Amazing Aviators Race Takes Youths and Industry Professionals on A Discovery Trail Through Singapore's Aviation Landscape

240 participants in 60 teams participated in the race held in conjunction with International Civil Aviation Day as part of the Singapore Aviation Centennial Celebrations.

The Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore) (AAIS) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) have come together to organise for the first timeThe Amazing Aviators Race. The event is part of a broader effort by CAAS, AAIS and industry partners to engage youths, with the aim of bringing them into the talent pool that will support the sustainable growth of aviation in Singapore.

In keeping with the theme of the 2011 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) International Civil Aviation Day[1] and the focus of the Singapore Aviation Centennial Celebrations, the race showcased the cooperation among industry stakeholders in the development of Singapore’s aviation industry. Participants were introduced to the nine sectors of the aviation industry in Singapore and how they work with and support each other within the aviation ecosystem.

The race, flagged-off at the Singapore Aviation Academy this morning, was a fun-filled day of discovery and learning, with participants exploring the aviation industry's vast landscape and rich heritage. Teams of students and industry professionals raced through designated aviation sites and locations across Singapore, including Farrer Park (the site of Singapore’s first flight), the former Kallang Airport and the Air Force Museum.

At each of the pit-stops, teams were put through various physical and mental challenges and even had to go through penalties, should they fail on their first try. The challenges included a game of memory which required participants to match airlines to their livery and a kite-flying challenge that tested their knowledge of aerodynamics.

Charles Chong, President, AAIS, said: "The Amazing Aviators Raceis an opportunity for the industry to let down protocols for a day and have fun, encourage staff interaction and promote community bonding. With the AAIS's ongoing efforts of encouraging workforce cohesion and promoting aerospace as a career of choice, The Amazing Aviators Race serves as an ideal platform for us to further engage our people as well as the general public, especially our young talent. We hope that giving participants a holistic view of the aviation industry will result in them developing a deeper appreciation for the work behind it."

Yap Ong Heng, Director-General, CAAS, said: "Human resource is key for the sustained growth of Singapore aviation. This means also strengthening teamwork, and attracting the youth to join and stay in the industry. Through challenges and games related to Singapore aviation, today’sAmazing Aviators Raceprovided a unique occasion to foster camaraderie among those in the industry today and to reach out to the next generation of aviation professionals. In the spirit of the International Civil Aviation Day, CAAS will continue to work closely with key industry stakeholders to further build the aviation sector as a key pillar of Singapore's social and economic development."

The first ten teams in each of the two categories - Industry/Public and Students - were rewarded with prizes. The winning teams are:

Note:[1]The theme for the ICAO International Civil Aviation Day 2011 is “Assistance and Cooperation for Globally Sustainable Air Transport”. This annual globalcelebration aims to create and reinforce awareness of the importance of international civil aviation in the social and economic development of States.