yea CAAS couldn't convert MPL into ATPL even after they've hit 1500hrs, that's quite sad as CAAS approved the MPL programme back in 2009 but didn't anticipate that one day these MPL holders will end up with ATPL too.
The first ever batch of MPL from STAA graduated and joined Tigerair in November 2011.. If they've flown maximum 1000hrs per year, they will be very close to 3000hrs by now.
By around 4000hrs, Tigerair would have recommended them for captaincy..
