People are our inspiration.

Natalie Lim

Deputy Manager (Regulatory Oversight) and
Deputy Manager (Integration Office), Unmanned Systems Group

CAAS Overseas Undergraduate Scholarship

Bachelor of Arts (Anthropology), New York University
Master of Sciences (Migration Studies), University of Oxford

"Air travel is not just for leisure or business, but it possesses immense power in changing lives and livelihoods. Aviation is the key driver of global interconnection – the availability and expansion of travel and trade connections enabled by air transport networks are integral to the survival of many countries, and exceptionally so for Singapore."

Natalie joined CAAS during the pandemic when it was most challenging for the aviation sector. She shares how the CAAS scholarship is enabling her aspiration to play a part in shaping the future of civil aviation and making CAAS a leading force in international aviation.

Why did you choose aviation and how did you feel having to join CAAS during the pandemic?

I have always been fascinated by mobility and the movement of humans. Beyond that, the movement of ideas, technology, and culture has played an undeniable role in shaping Singapore and the world today. This is what first sparked my interest in aviation.

Aviation is not just about aircraft safety and airport operations. The invention of modern aviation was a key player in accelerating the compression of time and space across the globe, which fundamentally altered human mobility and life trajectories. How is it that an individual from one side of the world can dream of a life in a place halfway across the world?

Our connection to the world has unlocked countless opportunities and possibilities. How do we continue building these networks and in a sustainable manner? The mission of CAAS therefore aligned with my career aspiration.

You took up the CAAS Overseas Undergraduate Scholarship. How did it support you in your studies and career?

CAAS gave me the flexibility to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (Anthropology) and a Master of Sciences (Migration Studies), despite the “unconventional” nature of these fields of study. For non-specialist degrees like mine, it is less so the content but rather your attitude and the skills honed that will prove useful in your future work!

Opportunities abound for scholars to explore the diverse roles and responsibilities under CAAS. Through rotations to different divisions within CAAS and engagement in various fora and working groups – local and international, it allows me to amass a diverse set of skills and experiences which are valuable in solving problems in an increasingly complex and ambiguous world. CAAS is also devoted to charting my career path and providing guidance about my career aspirations through one-on-one sessions with senior management.

"I wanted to work in a global, fast-moving industry and the aviation industry fitted the bill perfectly."

I also hoped to work in the public sector, where I could make a direct and significant contribution to Singapore as a policymaker. Finally, I was also attracted to the opportunities for career development and progression as a CAAS scholar.

Jillian Chan
CAAS Overseas Undergraduate Scholarship

Master of Engineering (Industrial Engineering & Operations Research), University of California, Berkeley

"The cherry on the cake? Definitely having the opportunity to pursue my studies overseas with strong support from my employer!"

I've only been working at CAAS for a few months, but my colleagues and leaders have been extremely motivating and inspiring. They've helped me ease into work progressively. More importantly, CAAS has been very supportive of my studies. By developing my keen interest in policy formulation and aviation, I've been able to put my passion to good use and contribute to Singapore.

Wong Shi Rui
CAAS Overseas Undergraduate Scholar

Master of Arts (East Asian Studies), Stanford University

"My work is multi-dimensional and ever changing. I took up a scholarship with CAAS because we have a world leading aviation sector that offers exciting and vibrant career prospects."

While I have worked at CAAS for only 1.5 years, I've been entrusted with the responsibility to manage major projects. This is encouraging as it reflects the confidence and trust that CAAS places on me, allowing me to develop my career with greater opportunities.

I was also appointed as the Liaison Officer for the President of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council during his visit to Singapore for the World Civil Aviation Chief Executives Forum in April 2019. This gave me an opportunity to engage with and learn from a top leader.

Gary Chew
CAAS Overseas Undergraduate Scholar

Master of Arts (International & Development Economics), Yale University