Singapore Aerospace Technology Leadership Forum 2024
MARINA BAY SANDS, LEVEL 3, CASSIA BALLROOM
CONTENTS
01
ABOUT THE FORUM
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PROGRAMME
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PANEL 1 SPEAKERS AND MODERATOR
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PANEL 2 SPEAKERS AND MODERATOR
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ABOUT THE SINGAPORE AEROSPACE PROGRAMME
ABOUT THE FORUM
SINGAPORE AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP FORUM 2024
The Singapore Aerospace Technology Leadership Forum, held biennially in conjunction with the Singapore Airshow, brings together visionaries and thought leaders from major global aerospace companies to share industry insights and research and technology trends. The theme of the Singapore Aerospace Technology Leadership Forum 2024 is “The Future of Aerospace”, where we discuss technologies and innovations that will help the industry navigate through the challenges and position for sustained growth in the future. Our distinguished speakers will participate in two panel discussions: PANEL 1: SMART AEROSPACE This panel will delve into how smart technologies can revolutionise the aerospace industry. This includes exploring the integration of artificial intelligence, digital solutions and robotics in aircraft manufacturing and maintenance, to transform the industry to be future-ready and resilient. PANEL 2: NET ZERO 2050 Sustainability is the central focus of the future of aerospace. This panel will focus on the sustainability strategies, technologies and innovations aimed at mitigating environmental impacts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
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PROGRAMME
12.30pm - 1.35pm TIME
ACTIVITY
Registration
1.35pm – 1.45pm
Welcome by Prof Ric Parker, Chairman, Singapore Aerospace Programme Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
1.45pm – 2.00pm Keynote Address by Guest-of-Honour
Ms Low Yen Ling, Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry
PANEL 1 - SMART AEROSPACE
Building the Future Today Dr Todd Citron, Chief Technology Officer The Boeing Company The Digital Aerospace Enterprise Dr Francis Preli, Vice President, Technology Pratt & Whitney
2.00pm – 3.05pm
Embracing Change for a Digital MRO Future Mr David So Man Fung, Senior Vice President Corporate Planning &
Continuous Improvement SIA Engineering Company
Smart Technologies in the Manufacturing Realm Dr Sean Black, Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer and Chief Engineer Spirit AeroSystems
Inventing a Smart Aerospace Future, Together Dr Bernhard Quendt, Group Chief Technical Officer Thales
Panel Discussion on Smart Aerospace Moderator: Mr Mervyn Tan, Chief Executive Defence Science and Technology Agency
3.05pm – 3.35pm
Tea Break
3.35pm – 3.55pm
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PROGRAMME
TIME
ACTIVITY
PANEL 2 - NET ZERO 2050
Blending Technology and Ambitions: Bombardier's EcoJet Research Project Mr Stephen M c Cullough, Senior Vice President, Engineering and Product Development Bombardier
3.55pm – 4.45pm
The Future of Sustainable Aviation Mr Todd Giles, Chief Technology Officer Honeywell Aerospace Technologies
Rolls-Royce Delivering against the NetZero Roadmap Mr Simon Burr, Group Director of Engineering, Technology & Safety Rolls-Royce Sustainability in Aerospace: A ST Engineering Approach Ms Lee Hui Fung, Senior Vice President & Head, Innovation & Continuous Improvement ST Engineering
Panel Discussion on Net Zero 2050 Moderator: Mr Sia Kheng Yok, Chief Executive Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore)
4.45pm – 5.15pm
Closing
5.15pm - 5.20pm
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OUR SPEAKERS PANEL 1 - SMART AEROSPACE
Dr Todd Citron Chief Technology Officer The Boeing Company
Dr. Todd Citron is the Chief Technology Officer of The Boeing Company, responsible for developing and executing Boeing’s technology strategy. This includes Boeing Research & Technology (BR&T), subsidiary Aurora Flight Sciences, and AvionX that are helping create the future by developing and transitioning critical technologies, delivering ground-breaking products, and providing daily program execution support across Boeing. It also includes the engineering oversight and support to the joint ventures at Wisk and SkyGrid. These global teams work in five U.S. and seven international research centers.
