Mr Keith Williams, Vice President Asia-Pacific of Alteon Training,

Mr Douglas Miller, Vice President Asia-Pacific of Boeing International Corporation,

Mr Michael Chew, Managing Director, Sanchoon Builders,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

A very good morning to everyone.

1          I am delighted to be here to witness the groundbreaking of Alteon Training Singapore Pte. Ltd.  It is heartening to know that yet another global industry player has decided to make Singapore its home. I understand that it was just last month that Alteon’s parent company, Boeing, signed a three-year agreement with A*STAR to conduct aerospace research in Singapore.   We are therefore very glad that the Boeing group is making another commitment to Singapore today.  

Alteon adds depth to Singapore’s aerospace industry

2          Today, Singapore is well-established as a leading aviation hub in this region.  We have more than 100 aerospace companies operating here, and of these, many use Singapore for their regional operations for activities that range across aerospace maintenance, repair & overhaul (MRO), manufacturing of aerospace components, research and development, headquarter functions, and other related services.  In this regard, Alteon’s project to develop an aviation training centre provides a complementary dimension to the local MRO and aerospace manufacturing activities.  Alteon’s training centre is a landmark project that will not only enhance Singapore’s position as a regional aviation education and training centre, but also contribute towards our position as an aviation hub.

Significance of this project to Singapore

3          As part of this $100 million investment, Alteon will be bringing in the most advanced full-flight simulators, which will enable the company to provide flight training of the highest quality for the region.  With this training centre, Alteon will fill the demand for state-of-the-art pilot training, as well as comprehensive training services for airline cabin crew and maintenance personnel in the Asia-Pacific region.  With its planned capacity, Alteon will become the largest third-party aviation training provider in Asia, and a partner of Singapore’s Global Schoolhouse strategy to become a regional executive training hub.

Building on a win-win partnership

4          I would like to thank Alteon for choosing Singapore as the location for your training centre and assure you that you have made the right decision. Singapore is strategically located in the heart of Southeast Asia, and our extensive air connectivity to the region and the rest of the world makes it an ideal location to serve the fast growing Asian civil aviation market.  Moreover, I believe that you will also benefit from Singapore’s open and cosmopolitan environment, which makes it an ideal training and learning locale. All these factors will add value to Alteon’s efforts to be a leading aerospace training services provider in the region.

Conclusion

5          Let me conclude by offering my warmest congratulations to the management and staff of Alteon.  The Singapore Government will continue to work closely with you to ensure the continued success of your operations here.   

6          Thank you.