SPEECH BY SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE MR ZAQY MOHAMAD AT THE SINGAPORE YOUTH FLYING CLUB PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE WINGS & AVIATION AWARDS CEREMONY ON 5 OCTOBER 2024

MG Kelvin Fan, Chief of Air Force, and Chairman SYFC Board of Governors,

Distinguished Guests,

Principals, Teachers, Parents,

Graduands, Students of SYFC,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Introduction

A very good morning to everyone and I am honoured to be here with you to celebrate a momentous occasion — the achievements of 25 young individuals from the Singapore Youth Flying Club (SYFC) who have successfully attained their Private Pilot Licences (PPL).

Balancing the demanding PPL course alongside your school responsibilities and family time is no easy feat. My heartiest congratulations to all of you, and I say this not just to you, but to all your parents – it is a moment to be proud of. Well done on the journey to become pilots, and I congratulate you. 

The Mission of SYFC: Promoting Aviation and Inspiring Singaporean Youths to Take Up Flying

The SYFC, originally known as the Junior Flying Club, was set up in 1971 by our first Minister for Defence, the late Dr Goh Keng Swee. As a fledgling nation back then with numerous challenges, both domestic and geopolitical, our pioneer generation of leaders recognised the strategic imperative to build up our own Air Force. Against this backdrop, the Junior Flying Club was set up to ignite a passion for aviation among our youths, and more importantly, to build a steady pipeline of skilled pilots who would be inspired to serve in the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) to defend our skies. 

Over the past 53 years, SYFC has worked tirelessly to realise Dr Goh’s vision of training generations of aspiring pilots. Today, over 7,800 students have undergone its flying training programme, with more than 1,280 of them successfully earning their PPL. SYFC also collaborates with the Ministry of Education to offer Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) programmes to secondary school students, providing them opportunities to learn more about aviation through activities such as aeromodelling and flying quadcopters. In recent years, in keeping up with developments in technology, SYFC has added activities such as drone coding and VR-equipped flight simulation.

During the RSAF55 Open House in 2023, the SYFC Virtual Black Knights put up a virtual aerobatics display using flight simulation goggles and software. While the team made its debut during the RSAF Open House back in 2021 when it was held virtually, the RSAF55 Open House last year was their very first time doing it live, and this was their first in-person public showcase. Their spectacular performance drew large crowds during the open house, and I am sure it has inspired many youths to start their own flying journey.

Alexey Cher from Temasek Polytechnic is one of the Virtual Black Knights pilots, and he is also among today's graduands. Alexey’s interest in aviation started off with plane spotting and flying flight simulators, which led him to join the SYFC CCA programme in Bukit View Secondary School. His passion for aviation truly took off after experiencing his first flight during the SYFC flying course. Having completed the PPL course, Alexey has his sights set on becoming an RSAF pilot after graduation. 

Alexey’s story is just one of the many that highlight how SYFC has inspired and nurtured many aspiring pilots over the years. I would like to take this opportunity to commend SYFC on your efforts in grooming our next generation of young aviators, as well as for maintaining an impeccable safety record with 53 years of accident-free flying operations. My gratitude also extends to the SYFC’s Board of Governors and the Management Committee for your leadership and guidance to SYFC, and to all the flying instructors for your dedication and professionalism. Your continued contributions have been pivotal to SYFC’s continued success.

Inspiring the Next Generation to Join RSAF

As a small nation with no strategic depth, Singapore relies heavily on a capable and ready RSAF to guard our skies. Over the past five decades, the RSAF has grown into a world-class air force, well-respected by others, and always ready to respond when called upon. On average, the RSAF responds to more than 350 suspected air threats, and activates the Search and Rescue helicopter more than 10 times a year to save lives – that means we always have assets ready to fly, any point in time. Our airmen and women always respond professionally, whether the activation happens on a public holiday or in the wee hours of the night, and this underscores the RSAF's vigilance and readiness to protect our airspace, and this reaffirms its vital role in defending Singapore's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

However, the strength of the RSAF is not just in its aircraft or advanced technologies; it lies in its people. Every one of our RSAF servicemen out here, and certainly among our SYFC cohort, shows the quality and leadership of our men and women. We must continue to nurture and develop young Singaporeans with the right attitude, aptitude as well as passion in aviation, and encourage them to become the next generation of RSAF airmen and women dedicated to defending Singapore’s airspace. I am heartened to know that most of our graduands, like Alexey whom I mentioned earlier, are keen to join the RSAF. Another graduand, whose story I would like to tell, is Avanish Anand.

Through the SYFC PPL course, Avanish realised his childhood dream of piloting a plane, but the journey was not without its share of challenges. Flight training was a totally new experience for Avanish, and he struggled initially to balance the training demands with his schoolwork and school sports competition. On top of flying, he plays football. However, with encouragement and support from his parents and teachers, and mentorship from the SYFC Alumni, Avanish was able to adapt and overcome his obstacles. Now that he has earned his PPL, he intends to join the RSAF after graduation to continue his flying journey.

It is encouraging to see our youths dream big and pursue their aspirations even in the face of adversity. For our graduands considering a path in the RSAF, I hope that Avanish’s story will inspire you to pursue this noble calling and persevere in your endeavours no matter what the challenges are.

Closing Remarks

Once again, congratulations to all our graduands. Attaining the PPL is a significant accomplishment and a testament to your capabilities and character. But remember this – this is just the start of your aviation journey. Keep working hard, stay passionate, and continue to reach for the skies. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Congratulations once again to all our graduands, as well as all parents present. Thank you very much.