• Home
  • News
  • ERAU Dialogue Session Explores Human Factors, Resilience, and Growth in Aviation
Community-youth, Youth

ERAU Dialogue Session Explores Human Factors, Resilience, and Growth in Aviation

  • 18 May 2025
  • Text by Anbalagan Apsara, Student Government Association, ERAU Asia

On 25 April, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) Asia students had the privilege of attending a thought provoking Dialogue Session hosted by Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) Asia and organised by the Student Government Association (SGA 9). With a focus on leadership, mental resilience, and growth through adversity, the session brought together three distinguished speakers from the aviation and leadership communities who shared their personal journeys and insights with us.

One of the most impactful moments for me was listening to Captain Peter Twang, former Chief Training Officer at STATA and A380 Captain. His sharing mainly focused on human factors and the importance of understanding them in aviation. As someone deeply interested in flight operations, I found his insights into the Multi Crew Pilot License programme and his emphasis on adaptability and mentoring to be especially inspiring. Cyrano Latiff, a former Singapore Airlines pilot and SQ006 survivor, gave an incredibly moving talk on mental resilience. He did not just share about his survival story, but also went into detail about the psychological toll and the human factors behind the incident. His courage in facing trauma and using that experience to grow resonated deeply with me. It also reminded me why resilience is such a vital quality in aviation.

Captain Cyrano in Embry-Riddle Asia. Photo: ERAU Asia

Mr. Albert Tiong, founder of the Centre of Mindfulness, a certified mindfulness trainer and aviation instructor, shared practical strategies for integrating mindfulness into both our personal and professional lives during his sharing. I especially appreciated the tips he gave on preparing for cadet programme interviews, a topic that is very relevant to me right now. His advice on staying grounded and self aware left a strong impression, and I have since been more intentional about including mindfulness in my daily routine. The open Q&A session at the end was another highlight. It created the space for honest discussions on overcoming failure, building mental strength, and finding our way in a fast changing aviation landscape. I even got to ask a question, which sparked a meaningful exchange with one of the speakers.

This Dialogue Session was not just another school event, it was a motivating experience that strengthened my passion for aviation and leadership. The session was a reminder to me that while technical skills are important, it is often our mindset, resilience, and ability to grow through adversity that truly define us as professionals. I am grateful to ERAU Asia for providing opportunities like this, allowing us to learn directly from those who have walked on the path ahead of us.

Group Photo of students with the speakers after the dialogue session. Photo: ERAU Asia

You May Also LikeAAIS

Previous Article
Next Article