Singapore celebrates 60 years of independence by honoring its global aviation partnership with ICAO through art, leadership, and innovation.
On 4 July 2025, Singapore marked a significant milestone—its 60th year of independence—by reinforcing its enduring partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). In a symbolic and diplomatic gesture, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) presented a specially commissioned sculpture titled Celestial Flight to ICAO. The handover took place in Montreal, Canada, home of ICAO’s headquarters, and was attended by international dignitaries and ICAO Council representatives.
Crafted by renowned Singaporean artist Ms Delia Prvački, Celestial Flight represents the human spirit of exploration and connection through the medium of aviation. The artwork draws inspiration from the rhythm of continuous flight and the interconnectedness of people across borders. According to the artist, the sculpture embodies “a sense of movement and time,” and symbolizes peace, imagination, and the pursuit of shared global progress.
The sculpture was officially presented by Mr Edmund Cheng, Chairman of CAAS, and Mr Han Kok Juan, Director-General of CAAS, to Mr Salvatore Sciacchitano, President of the ICAO Council. Now on permanent display at the ICAO building, the piece serves as a tribute to both Singapore’s national journey and its proactive role in shaping global civil aviation policy.
Singapore became a member of ICAO in 1966, just one year after gaining independence. Over the decades, it has evolved into one of the world’s leading aviation hubs, underpinned by strong regulatory oversight, international collaboration, and innovation. Since 2003, Singapore has held a seat on the ICAO Council—the organization’s policy and decision-making body—and has also been a member of the Air Navigation Commission (ANC) since 2006. Notably, Singapore held the ANC presidency in 2010 and 2011.
Today, Singapore participates actively across ICAO’s technical and policy forums. It serves on 17 ICAO panels and nearly 100 expert groups, with Singaporean professionals occupying 21 leadership roles. This extensive involvement reflects Singapore’s commitment to contributing constructively to international aviation governance and standards-setting.
Singapore’s contribution to ICAO is not limited to policymaking. It is also a major partner in aviation training and capacity building. The Singapore Aviation Academy, the training arm of CAAS, has trained over 160,000 aviation professionals from more than 200 states and territories. The Academy has awarded over 9,500 scholarships and fellowships through initiatives such as the ICAO-Singapore Directors-General of Civil Aviation Programme and the ICAO-Singapore Developing Countries Training Programme, both aimed at enhancing global aviation leadership and expertise.
A recent example of Singapore’s substantive contribution is the adoption of the revised ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) for Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS). These updated regulations, which were endorsed by the ICAO Council in March 2025 and will take effect globally in August 2025, offer more flexible use of airspace around aerodromes without compromising safety.
This milestone was led by a Singaporean expert, Mr Mohamed Fadzil Bin Mohamed Jakaria of CAAS, who chaired the ICAO Task Force reviewing OLS standards since 2017. His leadership was instrumental in building consensus among ICAO Member States and modernizing the technical framework for aerodrome design and airspace usage.
Reflecting on the occasion, Mr Edmund Cheng, Chairman of CAAS, highlighted the spirit of collaboration that has defined Singapore’s aviation journey. “As Singapore marks 60 years of independence, we take this moment to reflect on the friendships that have enriched our journey,” he said. “Through ICAO, we have forged deep and lasting bonds with partners worldwide—built on trust, understanding, and mutual respect.”
Mr Salvatore Sciacchitano, President of the ICAO Council, praised Singapore’s active role in ICAO, stating, “Singapore has been an exemplary member of our organization, contributing invaluable expertise and leadership to advance global aviation planning, standards, and implementation.”
For artist Delia Prvački, the sculpture is more than a visual statement. “Civil aviation epitomizes global connectivity,” she said. “It is my aspiration that this sculpture will continue to inspire imagination and contribute to the pursuit of friendship and peace throughout the world.”
As Singapore looks ahead, this commemorative moment affirms its commitment to advancing international civil aviation through partnerships, innovation, and the shared values of global cooperation.
