Aviation courses take off

Aviation professionals can look forward to upgrading their skills with specialised courses for their industry next year.

The University inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) on 16 November for NUS Continuing and Lifelong Education (SCALE) to develop programmes to enhance aviation professionals’ competence in operational excellence and strategic thinking. NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost Professor Tan Eng Chye and CAAS Director-General Mr Kevin Shum Jin-Chyi signed the MOU at Shaw Foundation Alumni House at NUS.

CAAS’ training arm — the Singapore Aviation Academy and SCALE will jointly design, develop and deliver several new courses, including Digital Airport Designs, Technology Innovation for Airports, Aviation Safety & Health Management, as well as Aviation Social Work & Ethics. Each course lasts about 40 hours and will be conducted over a one-week period. The first course is expected to kick off in the second half of 2017.

SCALE and CAAS will also jointly design and teach undergraduate certificate programmes specific to aviation; organise conferences and seminars, as well as conduct research.

Speaking of the collaboration, Prof Tan said, “SCALE is a new strategic thrust of NUS in which we leverage the University’s knowledge and expertise to contribute towards promoting and expanding lifelong learning opportunities for working adults. We are delighted to partner CAAS to develop multidisciplinary and industry-relevant programmes to raise the skills and capabilities of aviation professionals in Singapore.”

Mr Shum said that the collaboration would help to ensure that aviation professionals are future-ready. “By bringing together the complementary strengths of CAAS and NUS, we will be able to offer courses that are more relevant to the aviation community, facilitating upskilling whilst offering professional recognition and academic certification,” he added.

See press release.