Singapore Renews Its Partnership with ICAO to Augment Aviation Training for Developing Countries at WCACEF 2015

The long-standing Singapore-ICAO Developing Countries Training Programme is expanded and renewed for another three years from 2016 to 2019

Today, Mr Lui Tuck Yew, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Defence and Dr Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, President of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to the development of human capital for the global aviation sector. They signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand and extend the Singapore-ICAO Developing Countries Training Programme (DCTP) for another three years from 2016 to 2019.

The DCTP seeks to contribute to the development of civil aviation in developing ICAO Member States. Administered by ICAO, the DCTP is jointly sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). It provides fellowships and scholarships for participants to attend specialised aviation programmes at the Singapore Aviation Academy (SAA), the training arm of CAAS. The training programmes are designed to help developing States build up their human resources critical to the development of civil aviation.

The DCTP has received overwhelming response from developing ICAO Member States since its establishment in 2001. Over the last 14 years, it has benefited aviation professionals from some 120 countries. To date, over 700 international participants have benefited from the fellowships and scholarships.

To mark Singapore’s 50 years of independence, Singapore will contribute US$2.25 million (or about S$3 million) over the next three years for 300 fellowships and 10 scholarships.

The recipients of the fellowships can choose from a suite of training programmes conducted at SAA. These range from aviation management to aviation safety and security management programmes. The scholarship recipients will attain an SAA Diploma in Civil Aviation Management. The Diploma programme provides participants with an appreciation of how the various integral elements in the aviation industry interface with one another, and equips graduands with the skills to manage the diverse challenges of a dynamic civil aviation environment.

The MOU was signed at the opening ceremony of the World Civil Aviation Chief Executives Forum 2015 (WCACEF), witnessed by some 140 global aviation leaders at SAA this morning.

Enclosed: Background on WCACEF

About the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS)
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 civil aviation. For more information, visit www.caas.gov.sg

About the Singapore Aviation Academy
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 currently conducts over 110 different programmes annually in aviation management, air traffic services, aviation safety and security, and airport emergency services to address training needs of aviation professionals at all levels. In 2000, SAA was conferred the prestigious Edward Warner Award by the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for its eminent contribution as a centre of excellence in international civil aviation training. To date, SAA has trained over 90,000 programme participants, of which 28,000 are international participants from more than 200 countries and territories.

For media queries, please contact:

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