Scholarship Programme Launched to Champion Women’s Careers in Singapore’s Aviation Industry

  • 09 Oct 2023

An inaugural scholarship programme designed to enable and empower young women in Singapore to pursue a career in aviation has been launched by the Women in Aviation International — Singapore Chapter (WAISG). The programme aims to promote diversity and inspire a new generation of women in the business, aviation studies and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields of aviation.

Acting Minister for Transport Mr Chee Hong Tat speaking at the WAISG Gala Dinner on 5 October 2023. Photo: WAISG

The launch of the scholarship was announced at WAISG’s Gala Dinner evening on 5 October. Singapore’s Acting Minister for Transport, Mr Chee Hong Tat attended the event as the Guest-of-Honour.

Through the scholarship programme, WAISG aims to support 20 women over the next 10 years. In his speech, Minister Chee Hong Tat emphasised the Singapore government’s commitment to developing and enhancing the infrastructure and capabilities of its air hub for the future, with sustainability as a key priority. He said, “(The) developments will create exciting new opportunities in our aviation space and enable Singaporeans, both men and women, to take the aviation sector to greater heights. I am encouraged that WAISG’s scholarship program and initiatives empower women to excel and play meaningful roles in our country’s aviation sector.”

Lou-Ann Seet, WAISG Vice-President said: “The demand for qualified and diverse talents across all functions in the aviation industry is growing. However, access to learning and training to enter the industry can be a barrier for many. With women making up nearly half of Singapore’s population, we believe that with the right opportunities and resources – from financial support to pursue higher education to having access to mentors who are industry experts and leaders – they will be able to build a thriving career in aviation and aerospace.”

Beyond providing tuition fees for an undergraduate degree, the scholarship programme seeks to foster diversity and provide young women with a holistic approach within Singapore’s aviation sector through WAISG’s networking opportunities, events and educational programmes aimed at inspiring the next generation of women in aviation.

In addition to the scholarship programme, Minister Chee also highlighted WAISG’s Mentorship Programme which is designed to support women aspiring to take on leadership roles within Singapore’s aerospace companies. WAISG has raised funds totalling $102,700 for the mentorship programme and intends to provide sign-up to 100 mentees and engage 50 mentors by 2024, creating valuable mentorship relationships and fostering women leaders within the aviation industry.

Interested applicants for the Scholarship Program and the Mentorship Program can find more information on WAISG’s website and its social media handles.

Left to Right: WAISG Vice President Lou-Ann Seet; Acting Minister for Transport Mr Chee Hong Tat; WAISG Chairperson and President Marie-Louise Philippe. Photo: WAISG

AAIS