Embry-Riddle Asia Celebrates Formal Grand Opening With Aerospace Safety Summit at Singapore’s Seletar Aerospace Park

Embry-Riddle leadership marks the official opening of the new Worldwide Asia Campus and training center in Singapore’s Seletar Aerospace Park. Pictured (from left) are Embry-Riddle Vice Chancellor and Head of Asia Matthew Flaherty; Embry-Riddle President P. Barry Butler, Ph.D.; Embry-Riddle Worldwide Campus Chancellor John R. Watret; Executive Director Embry-Riddle Boeing Center for Aviation & Aerospace Safety Robert Sumwalt.
Embry-Riddle leadership marks the official opening of the new Worldwide Asia Campus and training center in Singapore’s Seletar Aerospace Park. Pictured (from left) are Embry-Riddle Vice Chancellor and Head of Asia Matthew Flaherty; Embry-Riddle President P. Barry Butler, Ph.D.; Embry-Riddle Worldwide Campus Chancellor John R. Watret; Executive Director Embry-Riddle Boeing Center for Aviation & Aerospace Safety Robert Sumwalt. (Photo: AEROPHOTOWORKS)

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a global leader in aviation and aerospace education, showcased its dedication to advancing aviation and aerospace training, education and safety during a series of events at its new cutting-edge Worldwide Asia Campus and training center in Singapore's Seletar Aerospace Park, a specialized hub developed by JTC Corporation for the aerospace industry.

An Expanding Asia Presence and Commitment to Aerospace and Aviation Education

This new location marks a transformation for the university’s expanding presence in Asia, providing opportunities to significantly enhance educational and training offerings while solidifying Embry-Riddle’s presence in the heart of Singapore’s aerospace ecosystem.

Embry-Riddle President P. Barry Butler, Ph.D., emphasized the institution’s strong commitment to providing a highly trained aviation and aerospace workforce. “We are proud to offer state-of-the-art education and training programs that address the critical safety challenges facing the industry today,” said Dr. Butler. “Our new facilities and training labs in Singapore’s Seletar Aerospace Park provide a learning environment that prepares our students and industry partners to meet and exceed aviation and aerospace safety standards.”

Since 2011, Embry‑Riddle's presence in Singapore has allowed students in Asia to pursue premier degrees and training, leading to high-paying jobs and career development. “Embry-Riddle is committed to leading the way in aviation and aerospace advancement through rigorous research, education and industry engagement,” said Embry-Riddle Worldwide Campus Chancellor John Watret, Ph.D.  “Our presence in Singapore’s Seletar Aerospace Park is a testament to our dedication to the growth, innovation and safety of the aerospace and aviation sector in this region.”

The new campus and training center is also the home of ERAU Asia Institute, a private education establishment registered with the Committee for Private Education, a part of SkillsFuture Singapore.

Key features of Embry-Riddle’s Seletar Aerospace Park location include:

  • Enhanced Academic Programs: Embry‑Riddle Asia's comprehensive academic offerings include undergraduate and graduate degrees in Aeronautics, Engineering, Aviation Business Administration and Business Analytics.
  • Expanded Uncrewed Aircraft Training: As a Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS)-approved Unmanned Aircraft Training Organization (UATO), Embry‑Riddle Asia provides comprehensive training for current UAS applications and emerging urban air mobility technologies.
  • Professional/Executive Education and Training: Embry‑Riddle Asia offers tailored training programs in various aviation/aerospace fields, including aviation maintenance/engineering, cybersecurity, airport wildlife management and uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS).
  • Expanded Facilities: The new campus houses cutting-edge equipment for immersive virtual training, air traffic management simulation, UAS flight training and aviation maintenance.

The university is grateful for the partnership of the Economic Development Board and JTC Corporation, both of which supported the strategic transition to the Seletar Aerospace Park location. And as a result of its co-location with Air 7 Asia, Embry-Riddle’s Singapore Campus is positioned to serve as a pipeline for new and early-career talent, in addition to offering training and career advancement opportunities to all ranges of aviation and aerospace professionals.

Air 7 Asia Executive Director Stefen Wood shared that Embry-Riddle’s location at the state-of-the-art facility in Seletar creates a mutually beneficial partnership. “As a full-service aviation provider offering charter, management, air ambulance and maintenance solutions, we are uniquely positioned to provide a pathway for Embry-Riddle graduates to transition seamlessly into the aviation industry here in Singapore.”

Empowering Safety Leaders, Cultivating Safety Culture: A Commitment to Global Aviation and Aerospace Safety

Following a formal opening ceremony where university leadership hosted industry and government leaders, Embry-Riddle held a safety summit titled “Empowering Safety Leaders; Cultivating Safety Culture.” The Honorable Robert Sumwalt, Executive Director of Embry-Riddle’s Boeing Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety, gave the keynote address.

Mr. Sumwalt, who served as former Chairman of the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), is a passionate aviation safety advocate known across the globe. “In aviation and aerospace, we have an obligation to observe, research, and learn from industry mistakes,” he shared. “The best way to reduce risk is to engage in dialogue proactively and transparently while encouraging others to do the same. I applaud Dr. Butler and Chancellor Watret for committing to these important conversations and to expanding Embry-Riddle’s presence in Singapore and Asia.”

Mr. Sumwalt’s keynote address was followed by a panel discussion of industry safety leaders who shared best practices for fostering a strong safety culture within the industry and discussed the critical role of leadership, effective communication and the essential elements of a positive safety culture. The event was moderated by adjunct assistant professor Dr. Maurizio Chedid, and panelists included:

  • Mr. Alan Foo, Deputy Director-General & Chief Risk Officer, CAAS
  • Mr. Mitchell Fox, Director, Asia Pacific Centre for Aviation Safety, Flight Safety Foundation

Reflecting on the importance of sector-wide safety collaboration, Mr. Foo said, "By bringing together diverse perspectives from across the aviation sector, we create opportunities to share insights, discuss emerging trends and foster a shared understanding of safety priorities. This collaborative approach is essential to nurturing a culture of continuous learning and strengthening safety mindsets."

Continued Engagement and Collaboration

Embry-Riddle’s presence at Seletar Aerospace Park highlights the university’s dedication to providing top-tier education and training to support Singapore’s innovative, central and dynamic aerospace and aviation ecosystem while equipping students and industry professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the ever-evolving field of aviation and aerospace.

Embry‑Riddle Asia currently offers the following degrees to more than 350 students enrolled through the Asia campus:

  • Master of Business Administration in Aviation
  • Master of Science in Aeronautics
  • Bachelor of Science in Aviation Business Administration
  • Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics

Programs are offered full-time, part-time, online and in the classroom through partnerships with the Singapore Aviation Academy, ERC Institute and ERAU Asia Institute. Graduates from the Asia campus have the same SACS-accredited academic qualifications as graduates in the United States.

Embry-Riddle remains dedicated to its mission of advancing aviation and aerospace safety through world-class education, cutting-edge research and robust industry partnerships. The university’s efforts in Singapore exemplify its unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in the field and across the globe.

 

 

Posted In: Institutional News