AAIS was pleased to facilitate a visit by a delegation of senior Japanese industry leaders to Singapore from 3 to 4 September 2026. Co-organised by the Society of Japanese Aerospace Companies (SJAC) and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the delegation comprised senior representatives from leading Japanese aviation and heavy industry organisations, including IHI Corporation, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Japan Aircraft Development Corporation, JAMCO Corporation and ShinMaywa Industries, as well as government officials. The delegation was led by Mr Koguchi Hiroyuki, Executive Vice President, Head of Commercial Aviation Systems and co-Chief Strategy Officer, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and Mr Kimura Takuya, Director, Aerospace and Defense at METI.
AAIS and SJAC signed an MOU on 6 July 2026, providing a framework for collaboration across aerospace, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and space, including through industry engagement, business networking, knowledge exchange and delegation visits. This visit was one of the first opportunities to put the MOU into action, bringing together Singapore and Japanese industry communities to connect, exchange ideas and explore potential partnerships.
Industry Ecosystem Briefing by AAIS
As part of the programme, AAIS Chief Executive Mr Chew Hwee Yong received the delegation at the JTC Business Centre in Seletar Aerospace Park. The delegation was introduced to the Singapore aerospace ecosystem with a presentation covering industry growth, aerospace clusters and the development of the Seletar Aerospace Park. The briefing also covered key focus areas for the industry as well as AAIS’ role in supporting the growth of the aerospace community and adjacent segments.
Japan-Singapore Industry Updates and Networking
In collaboration with the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), AAIS was also pleased to organise a networking session at the EDB Lounge. The curated session brought the Japanese delegation together with close to 30 participants from the Singapore aerospace community as well as government agency representatives.
The delegation was warmly welcomed by AAIS President Mr Wong Yue Jeen and Mr Zheng Jingxin, Vice President and Head, Mobility, EDB. The programme featured a sharing by EDB on the industry landscape, developments and investment opportunities in Singapore. METI’s Takuya in turn briefed participants on Japan’s aerospace industry landscape and investment opportunities.
The discussion highlighted the strong complementarity between the aerospace sectors of Singapore and Japan. Japan’s capabilities in aircraft and engine manufacturing complement Singapore’s established strengths in MRO and aftermarket services, creating opportunities for deeper collaboration across the aerospace value chain, particularly amid ongoing supply chain disruptions and capacity constraints.
Participants also discussed the wider applications of aerospace R&D and innovation, including in areas such as automotive, dual-use technologies and advanced air mobility. Emerging capabilities in advanced materials, energy storage and systems, and embodied AI were among the areas highlighted, with relevance to Singapore’s broader push towards advanced manufacturing.
AAIS and SJAC also facilitated the introduction of companies from Japan and Singapore, before participants continued the discussions during a networking reception. We thank Mitutoyo Asia Pacific for sponsoring the networking session and supporting this industry engagement.
Company visits
As part of the visit programme, the delegation also visited Rolls-Royce Singapore, hosted by Mr Eldrick Saw, Vice President of Manufacturing, Fan Blade Singapore (FBSG), and Mr Yuen Chong Chim, Vice President, Corporate Affairs
The delegation also visited ST Engineering, hosted by Mr Kevin Chow, President, Commercial Aerospace, ST Engineering, and Dr Kenneth Low, Senior Vice President, ST Engineering – Commercial Aerospace.
Through the company visits, the delegation gained first-hand insights into aerospace operations and capabilities in Singapore, while also providing an opportunity for business leaders from both countries to exchange notes, share perspectives and explore areas for potential collaboration.
With the SJAC-AAIS MOU providing a strong foundation for continued engagement, we look forward to deepening Singapore-Japan aerospace and aviation partnerships, and to creating more opportunities for companies from both countries to connect, collaborate and grow together.
Recent Comments