Memorandum Of Understanding Signed With Singapore Civil Aviation Authority

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide, headquartered in Daytona Beach, FL, has made a landmark agreement to begin offering aviation programs in Asia. The Worldwide Campus signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Feb. 4 with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) to begin a Master of Business Administration in Aviation (MBAA) program in the second half of 2010.

This MOU establishes the framework for broader cooperation between Embry-Riddle and CAAS, uniting two internationally established institutions that are each renowned for their knowledge and expertise across a broad range of aviation disciplines.

"This is a long-term strategic relationship, and we are pleased to partner with the Civil Aviation Authority to achieve our joint objective of providing quality aviation and aerospace education to support the growing aviation industry of Singapore," said Martin Smith, executive vice president of the Worldwide Campus.

The collaboration is a reflection of the shared interests between Embry-Riddle and CAAS to promote high-quality aviation education and training, as well as information exchange and research. The MBAA program will deliver the same high-quality program that Embry-Riddle currently offers, but it will be tailored to meet the demand for aviation management professionals in Singapore.

"As Singapore's aviation industry continues to grow, there is a need to groom and empower the next generation of leaders," said Yap Ong Heng, director-general of CAAS. "In addition to operational and technical training, management training provided through the MBAA will be useful for the overall development of aviation professionals, and preparing them to take on leadership positions."

"We are excited to have the opportunity to deliver a Business Administration program in Singapore," said John R. Watret, Ph.D., associate vice president and chief academic officer of the Worldwide Campus. "Embry-Riddle's successful MBAA program will support the Civil Aviation Authority's mission to further establish Singapore as a center of excellence for the aviation industry."

Embry-Riddle's MBAA degree will be delivered through the Singapore Aviation Academy (SAA), which is the training division of CAAS. The SAA will give input to the design and delivery of the MBAA, drawing on more than 50 years of aviation training expertise and extensive international and regional links. To date, the academy has trained almost 50,000 people from 190 countries.

FMI: www.embryriddle.edu