Taking inspiration from her father’s journey, SIT student Shannon Ong Kai Lin is steering her own course towards a bright future in aviation.

Shannon Ong Kai Lin is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Air Transport Management at the Singapore Institute of Technology. (Photo: BrightMinds)

There’s something magical about flight, especially in the way it connects people and opens a world of possibilities. For Shannon Ong Kai Lin, that fascination didn’t begin in the skies, but at home. While flipping through her father’s memorabilia from his time as a ground controller in the Republic of Singapore Air Force, she came across a commendation medal he had received for averting a potential mishap. That award sparked her curiosity about aviation.

She then began reading about air traffic control — the intricate systems that keep the skies safe and orderly. “I’ve always loved travelling, and the idea that aviation connects people and turns dreams into reality truly resonates with me,” she said.

Fuelled by that early spark, Shannon sought to pursue a diploma in aviation. Driven by a desire to gain a deeper and more holistic understanding of the aviation industry, she enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Air Transport Management at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). She was drawn to the university’s hands-on, applied learning approach, where theory is paired with practical projects that reflect real-world industry challenges — thanks to SIT’s strong links with industry.

For instance, SIT collaborates closely with industry partners like the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore to keep its programmes relevant. This ensures students like Shannon pick up knowledge and skills that reflect today’s aviation realities while equipping them for the future.

Aviation Through a Strategic Lenses

In her programme, Shannon explores key areas such as airline operations, business strategy, and cargo management. Modules like Airline Network and Fleet Planning and Airport and Airline Marketing have pushed her to view aviation through a strategic, business-oriented lens.

“One thing that surprised me was how complex airline route planning is,” Shannon shared. “It’s not just about connecting cities; there are so many factors at play, from consumer demand to fuel costs and geopolitical issues. It really opened my eyes to the strategy behind every flight.”

A particularly impactful module was Aviation Regulatory Policy and Air Law, where she and her classmates analysed the MH370 incident. Their challenge was to determine which stakeholders should be responsible for compensating affected families, and the amounts they should receive. “There wasn’t a clear right or wrong answer,” she recalled. “What made it meaningful was applying what we learnt in class to a real-world situation. It really pushed us to think critically and justify our views.”

In the Airport Operations module, Shannon uses VR simulations to tackle real-world scenarios. (Photo: BrightMinds)

Radiating Joy Throughout the Campus

Beyond her studies, Shannon is actively involved in student life. She served as Vice-President (Engagement) on her programme’s Student Management Committee, organising non-academic events to help her peers enjoy university beyond the classroom. “I really enjoy event planning, so this role was a perfect fit,” she elaborated.

One of her most memorable experiences was organising an orientation for incoming juniors to break the ice. The event featured bonding activities, including an Amazing Race around Changi Airport. She added, “It was a great experience seeing everyone have fun and form connections!”

She also brought a Halloween-themed photobooth to campus. With some planning and support from a classmate, she partnered with Solace Studios, one of Singapore’s largest photobooth companies. “The event happened during one of the busiest times in the trimester, with assignments and tests, so it gave everyone a little breather and something fun to enjoy,” Shannon recalled. “Plus, the photo strips made for great keepsakes, especially since they were free!” For her, seeing how a simple idea could bring so much joy was the most rewarding part.

Taking Flight into the Future

With just a year until graduation, Shannon will embark on a new chapter this September on an eight-month internship with Changi Airport Group through SIT’s flagship Integrated Work Study Programme (IWSP). As part of the Quality Service Management department, she will work closely with airport partners to support service excellence and organise engagement events and award initiatives for the airport community. “I’m really looking forward to learning from the experience and seeing how different teams work together to shape the airport experience,” she said with a smile.

Shannon’s ultimate goal is to become an Air Traffic Controller, following in her father’s footsteps. Beyond the technical know-how that she has picked up, she has also sharpened her communication and problem-solving abilities — vital soft skills that are emphasised as part of SIT’s Industry-Ready Skills Framework. “These are crucial skills for the job, and I am confident they will support me in my career journey,” she reflected.

To students considering embarking on a programme at SIT, Shannon advised: “If you prefer hands-on learning and want to be prepared for the real world, I’d say SIT is a great choice. You won’t just be memorising theories as you’ll actually get to apply them in real projects. The university also works closely with industry partners, so what you’re learning is always relevant and up to date!”

Ready to take flight on your own career journey? Explore what SIT has to offer at singaporetech.edu.sg/admissions.

This article was first published in BrightMinds.