Prior to his current role, Citron was Vice President of Engineering for Boeing Defense, Space & Security, where he was responsible for ensuring world-class technical integrity for all Defense, Space & Security products and services. He led a 20,000-person international engineering organisation that included teams across each division of the business. Citron was previously Vice President and Chief Engineer for Defense, Space & Security Development. There he managed engineering support for key focus programs in the business’s portfolio, improving execution through early deployment of critical resources and proven processes from across the company. His responsibilities also included creating and implementing a strategy to enhance engineering quality and affordability. Previously, Citron was Vice President of Mission Assurance and the Senior Chief Engineer of Systems Engineering for Defense, Space & Security Engineering. In this role, he was responsible for the broad application of systems engineering and risk-reduction principles focused on issue prevention, risk reduction and mission success. He was also responsible for development and deployment of mission success strategy, policy and practices and served as independent approval authority for mission readiness of Defense, Space & Security businesses and programs. As Senior Chief Engineer for Systems Engineering, he focused on technical risks, issues and opportunities, strengthening technical decisions that achieve the “right engineering” the first time. Earlier in his career, Citron served in a number of business, program management and engineering leadership roles, which included developing advanced space systems such as a small satellite product line (702SP) that has won awards from both Aviation Week and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He also created innovative architectures for satellite-based IP data systems and designed the company's first digital payload, later serving as program manager. The technical and financial success of this program led to a multibillion dollar business that is a major part of the Boeing satellite portfolio.
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OUR SPEAKERS PANEL 1 - SMART AEROSPACE
Citron has published numerous technical papers and has three patents in the areas of error correction, signal processing and adaptive antennas. He was also chosen to participate in the National Academy of Engineering's Frontiers of Engineering. Citron received a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering with Distinction from Purdue Univer sity and a master’s degree and doctorate in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University. BUILDING THE FUTURE TODAY At Boeing, building the future today starts with going digital. A digital platform from start to finish enables smart technology to be implemented to advance design, manufacturing and sustainability. This is accomplished through design iteration capabilities, increased accuracy of parts, focus on zero-emissions and eco-friendly practices. For aircraft services and operations, advanced methods of analysis and computer vision enhance operational efficiency, the safety of the people working and engineering productivity. Smart technology is also key in predictive maintenance through use of artificial intelligence prognostics. Smart technology includes application of artificial intelligence to develop methods of analysis, machine learning algorithms to perform and execute on analysis and make informed decisions and 3D mapping to scan the aircraft for fittings and design improvements. It involves prioritizing aircraft safety, development and long-term operation.
By focusing on digital engineering with smart technology throughout the lifecycle of an aircraft, the future of aerospace begins now.
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OUR SPEAKERS PANEL 1 - SMART AEROSPACE
Dr Francis Preli Vice President, Technology Pratt & Whitney
Frank Preli is Vice President of Technology at Pratt & Whitney. He has spent over 40 years at RTX Corporation leading the development of technologies for aerospace and energy markets. At P&W he was Manager of Quality, Manager of Technology and Production Readiness, and Manager of Materials and Mechanics Engineering.
He also spent 10 years as Vice President of Engineering at UTC Power, developing fuel cells for commercial, transportation, residential and space applications.
Preli earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in Chemistry and an MBA from the University of Connecticut. THE DIGITAL AEROSPACE ENTERPRISE Model based processes, the digital thread, and advanced manufacturing methods promise to improve enterprise efficiency and deliver products that better meet requirements, are safer, are manufactured with higher quality, and are easier to maintain. Throughout the product lifecycle, these tools enable integration of design, manufacturing, product performance and sustainment data into a closed-loop system. Feedback of this product knowledge will be used to continually improve the capability of people, processes and products.
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OUR SPEAKERS PANEL 1 - SMART AEROSPACE
David So Man Fung Senior Vice President Corporate Planning &
Continuous Improvement SIA Engineering Company
Mr. So was appointed Senior Vice President Corporate Planning & Continuous Improvement in February 2023 and oversees the Enterprise Continuous Improvement programme which covers lean, digital and innovation initiatives.
