SIA Cabin Crew ‘Legend’ Reflects on 46 Years in the Skies: Missed Birthdays, Jet Lag and Meeting Lee Kuan Yew
For nearly half a century, Ng Yak Keng’s workplace was not a typical office or boardroom—it was the skies. The veteran Singapore Airlines (SIA) cabin crew member, affectionately known as a “legend” among colleagues, recently retired after 46 years of service. Even now, at 67, Mr Ng’s polished appearance and warm smile reflect a lifetime of professionalism, discipline, and dedication that has left a deep mark on the airline and its passengers.
Meeting him on a Friday afternoon in his Tampines flat, one is immediately struck by how composed and gracious he remains. His black hair is still neatly slicked back, and his thick-framed glasses sit perfectly on his nose. His manner is calm, measured, and unfailingly courteous—a testament to years of training and experience in high-pressure environments.
Yet, despite decades spent hundreds of feet above the ground, Mr Ng reveals a surprising fact: he has always had a fear of heights, something that bemused his family when he first started flying. “They couldn’t understand it at all,” he chuckled when recalling their reactions. But this fear never deterred him from a career that required constant travel, unpredictable schedules, and long hours away from home.
A Life Spent in the Clouds
For Mr Ng, working as a cabin crew member wasn’t glamorous alone—it came with its share of challenges and sacrifices. The job demanded constant adaptability: dealing with jet lag, adjusting to multiple time zones, and coping with erratic sleeping patterns. Birthdays, anniversaries, and family milestones were often missed, traded for duty schedules and international flights.
“I’ve lost count of how many birthdays I’ve missed,” he said with a soft smile. “There were times when I wanted to call home, but schedules wouldn’t allow it, or I’d be halfway across the world.”
But through the fatigue and personal sacrifices, he found purpose in serving others. “The satisfaction from helping passengers, ensuring their safety and comfort—it’s priceless,” he reflected.
Meeting Lee Kuan Yew
Among the most treasured memories from his career is a chance encounter with Singapore’s founding father, Lee Kuan Yew. Mr Ng recalled serving on flights where Mr Lee was on board, a privilege that left a lasting impression.
“It was a moment of pride,” Mr Ng said. “To be trusted to serve such an important passenger and to represent the airline with the utmost professionalism—it reminded me why I chose this career.”
The encounter wasn’t about celebrity or prestige but about upholding the values of discipline, excellence, and care—principles Mr Lee was known for and that Mr Ng carried throughout his career.
A Model of Service
Those who worked with Mr Ng describe him as a calm and reassuring presence, always ready to assist colleagues and passengers alike. His attention to detail, patience, and ability to diffuse stressful situations made him an anchor for younger crew members.
“He was someone we looked up to,” one colleague remarked. “He always handled every situation with grace, and you could see that he genuinely cared for the passengers.”
Even in retirement, Mr Ng’s commitment to service remains intact. He continues to offer advice to younger crew members and stays connected with former colleagues, often attending airline events or sharing his experiences with aspiring cabin crew.
Coping with Jet Lag and Isolation
Despite his years of experience, Mr Ng admitted that jet lag was never fully mastered. “You adjust, but you never fully get rid of it,” he laughed. “Sometimes your body just refuses to cooperate.”
The loneliness that comes with being away from family and friends was another challenge. “There are nights when I’d be in a hotel room, thousands of miles from home, and all I wanted was to call my children or hear familiar voices,” he said. But rather than dwell on what he missed, he chose to focus on the opportunities the job brought him—new cultures, diverse passengers, and lifelong friendships.
Reflections on Retirement
Now that he’s retired, Mr Ng looks back with gratitude rather than regret. “I gave it my all,” he said. “There were tough days, but every flight taught me something new.”
His advice to younger crew members and those entering the service industry is simple: “Stay humble, be patient, and always put others first.”
He hopes that his story will inspire a new generation to embrace careers in hospitality and service—not as glamorous roles, but as vocations rooted in compassion, resilience, and integrity.
A Legacy in the Skies
As Singapore Airlines continues to be a global leader in customer service and hospitality, the contributions of individuals like Ng Yak Keng form the bedrock of that reputation. He embodies what it means to serve with dignity, empathy, and excellence—a reminder that behind every flight is a team of individuals dedicated to making journeys safer, more comfortable, and memorable.
In the end, his career was not defined by miles traveled or destinations reached but by the countless faces he greeted with warmth and care.
