Singapore Air Cargo Agents Association (SAAA@Singapore), in collaboration with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), hosted the 5th SAAA-IATA Air Cargo Day 2025 at Tanah Merah Country Club on 7 November 2025. The event was graced by Ms Sun Xueling, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Transport and Ministry of National Development, who gave a keynote speech as Guest of Honour.
Established in 1971, SAAA@Singapore represents Singapore’s air cargo community, advocating industry growth, regulatory trust, and professional standards. As the air cargo sector evolves, the association continues to emphasise collaboration and trust as key enablers of operational efficiency and digital innovation.
The biennial Air Cargo Day serves as a key industry platform to strengthen partnerships within the air cargo community and explore collaborative opportunities that enhance Singapore’s position as a global air cargo hub.
The event also marked the launch of the Job Redesign (JR) Playbook for Aviation, underscoring Singapore’s ongoing efforts to build workforce resilience and support transformation in the aviation sector for it to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Jointly developed by the Job Redesign Centre of Excellence at Institute for Human Resource Professionals (IHRP) and Workforce Singapore (WSG) in close collaboration with SAAA@Singapore, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), the JR Playbook seeks to equip enterprises with practical tools and guidance to adopt and implement job redesign that will strengthen the sector’s operational excellence.
Strengthening collaborations with key stakeholders and industry partners
At the event, SAAA@Singapore announced their continuous support towards efforts to enhance operational and training excellence and competitiveness within the air cargo industry, deepening relationships with the government and industry partners through seven Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs). These MOUs will cover areas such as cross-sectoral collaboration, as well to develop and deliver targeted industry training that support skills upgrading and workforce transformation.
In line with its ongoing efforts to enhance industry collaborations, SAAA@Singapore is deepening partnerships with key trade associations, including the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME), the Association of Aerospace Industries (AAIS), the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA) and the Logistics & Supply Chain Management Society (LSCMS) to harness synergies, spot emerging trends, and bolster Singapore’s standing as a globally connected hub. Further details of the seven MOUs can be found below.
1. MOU with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on training programmes
SAAA@Singapore has been a longstanding training partner of IATA, particularly in the area of Dangerous Goods Training. With the signing of this MOU, both associations reaffirm their commitment to deepen collaboration by offering specialised IATA cargo-related training programmes. These initiatives aim to equip the air cargo community with relevant industry skills, competencies, and globally recognised credentials to enhance operational excellence and safety standards across the sector.
2. MOU with the Singapore Ministry of Transport (MOT) to strengthen regulatory compliance with ICAO Annex 17 Security Standards.
This is the first time that the MOT and SAAA@Singapore are signing an MOU. Under this MOU, MOT will work with SAAA@Singapore to co-develop and deliver training courses for SAAA@Singapore members, with a focus on the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s Annex 17 Security Standards. This aim is to strengthen compliance by air cargo agents with the global security standards by deepening industry competencies and fostering knowledge exchange between the public and private sector stakeholders.
3. MOU with the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) on supporting organisations with the necessary knowledge and resources to uphold responsible employment practices.
With the signing of this MOU, SAAA@Singapore and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) affirm our shared commitment to advancing mutual objectives, particularly in enabling employers to stay well-informed and compliant with key aspects of employment legislation.
Under this MOU, SNEF will extend its support to SAAA@Singapore members through initiatives such as the Employer Onboarding Programme and other relevant training programmes designed to enhance talent development, foster employee engagement, and strengthen workforce retention across the industry.
In reciprocity, SAAA@Singapore will actively support SNEF’s engagement initiatives by encouraging member participation in surveys, dialogues, and consultations concerning manpower issues. These joint efforts aim to contribute meaningfully to the development and review of manpower policies and legislation, ensuring that industry needs and perspectives are effectively represented.
4. MOU with the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME) to strengthen cross- collaboration efforts
The MOU between Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME) and SAAA@Singapore serves as a foundation for both associations to foster cross-collaboration efforts, with a particular focus on strengthening and advancing the air cargo sector. Initiatives to be explored, including organising events and collaborations for SMES of both associations to network and have a voice in air cargo logistics matters.
5. MOU with the Association of Aerospace Industries (AAIS) to strengthen cross-collaboration efforts
The aerospace industry plays a vital role in supporting the air cargo ecosystem. Through our MOU with the Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore) (AAIS), both associations will foster closer collaboration and engagement opportunities. This could include learning and networking opportunities at seminars or sporting events, such as AAIS’ annual Aerospace Partners Golf Tournament. In addition, both associations intend to exchange industry insights through contributed articles and features in each other’s publications, further strengthening knowledge sharing and mutual visibility.
6. MOU with the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA) to strengthen cross-collaboration efforts
Singapore accounts for approximately 10% of the world’s total semiconductor output and about 20% of global semiconductor equipment production, positioning the nation as a key player in the global semiconductor value chain. Given the high value and time-sensitive nature of such products, air transport remains the preferred mode of shipment.
Through this MOU, both the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA) and SAAA@Singapore seek to collaborate on initiatives that advance the mutual interests of their members. One such initiative includes providing SAAA@Singapore members the opportunity to contribute industry insights or thought leadership articles to SSIA’s Voice Magazine to enhance branding visibility, as well as for SSIA members to get insights to the latest news around logistics and transportation, and participate in active conversations with players in this field through joint events.
7. MOU with the Logistics & Supply Chain Management Society (LSCMS) to strengthen cross-collaboration efforts
In October last year, SAAA@Singapore collaborated with the Logistics and Supply Chain Management Society (LSCMS) to co-organise the SAAA-LogiSYM Supply Chain Day 2024 in partnership with the Singapore Economic Development Board at Marina Bay Sands.SAAA@Singapore also led the Singapore Pavilion at CeMAT Asia 2024, showcasing Singapore’s capabilities in logistics and air cargo solutions.
Building on these successful partnerships, both parties have agreed to further strengthen business engagements and collaborations through enhanced knowledge exchange and capability-building initiatives. Key areas of focus include deeper collaboration with the Shippers Council and co-hosting events with LogiSYM to better serve our shared stakeholders and advance industry development collectively.
