Can you provide an overview of the core mission and future outlook for the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Nanyang Technological University?

Certainly, the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) at Nanyang Technological University is an internationally recognized leader in engineering education. We offer a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in both mechanical and aerospace engineering. Our aerospace program has been in operation for over a decade, and we are proud to have been the only aerospace engineering course in Singapore for many years. We are also pleased to report that our student population has steadily increased over the years, starting with around fifty students per year and now reaching one hundred and thirty per year. Our mission is to equip future leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to continue developing the aerospace industry in Singapore and the surrounding region. We continually strive for academic excellence through research and development projects, as well as international collaborations.

What new developments is Singapore planning to implement in the UAV realm?

Singapore is exploring the implementation of both UAVs and autonomous cars. However, implementing aerial deliveries using UAVs is a major challenge for Singapore. There are several obstacles that must be overcome, such as a shortage of manpower. One solution to this problem could be the use of drones coupled with autonomous vehicles. We are currently in the research and development stage, and universities and research centers in Singapore are exploring the direction of autonomous intelligent vehicles. NTU is at the forefront of these innovations and exploring all these novel ideas.

The Singapore aerospace industry is currently dominated by MRO operations. What trends do you see for the industry moving forward?

The Singapore aerospace industry is gradually shifting from being primarily focused on maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations to becoming a world leader in cutting-edge technologies and innovations. This trend will take time and require perseverance on the part of the industry and the government. NTU is doing its part by training the best people who can rise to the challenge. The Singapore Economic Development Board is also bringing in large industry players, such as Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney, to help drive the industry forward. Although the industry is currently experiencing a bit of a slump, aircraft sales have increased in recent years, and we anticipate a resurgence in demand for maintenance services in the long term. Singapore is ready to serve the industry when this demand materializes.

Could you describe some of the national and international collaborations that NTU has established?

We have established several significant collaborations with both national and international partners. One of our most important collaborations is with Rolls-Royce, with whom we have set up three large research centers over a five-year plan. The first investment in this partnership was S$75 million. We are focusing on manufacturing and remanufacturing of aircraft parts to save costs and improve manufacturing processes. Rolls-Royce is also collaborating with NTU’s School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering to explore power and control technologies and the School of Computer Science and Engineering for software development. We also have an ongoing S$5 million partnership with Leonardo, a global high-tech company for aerospace, defense, and security, focusing on aerodynamics for helicopters. These international players recognize the great potential in Singapore and our cutting-edge infrastructure. NTU and Singapore are already leading the way in satellite research and design, and we are a reliable partner for companies planning for the long-term.