The CAG Scholarship is offered
to individuals with the passion
and determination to make a
difference in managing one of
Singapore’s prized possessions –
Changi Airport.
Changi Airport boasts the title 'World's Best Airport' amongst
other prestigious titles awarded by travel magazines, airline
associations and industry organisations worldwide. As a major
Asian air hub, Singapore’s Changi Airport is the world’s most awarded
airport with over 480 awards to its name.
Undoubtedly, this would have been impossible without a stellar team
committed to managing the airport. Changi Airport Group (CAG) is
the guardian of the Changi Experience, an exceptional combination of
operational efficiency and customer delight.
CAG scholars will enjoy the Changi Experience in their journey with the
company as well. We hear what CAG Local Undergraduate Scholar Jason
Chaw and CAG Overseas Undergraduate Scholar Juliet Fu have to say
about their experience with CAG and scholarship journey respectively.
What Motivated You To Take Up The Cag Scholarship?
Jason: I have always been fascinated with aviation since I was young,
so it was no surprise that I wanted a career in the aviation industry. Thus,
when I came across the CAG Scholarship in a scholarship guide, I was
instantly drawn to it.
CAG offers a diverse range of career choices to give scholars more
latitude in exploring different roles – this was the distinguishing factor
that motivated me to take up my scholarship. It also gave me the chance
to be part of the team which runs the prestigious Changi Airport!
Juliet: My History lessons in both Junior College and secondary
school sparked my interest in international relations. Even though I was
not completely sure of the specific job I wanted to pursue when I was 19,
I was sure I wanted to work in the aviation industry, because it provides
the opportunity for international exposure that will allow me to connect
with others.
The CAG Scholarship was perfect for me as it presented various
opportunities that will help me grow and contribute to the growth of this
exciting industry.
Juliet Fu Liyuan
CAG Overseas
Undergraduate Scholar
Studying:
Bachelor of International Relations, Durham University, UK
"I was sure I wanted to work in the aviation industry, because it provides
the opportunity for international exposure that will allow me to connect
with others."
How has the CAG Scholarship
developed you for a career with
CAG?
Jason: In my first few years with CAG, I was
given the opportunity to explore various roles
in the airport operations department. This
exposure broadened my understanding of the
challenges faced by the different business
functions and, more importantly, how they all
work hand-in-hand to position Changi as the
world’s best airport!
Today, my understanding of these
different functions have allowed me to better
communicate with different stakeholders in
cross-functional projects, such as the current
Terminal 1 redevelopment project that I am
involved in.
Juliet: Pursuing a scholarship with CAG has
given me unique experiences. The rigour of
and responsibilities I took up at my summer
internships afforded me a preview of the
demands of work life – I remember constantly
shuttling between experiencing life of an
overseas student and that of a young adult
preparing for the working world.
These experiences have helped me to
continue my years of study with a deeper
understanding of how to prepare myself for
the workforce. I was able to gain perspectives
about work life, the aviation industry as a whole
as well as Singapore’s position in the world
through my internships.
What are some challenges faced
at work (Jason) and in studying
overseas (Juliet)? How do you
overcome them?
Jason: I am currently a part of the Terminal 1
Expansion project team. One of my key projects
involves the redesign of the check-in hall to
incorporate self-service check-in facilities to
enhance efficiency and the experience for our
passengers. To achieve that, I have to work
closely with various stakeholders such as
airlines and ground handlers.
From time to time, when working on projects,
different stakeholders will have their own views
about the best approach towards achieving
the same desired outcome. Keeping an open
mind is thus important – when everyone brings
something to the table, the best solution is often
the one that successfully integrates seemingly
disparate ideas into a coherent and functional
plan.
Juliet: I have been exposed to so many new
people, places and experiences since the start
of my scholarship journey, and coping with
everything at once – such as my overseas
life, frequent travels, summer school and
internships among other things – has been
tricky but very meaningful personally. At the end
of the day, I am glad that I am working in my
industry of choice and experiencing the thrills
that I had always wanted. This thought makes
everything worthwhile.
Jason Chaw Yew Chuan
CAG Local Undergraduate Scholar
Designation:
Manager, Development Operations,
Airport Operations Management
Studied:
Bachelor of Engineering
(Mechanical Engineering),
First-Class Honours,
Nanyang Technological University
"This
exposure broadened my understanding of the
challenges faced by the different business
functions and, more importantly, how they all
work hand-in-hand to position Changi as the
world’s best airport!"
What do you look forward to in
your future with CAG?
Jason: With our plans to expand the
airport and continual efforts to enhance the
Changi Experience, there will be interesting
developments, including Terminal 4 and 5, and
Jewel Changi Airport. These will take place
in the coming years, affording me a lot more
opportunities and challenges that will help me
learn and develop my skills. I am glad to be able
to grow personally and professionally, and at the
same time play a part in shaping Singapore’s
aviation landscape.
Juliet: I look forward to playing a part in the
upcoming expansion of Changi Airport, through
my involvement in new and exciting projects
when I start working full-time. But in order to
contribute, I would first need to be equipped
with all the relevant skills. I am glad that I would
be able to tap on the knowledge and expertise of
my colleagues during my internships, and gain
invaluable insights from them.
What advice should aspiring CAG
Scholars take note of?
Jason: It would be useful to read up and do
your research on CAG and Changi Airport in
order to understand its business and values.
It is also important to display a spirit of
excellence, and strive for constant progression
and improvement.
My advice will be for you to be yourself at
the scholarship interview. This will help you to
determine if you are indeed a right fit for the
organisation.
Juliet: Don’t be afraid to let your personality
shine through the scholarship interview
process. Your confidence, passion and
personality will help CAG see you as a valuable
talent and leader.
Ultimately, understand both the company and
yourself. Only by understanding how its values
align with yours will you be able to find greater
joy and meaning in your work – extremely
important aspects in a career!