December 4th Singapore - A new 10-member advisory board has been set up to chart the strategic direction of the Singapore Aviation Academy (SAA).  The SAA Advisory Board (SAB) was launched by CAAS’ Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Lim Kim Choon, this morning.  The SAB aims to guide SAA to meet the challenges ahead and enhance its contributions in human resource development to the international civil aviation community.  The SAB comprises 10 industry leaders and academic experts and is chaired by Mr Wong Woon Liong, CAAS’ former Director-General and current Senior Director of the Changi Airport Advisory Group.

The SAB’s formation is timely given the strong growth experienced by the aviation industry, fuelling an increased demand for aviation training.  The SAB will help SAA identify new growth areas and improve its programme design and curriculum development.  SAB members bring with them a wealth of varied expertise in regulatory, academic and industry backgrounds relevant to aviation.

Speaking at the launch, CAAS’ Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Lim Kim Choon said, “Civil aviation today is going through exciting and tumultuous change.  While global growth and increasing air transport liberalization have spurred expansion, the industry also faces unprecedented challenges.  These challenges, coupled with growth in civil aviation, drive a strong demand for training not only in specialized areas such as safety management, but also in general management areas.  For example, airports’ greater focus on competition and good service has sparked a growing demand for training in aviation management and leadership best practices.  Without a doubt, such developments present great opportunities for training institutions.  SAA must therefore rise to the occasion. It must champion the global advancement of learning in civil aviation, to meet the industry’s needs.”

SAB members are appointed for a term of 3 years.  They will meet twice yearly.