By Ahmad Osman

MS FAITH Li Xin En, a senior manager in the air transport division of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), is only 27 years old while most of her international counterparts are older and have many years of experience in the aviation industry. But for her, the age factor is not so daunting, as her local colleagues are also young managers in the same division.

Her priority is to pursue air services liberalisation and secure air traffic rights that will allow carriers to expand their flight operations at Changi Airport and in turn enhance Singapore's air hub status.

During the consultations to liberalise Singapore's air services agreements, Ms Li and her teammates strive hard to address their foreign counterparts' interests and concerns. She says: 'This requires strong negotiation skills and a good understanding of the other countries' aviation policies.

'It is a challenge to ensure that we are not discounted at first impression due to our lack of grey or white hairs.

'In liaising with our counterparts, it is extra important that we come across as mature, confident and capable individuals.

'We have to demonstrate quickly that we are able to understand and handle complex issues and engage in intelligent discussions.'

Married to a civil servant, Ms Li is a CAAS scholar who graduated from the University of California at Berkeley.

She rejected overseas scholarships offered by a few government agencies because she wanted to join CAAS.

Apart from managing one of the best airports in the world, CAAS also helps Singapore to grow as a key aviation hub.

CAAS' air transport division represents Singapore in consultations to liberalise and facilitate the growth of air services between the republic and other countries. It also builds good relations with key aviation partners. Last year, Singapore concluded open skies agreements with five European Union member states, including Portugal and Denmark.

'There are only a few organisations here that offer the wide scope of work that CAAS does,' says Ms Li.

'We operate in a highly dynamic industry that spans the world. So naturally, working at CAAS also provides for a high degree of international exposure.'

Ms Li had the flexibility to pick her courses at the university. She studied geography and international and area studies.

She joined CAAS in 2004 and is currently overseeing the Europe, Americas and China air services portfolios.

She has opportunities to travel widely and meet people from various parts of the globe, including experienced aviation industry professionals who share their knowledge with her. She continues to learn how to help Singapore tackle the impact of new developments in the industry.

She was posted to the air transport division in September 2007 after working in the human resource and airline development divisions at CAAS.

Three months later, she attended a three-week London Business School executive education course on leadership development. She picked up new leadership skills and spent the time in London learning how to be a better leader and mentor.

She says she continues to maintain contact with her coursemates from different parts of the world working in various industries.

'Their experiences, perspectives and feedback helped me to better appreciate and deal with the cross-cultural nuances and intricacies of working relationships.'

The course she attended is part of CAAS' efforts to develop its officers' leadership skills and prepare them for more senior positions.

CAAS, Ms Li notes, recognises talent and rewards good performance.

She says: 'While the work can be hectic at times, I have also been able to enjoy a certain degree of work-life balance.

'This has allowed me to spend time with family and friends and pursue my own personal interests.'

Last December, she fulfilled her 2008 New Year resolution to complete her first Standard Chartered Half Marathon 'in a pretty decent time'.

She says it is hard to find another job with the same kind of opportunities to build her career and leadership skills.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on January 24, 2009.