The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
(CAAS) plays a key role in the ever-changing
landscape of the aviation industry – it
strives to develop Singapore into a leader in
civil aviation and a global air hub.
In this day and age, there is an increased
need for interconnectivity. People travel
back and forth between countries, products
cross the oceans to reach our hands, and
businesses function without borders. In order to
meet the demands of an increasingly globalised
world, aviation has become a necessity.
CAAS understands these growing needs. It
knows that the aviation industry in Singapore
has to continually evolve and improve in order
for us to thrive in this economy. As such, it
works to foster the development of Singapore
as a global air hub, turning Singapore into a city
that connects the world.
To this end, the CAAS Scholarship aims to
develop a strong core of bright and passionate
individuals who desire to make a difference
in Singapore’s aviation industry. One such
individual is CAAS Overseas Undergraduate Scholar Chan Ki Wan. She is currently pursuing
her Master of Science in Sociology at the
University of Oxford, after having completed her
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at University
College London (UCL). She tells us more about
the exciting future that aspiring CAAS Scholars
can look forward to.
Wish Fulfilment
When she came across the CAAS
Scholarship booth at a scholarship fair, a spark
of intrigue was ignited in her heart. She was
driven to find out more about how she could be
part of the civil aviation industry of Singapore.
She explains, “For the longest time, air crash
investigations have intrigued me. I’ve just
always been interested in studying the human
factors surrounding errors that, if avoided, could
have prevented disaster.”
"The CAAS Scholarship was one of
the few scholarships that gave me the freedom
to pursue a degree that I was truly passionate
about"
After reviewing the details of the scholarship,
her intrigue turned into determination. She
knew that if she joined the organisation, she
could make a significant difference in the lives
of many. She tells us, “Although CAAS does not
handle air crash investigations directly, working
in the organisation gives me the opportunity to
contribute to the aviation industry – this allows
me to be an integral part of building a safe,
vibrant air hub and civil aviation system.”
Another appealing factor of the CAAS
Scholarship is the freedom that CAAS gives its
scholars. For Ki Wan, this sealed the deal. “I love
Psychology; I wanted to learn more about the
human mind and how it functions in different
settings. The CAAS Scholarship was one of
the few scholarships that gave me the freedom
to pursue a degree that I was truly passionate
about,” she reveals.
She continues, “Also, the CAAS scholarship is
part of the Beacon Scholarship – an umbrella
talent development programme by the Ministry
of Transport. With this programme, scholars
can look forward to the prospect of meaningful
careers in the Ministry and its agencies through
potential inter-agency postings.”
Endowing Excellence
With the CAAS Scholarship sponsoring her
studies, Ki Wan made the most of her time
studying in London. While completing her
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at UCL, she
joined the school’s Make-Up Artistry Society
and took on the role of President. “Make-up has
allowed me to express myself artistically, with
the face serving as my canvas,” she explains.
She adds, “In addition to collaborating with
performing arts societies and pioneering
partnerships with renowned cosmetic
brands such as Illamasqua, I also founded
the volunteering campaign – Give and Make
Up @ UCL. Together with Caroline Hirons – a
renowned UK skincare expert – this campaign
aimed to collect and donate beauty items to
women who were victims of domestic violence.”
Chan Ki Wan
CAAS Overseas
Undergraduate Scholar
Designation:
Master of Science in Sociology,
University of Oxford, UK
Studied:
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in
Psychology, University College London, UK
Ki Wan also had the opportunity to complete
three internships with CAAS during her summer
holidays. She claims that the best thing about
her internships with CAAS was how empowered
the interns were. She recalls, “As an intern, I was
given ample opportunities in each division to
make impactful contributions – for instance, at
Singapore Aviation Academy (SAA), I conducted
ground research which led to a collaboration
policy and framework.”
Another thing that Ki Wan is grateful
for is the life-changing experience that the
CAAS Scholarship has provided her with.
She recounts, “CAAS gave me the chance to
interview Dr. Jarnail Singh, Chairman of The Civil
Aviation Medical Board. This interview had such
a big impact on me as it steered the direction
of my Master’s thesis. I aim to investigate the
stressors and social support networks of Air
Traffic Control Officers. If all goes well, my
research would contribute to the finalisation
of an offi cial Occupational Stressor Index
for these Air Traffic Control Officers. This is a
huge opportunity, especially since it is done in
collaboration with researchers from Karolinska
Institutet – one of Europe’s largest and most
prestigious medical universities.”
Reaching Greater Heights
When asked what she saw in the future of
Singapore’s aviation industry, Ki Wan succinctly
states, “Despite being a small country, we are a
well-respected contender in the global aviation
arena, with our national airline carrier and
airport consistently being nominated among the
world’s best. With CAAS’s efforts in advancing
the aviation industry, I envision that Singapore
will continue to have worldwide recognition as a
leader in aviation safety, security, reliability, and
efficiency.”
"With a multitude of divisions,
the possibilities and career prospects within
CAAS are endless."
Ki Wan feels that her experience in the field
of social sciences will contribute greatly to her
future in CAAS. “As a result of the extensive
amount of scientific research I had to conduct
in both Psychology and Sociology, I have honed
my skills in critically analysing evidence. For
policy-making in the aviation industry – where a
small hitch could mean a massive difference –
skills like evaluating logical flaws in arguments
and paying close attention to detail are crucial,”
she asserts.
The road ahead looks bright for Ki Wan as
she ventures forward with anticipation and
enthusiasm. She concludes with advice for
aspiring CAAS Scholars, saying, “The aviation
industry is not reserved only for engineers and
aviation experts. With a multitude of divisions,
the possibilities and career prospects within
CAAS are endless. There may be a steep
learning curve because of all the technicalities
inherent to the industry though, so remain open-minded
and show that you are ready to learn.”