Former Singapore Airlines stewardess Lynn Koh transitioned from the aviation industry to the social services sector after experiencing an onboard medical emergency and supporting her best friend through a cancer diagnosis, stomp.sg reported. Koh flew with the airline from 2010 to 2014 before working in corporate roles within the company until 2018.
Lynn Koh Experiences an Onboard Medical Emergency on a Flight Bound for Auckland, New Zealand
Three years into her flying career, Koh spoke briefly with a middle-aged male passenger traveling alone on a flight bound for Auckland, New Zealand. When her break ended, she exited the break room to find her colleagues performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the same passenger. The flight diverted to Sydney for local authorities to attend to the deceased passenger before takeoff. About a year later, in 2015, Koh transitioned to a corporate role within Singapore Airlines’ loyalty marketing department, curating events for top customers for about five years.
Serving the Singapore Cancer Society After a Best Friend’s Diagnosis
Koh currently works as the head of community advancement at the Singapore Cancer Society, leading a team of six in driving fundraising and partnerships. The 38-year-old took on the role partly due to her best friend’s breast cancer diagnosis. She and several friends rallied to support her friend, who has two young children, through regular check-ins and presence. Koh has spent about eight years in the social services sector, including stints at the National Council of Social Services, the Agency for Integrated Care, and the Football Association of Singapore.
Volunteering Annually in Siem Reap, Cambodia Since University
Koh’s dedication to service began while studying communications and new media at the National University of Singapore between 2007 and 2010. She joined the Youth Expedition Project, traveling annually to Siem Reap, Cambodia, to volunteer at an orphanage. During month-long trips, she and her friends taught English, refurbished the compound, and helped build a house for a village family. She continued these trips during her years as a flight attendant by taking annual leave near Christmas to distribute necessities and gifts with friends.
Mentoring Flight Attendants Seeking Career Transitions
Koh regularly misses cabin crew life and states she would do it all over again, but her passion for social services ultimately drove her shift. She has recently connected with other flight attendants wanting to change careers, including one she met as a passenger on a Singapore Airlines flight. Koh shared her transition experience and advised the stewardess not to underestimate her capabilities beyond the airline. That flight attendant eventually left the company and is now performing well in her new path.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lynn Koh’s Career Transition
Why did Lynn Koh leave Singapore Airlines?
Koh transitioned from flying to a corporate role in 2015 to experience work on the ground and challenge herself. She later moved into the social services sector, driven by a desire to impact more people and influenced by an in-flight medical emergency she witnessed.
What is Lynn Koh’s current role at the Singapore Cancer Society?
Koh serves as the head of community advancement, where she leads a team of six employees focused on driving fundraising and partnerships for the non-profit organization.
How long did Lynn Koh work as a flight attendant?
Koh worked as a cabin crew member with Singapore Airlines from 2010 to 2014 before moving into a corporate role within the airline’s loyalty marketing department from 2015 to 2018.
What volunteer work did Koh do in Cambodia?
Starting during her undergraduate studies at the National University of Singapore, Koh traveled annually to Siem Reap to teach English, refurbish an orphanage, and build houses for local families.