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Chan Chun Sing: SUSS Degree and Pilot Licence in One

A university has launched a new programme that lets students earn a commercial pilot licence and a degree at the same time, marking a shift towards lifelong learning in Singapore.

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Archive · 8 Oct 2024
Chan Chun Sing: SUSS Degree and Pilot Licence in One
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KEY POINTS

  • ●SUSS launched a new integrated pathway combining a commercial pilot licence with a university degree, developed with industry partners
  • ●The programme teaches practical flying skills alongside academic knowledge to prepare students for aviation careers
  • ●A government minister emphasised that the most important skill is the ability to learn and relearn throughout life
  • ●The new approach redefines success as collective contribution to society rather than individual personal achievement
  • ●The programme reflects Singapore's commitment to lifelong learning and work-study education models

IN SIMPLE TERMS

A Singapore university has started a new course where students can learn to become pilots and earn a university degree in one go. A government minister spoke about why it's important to keep learning throughout your life and to think about success differently — by focusing on helping others rather than just personal achievement.

WHY IT MATTERS

Students now have new pathways to combine practical vocational training with academic credentials in a single integrated programme.
The programme expands career readiness in aviation, a key industry for Singapore, by preparing graduates with both theoretical and hands-on expertise.
It reinforces the national push for lifelong learning, helping workers adapt to changing job markets and skill requirements over their careers.
The focus on redefining success around collective contribution signals a cultural shift toward broader social values in education and career planning.

WHERE DO YOU STAND?

Should universities in Singapore prioritise integrated work-study programmes like this one over traditional degree-only pathways?

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The Full Story
  1. SUSS held a convocation event on 08 October 2024.
  2. A new integrated pathway for SUSS degree and commercial pilot licence was launched.
  3. Minister Chan Chun Sing spoke about lifelong learning and redefining success.

SUSS’s latest convocation marks a big step for aviation education in Singapore.

Launch of New SUSS Degree and Pilot Licence Programme

On 08 October 2024, the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) held a special event.

It was their convocation ceremony.

SUSS launched a new programme at the event.

This programme lets students get two things at once.

They can get a commercial pilot licence and a SUSS degree.

SUSS is working with Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Singapore Flying College (SFC) for this.

This new programme is about lifelong learning.

Students can learn flying skills and get a degree at the same time.

Important People at the Event

  • Mdm Halimah Yacob – Chancellor of SUSS
  • Mrs Mildred Tan – Chairman of the Board of Trustees at SUSS
  • Professor Tan Tai Yong – President of SUSS
  • Minister Chan Chun Sing – Gave the speech at the event

Minister Chan’s Speech Highlights

Minister Chan Chun Sing spoke at the event.

He talked about lifelong learning.

He said it’s important to keep learning throughout life.

According to MOE, Minister Chan said, “The most important skill that you can take away from SUSS will be the ability to learn and relearn for life.”

This means students should always be ready to learn new things.

Minister Chan also talked about success.

He said we should think about success in a new way.

He suggested focusing on how we help others, not just ourselves.

The New Integrated Programme

The new programme at SUSS is special.

It lets students learn two important things at once.

They can get a commercial pilot licence.

They can also get a university degree.

This programme helps students get ready for jobs in aviation.

Aviation is the business of flying planes.

Students will learn practical skills and book knowledge together.

This can help them in their future jobs.

Programme BenefitsWhat Students Get
Practical SkillsCommercial Pilot Licence
Academic KnowledgeUniversity Degree
Industry ReadinessPrepared for Aviation Jobs

Lifelong Learning in Singapore

Lifelong learning is very important in Singapore.

The government wants people to keep learning new things.

This helps people stay ready for new jobs.

SUSS is helping with this goal.

Their new programme is one way to support lifelong learning.

It’s similar to other work-study programmes in Singapore.

These programmes let people work and study at the same time.

This kind of learning can help people in their careers.

Minister Chan’s Personal Stories

During his speech, Minister Chan shared some personal stories.

He talked about his own education.

He said that the choices we make can lead to unexpected chances.

This means that sometimes, things we choose can give us new opportunities we didn’t expect.

These stories helped make his speech more interesting.

They also showed how education can open up new paths in life.

Thinking About Success in a New Way

Minister Chan talked about how we think about success.

He said many people focus on finding the perfect job.

But he thinks we should focus on how we can help others instead.

According to MOE, Minister Chan stated, “If enough of us believe that the definition of success should be on our collective contributions instead of our personal achievements, then we will certainly have a stronger, kinder and happier society.”

This means thinking about what we can do for everyone, not just ourselves.

He thinks this can make society better.

What This Means for Students

The new programme at SUSS is good news for students.

It gives them more options for their education.

They can learn practical skills and get a degree at the same time.

This can help them get ready for jobs in aviation.

It also supports the idea of lifelong learning.

Students can keep learning and adapting to new job markets.

This can help them in their future careers.

SUSS’s Growth and Development

SUSS has been growing and improving over the years.

Minister Chan noticed this growth.

According to MOE, he said, “I congratulate SUSS for once again growing from strength to strength.”

This new programme is another step in SUSS’s development.

It shows that SUSS is finding new ways to help students.

This growth can benefit students and Singapore’s education system.

SUSS’s new programme is a big step for aviation education in Singapore.

It supports lifelong learning and helps students prepare for future jobs.

This shows how Singapore’s education system is always trying to improve and adapt.

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