Speech by Minister of State for Defence, Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, at the Singapore Youth Flying Club (SYFC) Private Pilot Licence Wings and Aviation Award Ceremony at the SYFC on 16 May 2015

BG Lim Yeong Kiat, President of the SYFC's Management Committee,
Distinguished Guests,
Principals, Parents, 
Students of SYFC,
Ladies and Gentlemen

Good Morning

I am very pleased to be here today to recognise the achievements of 47 Junior College and Polytechnic students who have attained the Private Pilot Licence (PPL) in work year 2014. I am also pleased to know that this is the largest cohort of PPL graduands in a single year since the Club was formed in 1971. It must be a proud moment for you, your parents and your teachers. More so when many of you are able to qualify for a pilot's licence even before you get a driver's licence – it's quite a rare feat. Congratulations to all of you. May I congratulate and commend every one of you for successfully completing the demanding PPL course while fulfilling your demanding academic requirements in your respective Junior Colleges and Polytechnics. Your attainment of the PPL is a strong testament that you possess high levels of acuity, situational awareness and resilience.

Flying is fascinating to many since the first powered flight by the Wright brothers in December 1903. Our own history in aviation started only in 1911 when a British Bristol Boxkite biplane took off from the old racecourse road, now known as Farrer Park. Over the years, the aviation industry has transformed tremendously. Today, aircraft are more capable in terms of speed, range, manoeuvrability and high tech avionic systems. The RSAF harnesses some of the most advanced fighter jets and is widely recognised as one of the most modern and credible air forces in the region. Singapore too has grown into a vibrant and bustling aviation hub with a world-class airport and an aerospace industry that provides the region with cutting edge maintenance, repairs and overhaul services.

None of these happened by chance, but by the decisive leadership and careful planning of our pioneers. Let me tell you a story. When the SYFC was first set up in 1971 by our then Defence Minister, the late Dr Goh Keng Swee, its objective was to provide opportunities for young Singaporeans to learn flying at a young age, fulfilling their aspirations to be pilots, and acquire the life skills that would prepare them well for the future ahead. The year-long learning journey in SYFC would have not only taught them, or taught all of you aviation knowledge and flying skills, but also enabled you to pick up important life skills and values. 

But there was a larger reason that Dr Goh had in mind when he set up the SYFC - the imperative to train a generation of highly skilled pilots who can keep the skies safe for a fledgling nation. The withdrawal of the British in 1971 was a serious challenge for a young country in a turbulent region. This was a turning point in the history of our nation’s defence. An air force had to be built from scratch. The task was not easy or straightforward but our pioneers got swiftly into action. And in 1975, the Singapore Air Defence Command, which became the Republic of Singapore Air Force, was set up to decisively address airborne threats facing Singapore. 

I am pleased to note that all 47 of you have applied to join the RSAF as pilot trainees after the completion of your studies. Your graduation today is the first step towards your service to the nation. You join the ranks of many Alumni who have gone before you to join the RSAF and contribute to keep our skies safe for all Singaporeans. Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng, the current Chief of Defence Force, was a former SYFC student who had gone through and benefited from the PPL programme. More than 85% of the PPL graduands go on to succeed as RSAF pilots, and about 65% are selected to fly the high-performing fighter aircraft. This is a testament of the quality of PPL graduands produced by the Singapore Youth Flying Club.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank the principals, teachers and parents for their support for SYFC's CCA programmes. Through your support and encouragement, the SYFC can continue to achieve its core mission of promoting aviation to our students and inculcating a strong passion in flying among them. It is important that every student is motivated and nurtured to give their best so they can realise their full potential.

To the parents of the graduands, my heartiest congratulations to you too for raising your sons and daughters with strong character fundamentals that have contributed to their success to date. I am confident that your continued support and dedication for your children's development will make them successful sons and daughters of tomorrow.

To the 47 graduands that are receiving your PPL Wings today, let me once again congratulate each and every one of you on your hard earned success. The PPL course is a challenging and exciting journey that many have attempted, but only a few have succeeded. I hope your achievements will be a source of inspiration to your peers, not merely the outcome of the PPL that you have obtained but the journey that you had undergone, and the values and characteristics that have been the pillars of your success.

Finally, let me extend my congratulations to the winners who won the Best in Flying and Best in Ground Examination Awards. I wish all of you, or all the graduands success in your ambition to be RSAF pilots and to continue to strive for excellence in all that you do. My heartiest congratulations again, to each and every one of you.

Thank you.