- Four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to be signed to strengthen aerospace career pathways and advance next-generation MRO technologies in Singapore.
- Partnerships expected to support a future pipeline of up to 200 trainee technicians annually, as SAESL plans to hire more than 1,000 technicians over the next five years.
- Five-year partnership with the A*STAR ARTC to accelerate world-class MRO through technology.
- Announcement follows SAESL’s 25-year anniversary and 5,000th engine serviced since inception.
Singapore Aero Engine Services Private Limited (SAESL), the world's largest Rolls-Royce Trent engine Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) provider, today announced that it will sign four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) at MRO Asia-Pacific 2026 The strategic partnerships are with the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), Republic Polytechnic (RP), Temasek Polytechnic (TP) and the A*STAR Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (A*STAR ARTC).
Through its partnerships with ITE, RP and TP, SAESL will create meaningful pathways towards aerospace and MRO careers for Singapore’s young talent. This includes training modules, internships, traineeships, work-study programmes and hands-on industry experience.
"Singapore's aerospace industry will continue to depend on a strong pipeline of skilled local talent and continued development of advanced technologies. Through these partnerships, we are creating more opportunities for young talent to gain direct experience in aerospace MRO and build meaningful long-term careers in the sector. Our partnership with A*STAR ARTC will complement these efforts by advancing the technologies and capabilities needed to support the growing global demand for MRO. These initiatives strengthen the foundation for the next generation of aerospace professionals while supporting the long-term growth of SAESL and reinforcing Singapore's position as a leading global aerospace hub," said Mr. Chris Pattinson, Chief Executive Officer, SAESL.
"SAESL's commitment to offer 30 Work-Study Diploma placements in 2027 marks the start of a longer-term partnership to develop aerospace talent. Through this partnership, our students will gain valuable workplace learning and career opportunities, with scholarships among the initiatives that will be introduced over time. Closer industry collaboration and staff attachments will also strengthen our training and help ensure that our curriculum remains aligned with evolving industry needs," said Mr Peter Lam, Chief Executive Officer, ITE.
Since 2021, TP has trained close to 600 SAESL trainee technicians, while SAESL has hosted 260 TP engineering students as interns.
“Technology will transform aerospace, but people will define its future. As MRO becomes more advanced and data-driven, we need a workforce that is adaptive, digitally fluent and grounded in strong engineering fundamentals. At Temasek Polytechnic, we see education and workforce development as one continuum — from early industry exposure to lifelong upskilling. Through our partnership with SAESL, we are bringing education and industry closer together to anticipate future capabilities and prepare people to thrive alongside emerging technologies. Together, we are not just preparing for the future of aerospace; we are helping to create it,” said Mr Patrice Choong, Principal & CEO, Temasek Polytechnic.
“Through this collaboration with SAESL, learners will benefit from industry exposure, hands-on learning opportunities and closer integration between classroom learning and workplace practice. Leveraging RP's applied learning approach, aerospace capabilities and the RP Aerospace Hub's industry-relevant training environment, we aim to equip both students and working professionals with the technical expertise, adaptability and future-ready skills needed to support the evolving needs of the aerospace and MRO sector. We look forward to creating meaningful pathways with SAESL to support skill development, career progression and long-term growth within Singapore's aerospace ecosystem,” said Ms Jeanne Liew, Principal & CEO, Republic Polytechnic.
Furthermore, SAESL’s collaboration with the A*STAR ARTC will focus on the development and deployment of advanced technologies including AI-native and autonomous inspection, assembly and disassembly solutions. This includes supporting local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in adopting and industrialising advanced manufacturing technologies, helping build local capabilities across Singapore’s aerospace ecosystem.
“For over a decade, SAESL and A*STAR ARTC have demonstrated how applied innovation can create real industrial impact. This new five-year collaboration reflects our shared commitment to accelerate the deployment of next- generation MRO technologies, strengthen workforce capabilities, and advance Singapore’s aerospace ecosystem. Together, we look forward to working alongside SAESL to help establish Singapore as a global benchmark for innovation-driven industrial excellence,” said Dr David Low, Chief Executive Officer, A*STAR Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (A*STAR ARTC).
Collectively, these initiatives are expected to support a future pipeline of up to 200 trainee technicians annually, contributing to SAESL’s plans to hire more than 1,000 technicians over the next five years.
This continued focus on capability building, workforce development and innovation will support SAESL's ongoing S$242 million investment expansion and transformation programme, including a new 26,000 square metre facility in JTC’s Loyang industrial estate scheduled for completion in 2027, expansion into Rolls-Royce’s existing premises at Seletar Aerospace Park, and a goal to increase operational MRO capacity by 40 per cent.
These initiatives will complement SAESL's Training Academy, first announced earlier this year in collaboration with the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). With EDB's support, SAESL is strengthening training pathways that serve both the company and Singapore's broader aerospace sector, while contributing to the development of a stronger national talent ecosystem.
