How long have you been playing soccer?
About eight or nine years – I started when I was 15 years old, playing for a local club. I now play for leisure.
How long have you been flying with SIA? And what motivated you to sign up as a cabin crew?
10 years now. My then-girlfriend wanted to join the Airline and asked me to come along. I was accepted first, and she started working with Singapore Airlines two years later. She’s now my wife, and we have 2 children.
In what ways has becoming a cabin crew changed your life?
I’ve travelled to many places. Visiting countries like India and witnessing poverty has changed my perspective and made me a lot more content with what I have. Prior to being cabin crew, I worked in several part-time jobs and was a professional soccer player.
SEE ALSO: Putting her best foot forward on stage and onboard
What are your favourite things about being a cabin crew?
As a family man, travelling for work gives me time alone to myself. I spend about 10 to 13 days in Singapore per month. On board the aircraft, I’m motivated to perform better every time a passenger says he has experienced good service, or when a junior crew member thanks me for my help.
Where are your favourite destinations?
I love London, because everything is accessible, from food to attractions. As a Liverpool soccer fan, I always try to catch a game whenever I’m there. I love walking around the city too, it’s like a second home for me. I love the buzz of big cities like Barcelona and New York.
What is your favourite thing to do when you arrive at a destination?
After I get some rest, I look for a spot to have a good cup of coffee with a slice of cake – I have a sweet tooth. In Barcelona, next to the Hilton Hotel, there’s a shopping mall with a cafe in the basement serving good desserts.
How do you balance your soccer training with work?
Our cabin crew junior team of soccer players try to meet up at least once a month for training. Most of us are former professional soccer players, and we make it a point to train together often so that our playing styles click. We’ve been having tournaments with other companies for years. As a soccer player, there’s always the risk of injury. On the field, I tell myself to not be emotional and walk away from huge tackles. I’m not playing in the World Cup after all.
How does your commitment to football relate to your commitment to service onboard?
Teamwork. How you organise your service is all about teamwork.
SEE ALSO: Dedicated to Singapore Airlines, and to each other
Experience a career beyond the ordinary! Visit singaporeair.com/cabincrewcareers to find out how you can join us as a cabin crew member.
– TEXT BY CARA YAP
PHOTOGRAPHY: VERONICA TAY
STYLING: GRACE LIM
MAKEUP: HONGLING
HAIR: ANN / ATHENS SALON
OUTFIT, SHOES AND PROP: ADIDAS
This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings.
