The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) successfully concluded its fourth regional workshop of 2025 on "Future-Proofing Airport Development: Leveraging Technological Innovations for Enhanced Terminal Operations" in Singapore on 22-23 October 2025. The two-day programme brought together 65 airport professionals from across Asia-Pacific and Middle East to explore cutting-edge technologies transforming airport operations.
Hosted in partnership with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), Singapore Aviation Academy (SAA), Singapore Changi Airport, and CIFAL Singapore at Nanyang Technological University, the workshop continues UNITAR's Airports and Economic Development Global Training Programme in collaboration with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and the Georgia Institute of Technology's Enterprise Innovation Institute.
The workshop addressed the convergence of artificial intelligence, automation, biometric systems, and predictive analytics, technologies that offer unprecedented opportunities to enhance efficiency while managing exponential passenger growth. Ms. Charmaine Liu, Director of Singapore Aviation Academy and International Relations at CAAS , emphasized in her opening remarks the importance of translating technological capability into operational excellence through skilled leadership and strategic implementation.
Cybersecurity: The Critical Foundation
Dr. Michael Barker, Cybersecurity Expert from Georgia Institute of Technology led comprehensive sessions on cybersecurity, addressing the unique challenges facing airports in Asia and the Middle East. His interactive "Operation SkyShield" tabletop exercise engaged participants in real-world threat scenarios, emphasizing that in an era of hyper-connected airports, cybersecurity has evolved from a back-office concern to a frontline priority.
"As airports across Asia and the Middle East evolve into smart hubs, the cybersecurity stakes have never been higher," Dr. Barker noted, highlighting threats from ransomware attacks to risks introduced by AI, automation, and third-party integrations.
Building Lasting Networks
Ms. Estrella Merlos, UNITAR's Senior Policy Specialist and Global Head of Transport and Mobility, reflected on the workshop's impact: "Singapore's world-class airport ecosystem provides an ideal laboratory for understanding how technology, policy, and human expertise converge to create next-generation airports. The knowledge exchanged here will enable participants to lead transformation initiatives that promote future-ready airports."
The workshop attracted participants from 10 countries including Australia, Indonesia, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, and the United States, creating a rich environment for cross-regional learning and collaboration. This diversity of perspectives strengthened discussions on common challenges while respecting regional contexts and constraints.
Looking Forward
As the airport industry navigates post-pandemic recovery while preparing for future growth, the Singapore workshop underscored that technological innovation must be paired with strategic vision, robust cybersecurity, and human-centered design. With Asia-Pacific projected to drive much of global airport growth in coming decades, the insights shared will prove invaluable for airports seeking to balance efficiency, sustainability, and passenger experience.
The Airports and Economic Development Global Training Programme continues its mission to build a global network of innovative, economically vibrant airports that serve as catalysts for sustainable development, while fostering airport-to-airport collaboration and knowledge exchange.