He joined SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC) in 2005, as an Executive Engineer in the Engineering Division, specialising in airframe systems and aircraft structures. Between January 2011 and 2014, he held various managerial positions in Engineering Division and Fleet Management Division. He was then appointed as Vice President Engineering in July 2015, where he managed various departments such as Engineering, Planning and Fleet Technical Management programmes. From April 2016, he led the Engineering Division and Innovation Group. He established tactical and innovative plans for technology adoption across all divisions to drive business growth, such as additive manufacturing, data analytics, internet of things and robotics. He then assumed the position of Vice President Transformation Office in October 2017 where he oversees the business transformation and change management. Mr. So was on the board of several aerospace companies in Singapore including Additive Flight Solutions Pte Ltd, Component Aerospace Singapore Pte Ltd, Jamco Aero Design & Engineering Company and Jamco Singapore Private Limited. Mr. So sits on the Council of the Institution of Engineers Singapore and held various appointment including chairman of the Aerospace Engineering Technical Committee and the Vice Dean of College of Fellow. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree from the National University of Singapore and is a Chartered Engineer. EMBRACING CHANGE FOR A DIGITAL MRO FUTURE In these everchanging times, the aerospace industry is continuously facing disruptions from technological advancements which are poised to transform the way aircrafts are manufactured and maintained. MRO business being labor-intensive in nature, the need for MRO companies to leverage technology adoption to remain efficient and competitive becomes stronger than ever.
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OUR SPEAKERS PANEL 1 - SMART AEROSPACE
In remaining relevant, SIAEC adopts the approach of focusing on creating a connected workforce, enhancing collaboration with other industry players and engagement with customers. Riding on earlier digitalisation efforts, SIAEC continues in building the digital and data foundation which is key to enabling analytics and performance optimisation. With the rise of generative AI, the potential of this technology in advancing the digitalisation agenda cannot be overlooked.
This presentation discusses the impact of technology use on MRO business and embracing the use of AI technology in further enhancing the safety, efficiency, and productivity of operations.
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OUR SPEAKERS PANEL 1 - SMART AEROSPACE
Dr Sean Black Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer and Chief Engineer Spirit AeroSystems Dr. Sean Black is Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer and Chief Engineer for Spirit AeroSystems, where he has oversight of Spirit’s global engineering and research and development teams. Black has more than 25 years’ experience in the defense/aerospace industry in both the United States and Europe. Over his career he has also served in various engineering development, design, and research positions with BAE Systems and Airbus.
Black earned a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Dundee Institute of Technology (Scotland). Thereafter, he undertook research study sponsored by DeBeers Industrial Diamond Division in the field of Superabrasives, which led to an award of a Doctor of Philosophy from Liverpool John Moores University, England. Black is a Charted Engineer (CEng), a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (FIMechE), and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAeS). SMART TECHNOLOGIES IN THE MANUFACTURING REALM Dr. Sean Black will present an overview of smart technology adoption and its impact to enabling smart factories. Through the implementation of smart technologies, there are key values realised as well as some challenges to overcome. Dr. Black will provide some examples of successful smart technology deployments that are enabling a connected factory at Spirit AeroSystems, including integrating automation with artificial intelligence on the factory floor, digital twin-driven optimisation of production scheduling, and digitalisation of inspection processes.
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OUR SPEAKERS PANEL 1 - SMART AEROSPACE
Dr Bernhard Quendt Group Chief Technical Officer Thales
Dr. Bernhard Quendt holds engineering degrees from the University of Stuttgart and Télécom Paris (ENST), and completed a PhD at the Technical University of Munich, where he was awarded the Rohde & Schwarz Prize. Formerly Chief Technical Officer for Siemens Digital Industries, Dr. Bernhard Quendt joined the Siemens Communications division in 1999 before being appointed Vice President R&D for Siemens Rail Automation in 2005.
In 2011 he took the responsibility for platform activities and R&D as Vice President for Siemens Industrial Automation Systems and since 2015, he held the position of the Chief Technical Officer at Siemens Digital Industries. Bernhard Quendt joined Thales in 2020 as Chief Technical Officer and Senior Vice President. INVENTING A SMART AEROSPACE FUTURE, TOGETHER The unprecedented times resulting from the pandemic has led to the need to rethink and reshape the aerospace industry transformation. As the aviation market evolves, it is important to invent solutions for tomorrow. Accelerated by digital technologies & trustworthy AI, we look towards solutions for a sustainable future in order to contribute to a greener planet. This would encompass more than just individuals and society as it extends to the entire industry - from products to supply chains and operations.
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MODERATOR PANEL 1 - SMART AEROSPACE
Mervyn Tan Chief Executive Defence Science and Technology Agency
As Chief Executive of the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), Mr. Mervyn Tan oversees the procurement of equipment and capabilities, including advanced systems and network solutions, for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).
