AAIS Launches Publication on Singapore Aerospace Industry Heritage, and a New Programme for Promising Entrepreneurs at 20th Anniversary Celebrations

  • 13 Nov 2023
  • Text By: Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore), AAIS

The Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore) (AAIS) culminated its 20th Anniversary celebrations with an industry Gala Dinner on 9 November 2023. Graced by Mr Alvin Tan, Singapore’s Minister of State for Trade & Industry and Culture, Community, and Youth, the event brought together senior representatives from AAIS membership, alongside its valued partners and industry professionals.

Established in 2003 during challenging times for the aviation industry, AAIS has played a pivotal role as a voice for the aerospace community. The 20th anniversary initiatives reflect AAIS’s dedication to honouring legacies, celebrating achievements, and advancing Singapore’s aerospace sector.

Members and guests get together to celebrate the Association’s 20th Anniversary and the achievements of the industry

Resilient Growth of Singapore’s Aerospace Sector

Singapore’s aerospace industry has posted a remarkable resurgence since being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Aerospace industrial output surpassed pre-COVID levels last year, and this positive trajectory continued into 2023. A 20% growth was recorded in the first eight months of 2023, compared to the same period the previous year. Singapore’s aerospace engine MRO sector in particular, has attained 15% of global market share, establishing it as the largest engine MRO base in the Asia Pacific.

Commemorative Book Launch

As part of the 20th Anniversary celebrations, AAIS launched “Propel,” a commemorative book that encapsulates the journey of aviation and aerospace in Singapore. The book delves into the rich history of aviation in Singapore, chronicling its evolution from the airfields of the British Royal Air Force since the 1920s, to the development of Changi Air Hub. Feature stories from leading aerospace companies and a chapter by the Singapore Economic Development Board, are woven together in a collective narrative of the sector’s growth alongside the nation’s flourishing aviation industry.

Guest-of-honour and representatives from sponsoring companies and contributors of Propel. From left: Mr Patrick Curtin (The Boeing Company), Mr Oliver Chamberlain (Rolls-Royce Singapore), Ms Marie-Agnes Veve (Airbus Singapore), Mr Iain Rodger (GE Aerospace), Mr Foo Kean Shuh (SIA Engineering Company), Mr Wong Yue Jeen (AAIS), Mr Alvin Tan (Minister of State for Trade & Industry and Culture, Community & Youth), Ms Glory Wee (Singapore Economic Development Board), Mr Shangari Meleschi (Pratt & Whitney), Ms Emily Tan (Thales Singapore), Mr Michael Oxborrow (ACP Metal Finishing) and Mr Cheam Hing Gee (Collins Aerospace).

Fostering SME Leaders

AAIS also announced the Promising Entrepreneurs Programme (PEP), a new year-long programme tailored by AAIS to foster the development of next-generation leaders from family-run aerospace SMEs. Recognising the challenges faced by SMEs in particular, AAIS conceived the PEP to equip emerging leaders with the essential knowledge and skills to guide their companies into the future.

Minister of State Mr Alvin Tan engaging with Mr Sean Wei Kwek of KBG Contract Machining (left most) and Mr Kenneth Chan of Metalcool (2nd from left) who are participating in the Promising Entrepreneurs Programme

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