Following its 23rd Annual General Meeting, AAIS hosted an engaging student forum titled “Hot Takes from Aerospace Leaders: The Industry Beyond 2025” on 24 October at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) campus in Punggol Digital District. The session attracted SIT aerospace undergraduates as well as students from AAIS Affiliated Student Clubs.
The event provided young men and women with the opportunity to hear directly from industry leaders and appreciate the breadth of the aerospace ecosystem in Singapore. The panel brought together a cross-section of the sector spanning commercial MRO, power and propulsion, space and satellites, drones, and advanced air mobility (AAM). Through open and candid exchanges, speakers shared their personal journeys, views on emerging trends, and advice on preparing for future careers in aerospace.
Moderated by Desmond Goh, VP & Managing Director APAC, Eaton Aerospace, the discussion featured:
- Pang Yong Kiang, General Manager, Pratt & Whitney Component Solutions and Component Aerospace Services
- Lee Siu Min, Regional Business Development Director, Viasat Singapore
- Tay Yun Yuan, Head of Asia Pacific, Skyports Pte Ltd
Panellists shared their perspectives on what lies ahead for their respective domains in the next 5 to 10 years, from exciting innovations transforming MRO, and advances in satellite technology and applications, to the developing landscape of AAM and commercial UAS operations. Addressing pre-collected questions from the audience, they also touched on broader issues such as regulation development, managing shared airspace and positioning the Singapore industry amid global disruptions.
In the second half, discussions turned to evolving skillsets, mindsets, and attitudes to thrive in aerospace, as well as perceptions surrounding careers in the industry. Panellists were frank and generous in their sharing, addressing spontaneous questions on topics ranging from career prospects and work-life balance to finding purpose in engineering roles.
The forum concluded with reflections on pivotal moments that shaped each speaker’s professional journey, leaving students with a deeper understanding of the diverse pathways available in aerospace. A few recurring themes emerged:
- Early passion for aviation sparked by awesome aircraft and memorable flights
- Deep appreciation for safety and zero tolerance for non-compliance
- Importance of keeping an open mind to explore niche or emerging areas, many of which hold strong potential for growth and future applications
Even with the session running into overtime, the speakers graciously stayed on to continue engaging with students chatting informally, sharing internship opportunities, and exchanging contacts. It made a strong impression, leaving students with renewed motivation and excitement to pursue their ambitions in the industry.
AAIS extends its appreciation to SIT for hosting the event, and to the distinguished panellists for their time, candour, and insights. We hope everyone found the session valuable and inspiring in charting their own paths in aerospace.
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