Singapore and Japan Aerospace Bodies to Expand Collaboration in Aerospace, UAS and Space Tokyo

6 July 2026

The Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore) (AAIS) and the Society of Japanese Aerospace Companies (SJAC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen exchanges between Singapore and Japan's aerospace industries. The collaboration spans commercial aviation, the emerging unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) sector, and the rapidly growing space economy.

The agreement was formalised on the sidelines of the SPACETIDE Conference in Tokyo, signed by Mr Chew Hwee Yong, Chief Executive of AAIS, and Mr Takumi Fujino, President of SJAC, and witnessed by Ms Ngiam Le Na, Chief Executive of the National Space Agency of Singapore (NSAS), and Dr Hiroshi Yamakawa, President of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). It marks the first official framework for collaboration between the two associations, building on years of engagement between AAIS and SJAC, and widening the partnership to reflect new opportunities in emerging technologies and the expanding Asia-Pacific space market.

The MOU sets out a framework for knowledge sharing, business networking, and joint initiatives between the two associations. As Asia-Pacific's aerospace, drones and space industries continue to expand, both associations see opportunities to accelerate innovation and commercial applications, strengthen regional supply chains, and foster new business partnerships.

To coincide with the signing, AAIS is leading a mission to the SPACETIDE Conference, with a dozen representatives from Singapore's aerospace and space ecosystem, including industry, government agencies and academia. The delegation will participate in company visits to engage with Japanese organisations and businesses, panel discussions to exchange insights on developments in the space sector, and meetings to explore opportunities for future collaboration.

"AAIS has enjoyed many productive engagements with SJAC and our Japanese counterparts over the years. This MOU builds on that strong foundation while expanding our collaboration into important emerging sectors including space and UAS,” said Mr Chew Hwee Yong, Chief Executive of AAIS. “There is tremendous potential in aligning our complementary strengths. Japan's technological excellence and industrial capabilities, together with Singapore's role as a regional aerospace and business hub and a growing centre for research and innovation, provide a strong platform for companies and institutions from both countries to co-develop solutions, forge new partnerships and capture opportunities across the Asia-Pacific region."