Singapore pledges to support aviation training program for developing countries

Singapore has reaffirmed its commitment to support programs for developing countries in aviation sector, after Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) inked a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on Wednesday.

The agreement is to expand and extend Singapore-ICAO Developing Countries Training Programme (DCTP) for another three years starting from 2016. DTCP aims to help developing ICAO Member States build up human resources by providing fellowships, scholarships and specialized training programs.

According to report of Channel NewsAsia, Singapore will contribute 2.25 million U.S. dollars over the next three years for 300 fellowships and 10 scholarships, up from the 2.2 million U.S. dollars in 2013 and an increase of 50 fellowships and four scholarships.

Speaking at an industry gathering on Wednesday, Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew said that competent aviation professionals will continue to be in short supply, particularly in emerging economies. ICAO's "No Country Left Behind" initiative can assist developing states through training assistance and sharing of aviation knowledge and experiences.

More than 700 international participants from 120 countries have benefited from the training program since the collaborative approach was established in 2001, said CAAS. The program is administered by ICAO and jointly sponsored by Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and CAAS. Endi