Thanks for the information Starburst3128 and Knightwhosays_NI.
The reduced intakes probably reflects the decline in aircraft passenger traffic. Read in the papers yesterday that SIA is going to park a Big Top in the desert too. Maybe the recruitment rate has been adjusted to meet the replacement rate of retiring pilots (I dont think any crew in their right mind would leave the company in these times)? Anyway, I will just send in my application in the coming weeks.
Nothing ventred, nothing gained (or lost)!!
And all the best to those who are applying or in the process of applying for the cadetship.