Changi Airport often evokes excitement and the thrill of new adventures. For Elyn See, those memories began in childhood — exploring the airport as if it were her own playground and watching planes soar from the viewing gallery. Those early experiences sparked her curiosity and love for aviation. Today, that passion guides her toward a meaningful career with Changi Airport Group (CAG).

Elyn, who is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at University College of London (UCL), tells us more about her journey, aspirations, and how she hopes to contribute to the future of aviation in Singapore.

Your love for aviation started early! How did your childhood experiences turn into a passion you want to pursue professionally?

My interest in aviation began at a very young age. My parents often brought me to the airport even when we weren’t travelling, and those visits became some of my favourite childhood memories. As I grew older, that fascination deepened. I was especially inspired by the drama series ‘Triumph in the Skies,’ which showed the excitement and possibilities of a career in aviation and even made me consider aerospace engineering. For me, the sky has always symbolized possibility — where technology meets human connection, and countless stories begin. That sense of awe continues to drive my passion to build a career in aviation today.

How did you first hear about the CAG Scholarship, and what inspired you to apply?

I first discovered the CAG Scholarship through BrightSparks, where I learned about the opportunities it offers and heard directly from scholars about their experiences. The most influential source, however, was my sister, who received the scholarship a few years before me. Seeing her journey and how much she grew, both professionally and personally, inspired me to pursue the same path.

The defining factor for me was realising how deeply an airport experience can shape someone’s journey. No other airport has left an impression on me quite like Changi Airport. Every time I arrive back in Singapore, I feel an immediate sense of relief and familiarity. That feeling has made me want to create the same experience for others — whether as a first welcome home for Singaporeans, an introduction to the country for visitors, or a moment of calm and comfort for transit passengers.

In what ways has the CAG Scholarship supported you throughout your journey?

The financial support from the scholarship eased the burden of studying overseas, allowing me to focus on learning and growing without constantly worrying about costs. It also enabled me to attend a summer school programme at New York University, where I explored subjects outside my main field of study, like journalism and social media, which broadened my perspectives and equipped me with new skills.

Beyond financial support, what truly stood out was how deeply CAG cared about my journey as a person. CAG’s People Team consistently checked in on me, making me feel valued beyond just being a scholar.

How did you know Computer Science was the path for you, and what made UCL the right place to pursue it?

My interest in computer science began during a six-month internship at a tech agency in Singapore, when I was enrolled at Singapore Polytechnic. I witnessed first-hand how computing could meaningfully improve people’s lives, from streamlining workflows to simplifying everyday tasks. That experience made me realise that a technology-driven future was not just possible but already unfolding, and I wanted to be part of shaping it. Pursuing Computer Science at UCL felt like the natural next step to gain the skills to build solutions that make life simpler, more efficient, and more connected.

You’ve previously taken on an internship with CAG. Tell us what the experience was like!

I was part of the Innovation team within the Engineering cluster, where I developed a proof of concept for a detection system to identify odd-sized and overweight luggage. It was rewarding to be trusted with the project from start to finish, from selecting equipment to designing and developing the code. Although most of the internship took place remotely due to COVID-19, I still had opportunities to go on-site for experiences like testing automated bag drop-off machines. These experiences gave me valuable hands-on exposure to how technology is applied in real-world airport operations.

How are you planning to take what you’ve learned and turn it into real impact at CAG?

My career aspiration is to drive and champion technological innovation within CAG. Maintaining Changi Airport’s status as the world’s best airport means continuously pushing boundaries and reimagining the passenger experience, and technology is a powerful tool in that mission.

Through my university studies and internship, I’ve built a strong foundation in AI, UI/UX design and machine learning, particularly in computer vision. I’m especially excited to apply what I’ve learned to create seamless, personalised experiences — whether improving operational efficiency behind the scenes or enhancing the journey for every traveller.

What are you most excited to dive into at CAG?

I am excited to explore and learn about the many different operations and functions within CAG. Understanding how teams across commercial leasing, engineering, operations, and customer experience work together to keep Changi running smoothly is something I look forward to. I’m also eager to work alongside and learn from passionate people who are committed to creating the best possible experience for passengers.

What’s the best advice you’d give to students aiming to land a scholarship with CAG?

My advice would be to stay authentic and let your true self shine during the scholarship process. CAG values individuals for who they are, not just their achievements. Be honest about your goals, share your genuine interests, and speak openly about what excites you about the aviation industry. Authenticity, combined with a strong desire to grow and contribute, will set you apart.