Changi Airport is a globally recognised and celebrated airport that welcomes millions of passengers every year. It embodies the perfect blend of service and efficiency, serving as a captivating landmark for tourists and homesick Singaporeans alike. Changi Airport Group (CAG), the organisation responsible for its management, has earned a well-deserved reputation for excellence, becoming synonymous with delivering outstanding service.

CAG is committed to innovation and sustainability. It is constantly exploring new ways to improve efficiency and enhance the passenger experience by implementing cutting-edge technologies and processes, and to do so sustainably. It’s no surprise that scholars like Liu Zihe, who share the same passion, are drawn to this dynamic organisation.

Liu Zihe

Learning From the Best

Zihe has always been intrigued by Singapore’s aviation industry due to its exciting blend of innovation and global impact. Moreover, he has always found the prospect of being a part of an industry that contributes so much to both the global and local economy incredibly enticing.

“This key industry serves as a cornerstone for Singapore’s economic growth, cementing its spot as a global hub for commerce and connectivity. I felt that I have a lot to learn from this dynamic environment, and I can contribute to it as well,” he said.

His passion for aviation led him to take up the Undergraduate Scholarship with CAG as he strongly believed that it was the ideal opportunity to learn from the best in the industry. “I was initially drawn to CAG by its world-class reputation for excellence, and its track record for reinventing what it means to be an airport,” he explained. “I knew that pulling this off required incredible passion, serious talent, hard work, and a strong team culture. The thought of collaborating and learning from the best people, to generate fresh ideas and bring them to reality is exciting for me!”

During the scholarship selection process, Zihe’s admiration for CAG was strengthened. As he delved deeper into the organisation and learned more about its people-centred culture, he developed a deeper appreciation for CAG.

“The process focused on understanding who I was as a person: what I was driven by, how I thought, how I interacted with other people. I understood that the key to CAG’s success is its people.

Liu Zihe

Honing Skills to Drive Innovation

His journey of self-discovery doesn’t stop there. Zihe is now set to embark on his latest adventure as he pursues a degree in Information and Computer Engineering at the University of Cambridge.

With Zihe’s fascination with machine learning, general engineering, and physics, the programme seemed an ideal fit for him as he looks to build a robust foundation in dealing with information in engineering systems. He also believes that machine learning is on the cusp of the next big technological revolution and will redefine how the world works in the decades to come. “Through my course, I hope to acquire the technical knowledge of machine learning models and their applications in engineering systems,” Zihe said. “The technical know-how will empower me to develop innovative solutions, enhance operational efficiency and automate critical processes.”

He is also looking forward to the exchange of ideas between people from diverse backgrounds at university. “Everyone has something unique to bring to the table, and I believe this exchange of ideas will expand my perspectives and inspire personal growth too,” he shared.

He also hopes to cultivate essential soft skills like critical thinking as well as organisational and planning skills as he firmly believes that these will help to tackle complex challenges in the future.

“By honing these skills, I will be better equipped to navigate the dynamic landscape of our aviation industry and ensure Changi Airport remains at the top of its game,” Zihe added.

Zihe looks forward to contributing to an organisation that prides itself on having a world-class aviation hub. “Knowing that what I do will ultimately contribute to the Changi Experience and connect Singapore to the rest of the world makes my work feel more meaningful,” he remarked. “Just as important as our reputation for excellence are the people running the show. During my internship, everyone I’ve met here at CAG is united around the common goal of the Changi Experience, and that feeling of camaraderie inspires me to give my best for the common mission too.”

Looking ahead to his future career, Zihe is eager to leverage new technologies to create the airport of the future. “From autonomous vehicles that automate our airport operations, to creating a next-gen customerexperience that serves our customer base wherever and whenever they are, there is always potential to reinvent ourselves,” he explained.

To those considering applying for a scholarship at CAG, Zihe’s advice is to just go for it. “Don’t ponder over it too much, just apply and give it your best shot!” he said. “Often you are more capable than you think you are - it is really about having the right mindset. You will definitely get to learn a thing or two about yourself throughout the application process.”