Before taking helm of DSTA in May 2021, Mr. Tan had a distinguished career and held notable roles with the SAF including Chief of Air Force, Ministry of Defence’s Deputy Secretary (Technology) and Future Systems and Technology Architect. As Chief of Air Force, he modernised the Air Force with acquisitions of state-of-the-art aircraft. Mr. Tan holds an Engineering (Aeronautical) degree from the University of Sydney, a Master in Operational Art & Science of War from the US Air Command and Staff College, and an MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management. Currently, he serves on the Board of Singapore’s Government Technology Agency and the Temasek Defence Systems Institute, and undertakes the chairmanship of Tech Vista Private Limited. He was awarded the Public Administration Medal (Silver) (Military) in 2010 and Public Administration Medal (Gold) (Military) in 2017.
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OUR SPEAKERS PANEL 2 - NET ZERO 2050
Stephen M c Cullough Senior Vice President, Engineering and Product Development Bombardier
Stephen M c Cullough is responsible for overseeing all engineering and new product development activities at Bombardier. With over 30 years of experience within the company, Mr. M c Cullough played a key role in the development of Bombardier’s new aircraft programs, and he now leverages his extensive aerospace experience and expertise to lead the Engineering and Product Development organisation.
In his previous role as Vice President, Engineering, Chief of Aircraft Design & Development, Mr. M c Cullough was responsible for the design of Bombardier’s aircraft portfolio and the Research and Technology group, working on the combination of aircraft and technology that will shape the future. He was also Head of the Office of the Bombardier Engineering Fellows. Stephen M c Cullough started his career in 1989 at Bombardier’s Belfast facility as a Technical Engineer, Aircraft Engine and took on roles of increasing responsibilities to later become Chief Engineer, Aerostructures at the Belfast site. Starting in 1992, he undertook multiple international assignments across the organisation to develop several new aircraft, including in Wichita, Kansas, and Tucson, Arizona. In 2004, he was named Technical Director for the Challenger aircraft family in Montreal and assumed overall responsibility for all engineering and manufacturing engineering activities all the way to entry into service of the Challenger 605 aircraft. In 2011, Mr. M c Cullough was appointed Vice President, Integrated Product Development Team (IPDT) for the Global 7500 business jet. Since 2021, Mr. M c Cullough has been Head of the company’s Transport Canada Design Approval Organisation (DAO). Stephen M c Cullough is a reference in the aerospace industry. He received the prestigious McCurdy Award in 2019 from the Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the field of aerospace in Canada. He is also an active member and Vice-Chair of the Board of Downsview Aerospace Innovation and Research (DAIR) Hub.
A native of Belfast, Northern Ireland, Mr. M c Cullough holds a bachelor’s degree with honours in Mechanical Engineering from the Queen’s University of Belfast.
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OUR SPEAKERS PANEL 2 - NET ZERO 2050
BLENDING TECHNOLOGY AND AMBITIONS: BOMBARDIER'S ECOJET RESEARCH PROJECT
Bombardier, as a leader in the design of leading-edge jets, is pioneering sustainable business aviation by seeking to create one of the most advanced and environmentally responsible aircraft. With the innovative EcoJet technology research project, Bombardier aims to reduce jet emissions by up to 50% through a combination of aerodynamic, propulsion and other enhancements, notably through the exploration of the blended-wing-body aircraft. After more than a decade of theoretical research, Bombardier launched a multi-year flight-testing program with a series of prototypes that also contribute to test and mature a vast array of technologies. In order to bring this pivotal project to life, Bombardier brought together its passionate and highly-skilled team members with top talents across the industry and academic sector. Discover how Bombardier is making concrete strides toward the industry’s net zero objective and leveraging the blended-wing-body aircraft configuration to shape the future of business jets.
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OUR SPEAKERS PANEL 2 - NET ZERO 2050
Todd Giles Chief Technology Officer Honeywell Aerospace Technologies
Todd Giles is the Chief Technology Officer for Aerospace. He serves as a member of the Aerospace Leadership Team and the Honeywell Technology Leadership Team. As CTO, he leads the global technology and engineering team. He is responsible for building relationships with customers and clients, and for directing all technology and R&D activities for the business to deliver innovative products, technologies and solutions that meet customer needs.
Todd is Six Sigma Black Belt certified, holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Arizona State University, and a master’s degree in Technical Management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Todd resides in Phoenix, Arizona, and has two adult daughters. THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE AVIATION The aerospace industry is embarking on a new era that prioritise planet-positive technologies in a collective effort to become more sustainable. CTO Todd Giles will explain macrotrends that are shaping sustainable aviation, along with Honeywell’s firm commitment to sustainability through our products, processes and operations. From technologies that enable the conversion of renewable feedstocks into fuel for planes, to all-electric aircraft, the future of flight is unequivocally sustainable.
