Acting Transport Minister Siow announces global maritime and aviation training initiatives, new support scheme for small island nations
Programmes developed with UN transport agencies will focus on resilience, safety and sustainability; first SIDS course to launch in 2026
[SINGAPORE] Singapore will develop specialised training programmes with the United Nations’ transport agencies and launch a separate initiative for fellow small island states, as part of its broader push to strengthen global cooperation in aviation and maritime resilience.
The announcements were made by Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow at the Global Aviation and Maritime Symposium on Monday (Jul 14), where he addressed over 500 delegates – including ministers, regulators and industry leaders – from more than 80 countries and 90 organisations.
Also in attendance at the symposium were the chiefs of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Juan Carlos Salazar and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Arsenio Dominguez.
Held at the Raffles City Convention Centre, the symposium marked the first time the global aviation and maritime communities have convened under one roof.
Noting Singapore’s longstanding support for the ICAO and the IMO, Siow said the Republic will build on this by co-developing new global training programmes with both bodies for officials and practitioners in the aviation and maritime sectors.
“With the expertise and support of ICAO and IMO, these training programmes will better equip the international aviation and maritime communities, to build stronger and more resilient international transport systems,” said Siow, who is also Senior Minister of State for Finance.
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The Ministry of Transport (MOT) said that the programme may cover leadership development and technical skills upgrading in areas such as digital transformation, safety and security management, and accident investigation.
It will be developed over the course of 2026 with support from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
Siow also announced a new initiative tailored to the needs of Small Island Developing States, such as Singapore.
The first course will launch in 2026 for officials from the Caribbean Island States, with future courses planned for the Pacific Islands and others. The programme will be delivered in partnership with CAAS, the Singapore Aviation Academy, MPA and the MPA Academy. It will offer one to two courses a year, tailored to different levels – from senior leadership to technical and operational roles – and conducted in person, virtually or in-region.
Countries eligible for the programme are members of the Alliance of Small Island States, of which Singapore is a member.
A limited number of fellowships will be offered each year, covering travel, accommodation, course fees and allowances.
Alongside the new initiatives, Siow also announced updates to Singapore’s longstanding partnerships with the UN transport bodies.
Singapore will extend the Singapore-ICAO Developing Countries Training Programme for another three years, providing 330 fellowships and 10 scholarships worth US$1.8 million. Since its launch in 2001, the programme has trained more than 1,800 participants.
Separately, Singapore will contribute a second tranche of US$3 million to the IMO’s Enhanced Technical Cooperation and Training Package, adding to an initial US$2 million committed for 2024 to 2025.
The funds will support courses for seafarers in areas such as alternative fuels, digitalisation and marine casualty investigations.
Discussing issues together
These announcements come as global transport systems face mounting pressures from shifting geopolitics, supply chain disruptions, climate change and rapid technological shifts.
Siow said that as a major aviation and maritime hub – connected to around 170 cities by air and more than 600 ports – Singapore sees first-hand how these forces are reshaping the sectors.
For instance, geopolitical tensions, tariffs and regional conflicts have disrupted air and sea corridors, while businesses are redesigning supply chains in response to uncertainty.
At the same time, demand continues to outpace capacity, climate pressures are driving decarbonisation efforts, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and data analytics are transforming operations.
“These challenges will require the sustained efforts of states and stakeholders globally. No country, no company, can do this by ourselves,” he said. “Looking at the work ahead of us in tackling emerging challenges and seizing opportunities in aviation and maritime, it is timely that we have come together to discuss these issues.”
Against this backdrop, Siow emphasised the importance of institutions such as ICAO and IMO, calling them “pillars of a rules-based international order”.
“Singapore remains fully committed to supporting the ICAO and IMO in their missions and work, and to partnering other member states and the industry to address common challenges and opportunities to advance the global aviation and maritime sectors,” added Siow.
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