Cyber risk forcing evolution of Singapore’s aviation industry

Emerging aviation jobs in Singapore are being sculpted by factors such as cybersecurity threats as the country attempts to keep its burgeoning industry flying high, according to Willis Towers Watson.

The global consultancy said the focus in Singapore is to ensure aviation remains an important employer and attractive industry for jobseekers and the future workforce, capable of attracting the talent that can meet new demands.

“Singapore’s aviation industry has been a key employer and contributor to the economy for many years,” said Darryl Parrant, talent and rewards leader, Singapore, Willis Towers Watson.

“As we continue to see technology deeply engrained in the future ambitions of operators, we are encouraging companies to understand and embrace the disruptions this tech-driven evolution will have,” he said.

Singapore’s air transport sector already employs over 300,000 people and contributes 1.5% of national GDP. These figures are set to rise further, with the number of air travellers and aviation-related jobs in Singapore expected to double in the next 20 years.

“Today’s airports are already expected to be the airports of tomorrow, and people will be at the heart of that transition,” continued Parrant.

“Singapore already understands this context and is taking steps to ensure the shift is as smooth as possible by identifying how job skills and operating processes will change, the future career pathways for key talent and how existing jobs can be re-engineered while driving the development of new ones,” he added.

Willis Towers Watson explained that emerging aviation jobs and skillsets are changing, but all are heading in the same direction as they confront the impacts of technology enabled transformation and fresh cybersecurity threats arising from increased automation and data reliance.

“Singapore’s aviation industry is continually breaking new ground, as evidenced by Changi`s new Terminal 4 which is at the forefront of ‘Smart Airport’ development,” said Jago Harvard-Walls, aviation client relationship director, Willis Towers Watson.

“Technology creates exciting opportunities for the industry, but is also a catalyst that heightens the need to manage the development of human capital into emerging roles, as well as to protect operational assets from an ever-increasing exposure to cyber risk.

“Singapore is facing the challenge head on and setting the benchmark for future workforce needs not just locally but also around the world,” added Harvard-Walls.