| |
SPEECH BY MR LIM SIONG GUAN, CHAIRMAN, SINGAPORE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD, AT THE CONSTRUCTION LAUNCH OF GE AVIATION SERVICE OPERATION’S FACILITY EXPANSION AT 23 LOYANG WAY ON 24 JUNE, 2:30 PM
Mr. John Rice, Vice Chairman, GE,
Mr. William Fitzgerald, Vice President & GM, GE Aviation,
Mr. Colin Low, President, GE Singapore, Philippines & Cambodia,
Mr. Chee Soon Beng, MD, GE Aviation Service Operation,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am honoured to be here to mark the construction launch of GE Aviation Service Operation’s facility expansion.
GE and Singapore - Partners in progress
Singapore enjoys an enduring relationship with GE, dating back to 1969 when GE started several electronics manufacturing plants on the island, followed by an aircraft engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) plant and a plastics plant. Today GE undertakes a multitude of activities in Singapore ranging from infrastructure to aviation, oil & gas to financial services, energy to media, employing a total of more than 2,300 people. Singapore is the centre for GE’s operations across the Asia Pacific region, with a number of key GE businesses having their regional headquarters here. Thank you, GE, for your trust in Singapore and our people.
I am very happy that GE Aviation has once again chosen Singapore as the preferred location for expanding its aerospace repair capacity and capabilities. Singapore’s aerospace industry has grown rapidly since 1990. Today, it is worth S$6.9 billion in annual output and employs some 19,000 people. We have the largest MRO cluster in Asia Pacific, with comprehensive nose-to-tail capabilities. In particular, we have a strong engine cluster, capable of overhauling and repairing all key commercial engine types and components. GEASO is a major player in our MRO cluster with some of the most advanced capabilities. Today’s expansion is highly significant as a mark of growth and strength.
Singapore – a compelling location for Aerospace
Singapore is unswerving in our resolve to grow the aerospace industry as a major contributor to employment and the GDP. We are investing in the continued development of our workforce, already recognised internationally for its high level of productivity, technical proficiency and positive work attitude. Over the last few years we have put several measures in place to ensure for the aerospace industry the manpower it needs across all skill levels, whether they be craftsmen, technicians or engineers. With the new courses that have been introduced, aerospace specialist manpower graduating from our institutes of higher learning in 2009 will be double the 600 trained in 2006. The aeronautical engineering courses in the National University of Singapore and the Nanyang Technological University are very popular: applications significantly outnumber the number of places.
There will be even more opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in the aerospace sector. Lufthansa Technical Training opened its training centre at Temasek Polytechnic in March this year. It is offering third party training, as well as preparing polytechnic students for careers in the aerospace industry. Temasek Polytechnic is also in the process of working out an agreement to offer aerospace programmes with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. SIM University, Singapore’s only privately funded university, also launched its new degree in Aerospace Systems Engineering in March, in collaboration with Cranfield University of UK. This will provide an upgrading path for those in the industry, and educate working adults seeking new careers in Aerospace.
I am sure all of you are aware of our major initiative to develop Seletar Aerospace Park as a 740 acre site dedicated to aerospace manufacturing and services. This will be an integrated aerospace park housing runway and non-runway dependant activities as well as a premier regional aviation airport. Seletar Aerospace Park has got off to a “flying start” with a slew of commitments from companies such as Rolls Royce, Pratt & Whitney and ST Aerospace.
Besides manpower and infrastructure, we are also developing our R&D capabilities in the aerospace sector in Singapore. We are very encouraged that a growing number of aerospace companies have found it attractive to carry out R&D activities here.
Conclusion
Today, we celebrate the expansion of the GEASO facility in Singapore. Singapore has been able to achieve a leadership position in the aerospace industry because of the strong support of partners such as GE. Thank you for your faith and confidence. I extend my warmest congratulations to the management and staff of GE Aviation and GEASO on the success of your operations in Singapore. I am confident that this expansion will bring new opportunities and set the stage for further growth of GE in Singapore. You can be sure of EDB’s support and that I will pay close attention to your success.
|
|  |
|
