europe, Asia, Canada, and the Middle East.
Website: http://www.embryriddle.edu.

About Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy

The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy is a graduate school of the National University of Singapore (NUS). Its mission is to help educate and train future generations of policy makers and leaders in Asia, with the objective of raising the standards of governance throughout the region, improving the lives of its people and, in so doing, contribute to the transformation of Asia. The Lee Kuan Yew School has an international student body from more than 60 countries.
Website: www.lkyspp.nus.edu.sg

About INSEAD

As one of the world's leading and largest graduate business schools, INSEAD brings together people, cultures and ideas from around the world to change lives and to transform organisations. With campuses in Europe (France), Asia (Singapore) and Abu Dhabi, INSEAD's business education and research spans three continents. INSEAD's 141 renowned Faculty members from 35 countries inspire more than 1,000 degree participants annually in MBA, Executive MBA and PhD programmes. In addition, more than 6,000 executives participate in INSEAD's executive education programmes each year.
Website: www.insead.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