AAIS convened a seminar for aerospace quality, compliance, and IT professionals on 14 November 2025, drawing some 150 participants for an afternoon of focused updates and industry exchange. Held in conjunction with World Quality Week, the programme featured experts from EASA and was supported by sponsors: Pratt & Whitney, SAESL, SIA Engineering Company, and Cybersafe. The strong turnout – including active participation from the Singapore Aerospace Quality Group – reflected the industry’s sharpened focus on information security and its commitment to staying ahead of evolving regulatory expectations.
The session opened with welcome remarks from AAIS Chief Executive Sia Kheng Yok, who underscored the significance of the upcoming Part-IS requirements for EASA Part-145 organisations, including MROs and training providers. He thanked EASA for its continued support and presence in Singapore, noting that the strong turnout reflected the community’s commitment to preparing ahead of the 22 February 2026 compliance deadline.
EASA’s Raffaele Iovinella, Section Manager Maintenance Organisation Oversight from EASA, then provided an update on organisational developments within the Maintenance and Production Organisation Section, including leadership appointments and restructuring efforts to strengthen oversight. He acknowledged ongoing resource pressures but highlighted that EASA continues to manage a substantial volume of applications through close coordination with National Competent Authorities such as CAAS, with additional support expected early next year.
This was followed by an overview of EASA’s 2025 oversight activities, delivered by Guillermo Gago Gonzalez, Maintenance and Production Organisation Expert. He shared observations from recent audits of local Part-145 organisations, highlighting recurring issues such as inconsistent application of procedures, gaps in root-cause analysis, and low levels of safety reporting. While SMS has been applicable since late 2024, many organisations are still maturing in their implementation, and he encouraged continued focus on strengthening safety culture and day-to-day practices.
The seminar also featured a panel discussion with representatives from four organisations:
- Mike Tan, Associate Director, Quality, Pratt & Whitney – Turbine Overhaul Services Pte Ltd
- Kwek Chon Kiat, Director of Quality & Safety, Singapore Aero Engine Services Pte Ltd
- Evelyn Lui, Director, Quality & Certification, ST Engineering Aerospace Ltd; and
- Dave Gurbani, Group CEO, CyberSafe Pte Ltd
Moderated by EASA representatives, the discussion surfaced practical insights on implementing Part-IS, ranging from integrating requirements into existing ISMS frameworks to developing site-specific processes for new facilities. Panellists emphasised leadership commitment, clarity of roles, cross-functional coordination, and structured risk management as essential building blocks. A key thread was the need to translate policy into practical, operational procedures that teams can apply confidently.
Training and cultural adoption were highlighted as critical enablers of success. The panel noted that organisations are developing internal training materials, raising staff awareness, and embedding information-security practices into daily routines. The conversation reinforced that effective Part-IS implementation is not merely a regulatory exercise; it demands proactive management and a culture of continuous improvement to strengthen the resilience of Singapore’s aviation ecosystem.
We thank all speakers and attendees for their active contributions and substantive discussions throughout the afternoon. We are heartened by the strong show of commitment to upholding quality and standards across Singapore’s aerospace ecosystem. AAIS will continue to facilitate knowledge-sharing, strengthen industry readiness, and support the aerospace quality community as we navigate evolving requirements. We look forward to the continued partnership and support.
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