Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and the Singapore Scout Association Expand Cooperation with Establishment of Youth Aviation Advisory Board

This collaboration will contribute to intensifying efforts in youth outreach and awareness-building in aviation, including through industry participation

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Singapore Scout Association (SSA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today to establish a Youth Aviation Advisory Board (YAAB) to expand their cooperation in promoting awareness and interest in aviation and its careers amongst youth in Singapore as well as Air Scout co-curricular activities in schools, especially primary and secondary schools.

"CAAS is engaging the industry and partners on developing the next generation of aviation professionals. With its rejuvenated Air Scouts programme with greater industry relevance and its reach among youths, SSA is a valuable partner in our pursuit to ignite and sustain interest and passion for aviation amongst the young. The YAAB is an important platform to drive efforts towards this goal," said Yap Ong Heng, Director-General, CAAS.

The revamped Air Scouts programme has integrated various unique elements to provide students with a strong understanding of Singapore's aviation industry. It gives students opportunities to gain practical experiences and to interact with the people and learn from professionals in the aviation industry. The revamped programme also provides students a well-rounded exposure to aviation under eight core domains - principles of flight, aerospace operations, meteorology, aero engine, practical skills, navigation, air traffic control and communications and flight safety and airmanship.

Tan Cheng Kiong, Chief Commissioner of SSA shared, "This is a significant milestone for the SSA Air Scout Section as the revamped programme was developed after many rounds of consultations with educational and industry partners, in particular CAAS. This consultative approach ensures that the development of our youth programme is aligned and relevant to the industry and our society."

A number of the SSA's pilot projects under the Air Scouts programme were supported by CAAS through the Aviation Youth Outreach Seed Fund[1]. These include the launch of the Young Aviators Badge course to introduce young scouts to Singapore aviation, its history and achievements as well as basic aviation and aerodynamic principles. SSA has also been establishing Aviation Clubs - Air Scout units - within schools. They offer to members, activities, such as flight experiences, aeromodelling, aeroplane spotting to name a few. The clubs will provide full-fledged aviation programmes, with customised training methodologies and progression tracks.

To date, CAAS has reached out to over 16,000 youths through its various youth outreach programmes such as the Aviation Learning Journeys, Aviation Open House, Youth Aviation Ambassador programme and the We are Aviators Facebook page.

Mr Lui Tuck Yew, Minister for Transport, guests and the Air Scouts.(From left to right: Mr Mah Wee Beng, Deputy Principal, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Professor Leo Tan, Acting President of the Singapore Scout Association and Co-Chairman of the Advisory Board, Tay Tiang Guan, Deputy Director-General of CAAS and Co-Chairman of the Advisory Board, Mr Tan Cheng Kiong, Chief Commissioner of the SSA, Mr Lui Tuck Yew, Minister for Transport and Mr Yap Ong Heng, Director-General, CAAS.)

Mr Lui Tuck Yew and Mr Tan Cheng Kiong, unveiling the Air Scout badges

MOU signing between CAAS and SSA, witnessed by Mr Lui Tuck Yew, Minister for Transport and Professor Leo Tan, Acting President of the Singapore Scout Association(Signatories were Mr Yap Ong Heng, Director-General, CAAS and Mr Tan Cheng Kiong, Chief Commissioner of the SSA)

The Youth Aviation Advisory Board will drive efforts to promote awareness and interest in aviation and its careers amongst youths in Singapore.(From left to right: Professor Leo Tan, Acting President of the Singapore Scout Association and Co-Chairman of the Advisory Board, Mr Tay Tiang Guan, Deputy Director-General of CAAS and Co-Chairman of the Advisory Board, Mr Charles Chong, President of the Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore), Mr Philip Ang, President of the Singapore Institute of Aerospace Engineers, Professor Lui Pao Chuen, Scout Council Member, Mr Jimmy Lau, Managing Director, Experia Events.)

Note:[1] AviationYouth Outreach Seed Fundis an initiative under CAAS' Aviation Manpower Programme (AMP) aimed at attracting, developing and retaining talent and manpower for the aviation industry. The Fund is aimed at raising the interest of the young in aviation through deeper engagement of the youths. Through the fund, CAAS seeks to co-create with the industry and community, sustainable outreach and engagement platforms for the varying youth audiences.

About the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
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, provide aviation training for human resource development, and contribute to the development of international aviation.

Website: www.caas.gov.sg

About the Singapore Scout Association
The Singapore Scout Association (SSA) through its mission of Scouting, has contributed to the education of young people, through a value system based on the Scout Promise and Law, to help build a better world where people are self-fulfilled as individuals and play a constructive role in society.

Website: www.scout.sg

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Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
Email: caas_corporate_communications@caas.gov.sg