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OUR SPEAKERS PANEL 2 - NET ZERO 2050
Simon Burr Group Director of Engineering, Technology and Safety Rolls-Royce
In 2023 Simon was appointed Rolls-Royce Group Director of Engineering, Technology and Safety. He has over a decade’s experience in senior roles in Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace including as Engineering & Technology Director, Chief Operating Officer Civil Large Engines and Project Director – Trent XWB.
Simon joined Rolls-Royce in 2012 when Aero Engine Controls, a joint venture between Rolls-Royce and Goodrich Corporation where he was CEO, was acquired outright.
He is a Chartered Engineer with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. He was appointed MBE for Services to the Aerospace Industry in the UK in 2009. ROLLS-ROYCE DELIVERING AGAINST THE NETZERO ROADMAP The energy transition is transforming aviation but there is no single technology solution to achieving net zero carbon aviation by 2050. Nor is there a single entity or organisation that can do it alone. It has to be through collaboration across industry sectors, regulators, financiers and policy makers. At Rolls-Royce we are working with several industry partners and governments to act now using a three-pillar strategy. We’re leading propulsion efficiency, such as with our UltraFan suite of technologies; championing alternative fuels that can be used now; and pushing the boundaries of what’s technically possible with novel technology development, like hydrogen combustion.
This three-pillar approach to the energy transition is enabling us to make as much positive impact as possible, as soon as possible, while advocating collaboration in this shared endeavour.
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OUR SPEAKERS PANEL 2 - NET ZERO 2050
Lee Hui Fung Senior Vice President & Head, Innovation & Continuous Improvement ST Engineering
An aerospace veteran with three decades of industry experience, Hui Fung provides strategic leadership for research and development as well as applications of new technologies including digitalisation, data analytics, automation and additive manufacturing in ST Engineering’s Commercial Aerospace business.
She is also responsible for driving Continuous Improvement at ST Engineering group level. Prior to this appointment, she took on various senior aerospace positions from Marketing, Programme, Operations to General Management, with a special focus on airframe MRO and passenger-to-freighter conversions. SUSTAINABILITY IN AEROSPACE: A ST ENGINEERING APPROACH Sustainability is an integral part of ST Engineering’s Business Strategy. We have embarked on a two-pronged approach – Doing our Part, as a responsible global citizen and enabling our Customers to grow with our partners and seize opportunities in the industrial ecosystem. Solar energy harvesting, passenger-to-freighter conversions, composite recycling and sustainable composites development will be the topics of discussion.
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MODERATOR PANEL 2 - NET ZERO 2050
Sia Kheng Yok Chief Executive Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore) Sia is the Chief Executive of the Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore) or AAIS, a not-for-profit organisation representing Aviation and Aerospace businesses in Singapore. He also serves on the Advisory Board of the Aviation Studies Institute at the Singapore University of Technology and Design, the Industry Advisory Committees of the Singapore Institute of Technology and Ngee Ann Polytechnic, and is a Resource Person with the Centre for Liveable Cities.
Before joining the Association in 2016, Sia was at the Singapore Economic Development Board for more than 20 years as Director for Transport Engineering, Leadership Development and other roles. He also served for a time as Director of the Singapore Aerospace Programme at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research.
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ABOUT THE SINGAPORE AEROSPACE PROGRAMME
The Singapore Aerospace Programme (SAP) is a pre-competitive research programme with membership comprising major international aerospace companies along with the A*STAR Research Institutes and complemented by the Institutes of Higher Learning and Local Enterprises. SAP supports the refreshed Aerospace Industry Transformation Map 2025 by driving transformation through R&D in manufacturing and MRO for aerospace and pre-positioning the local ecosystem for emerging areas such as Sustainability. The programme operates with the following characteristics: • Industry-Relevant Projects based on problem statements presented by industry that give insights into industry priorities and strategies for future positioning and long-term growth • Pre-Competitive Research topics typically between technology readiness levels (TRLs) 3 and 6 which are non-sensitive commercially and includes the exploration of strategic emerging areas • Collaborative Research Platform which enables cross-fertilisation of ideas amongst research performers in the local R&D ecosystem, international industry players and local enterprises
PARTICIPATING COMPANIES Participating companies are consortium members of the Singapore Aerospace Programme
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