SINGAPORE - After a tiring 14-hour flight from Singapore to London, leading steward Nizam Kamarraj took on another 15-hour job that was not on his schedule.
The 47-year-old had met an elderly passenger on the flight who was anxious about taking a five-hour coach ride from London to Plymouth where she was moving to a retirement home - so kind-hearted Mr Kamarraj offered to accompany her.
As well as joining her on the ride, he also helped the 86-year-old wheelchair user with her five pieces of luggage and even helped her to unpack and settle into the nursing home before heading back to London.
On Friday (July 6), Mr Kamarraj was one of eight recipients of the Soaring Star award, given out at the Singapore Airlines (SIA) CEO Service Excellence Awards held at the JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach.
Mr Kamarraj, who has worked with SIA for 21 years, said: "When I came back and reached the hotel, my in-flight manager, chief steward and a friend were all waiting for me. They had food and drinks all ready for me. The beautiful part is teamwork, everybody played a part."
The annual award ceremony, previously known as CEO Transforming Customer Service Awards, recognises exemplary individuals and teams for their outstanding service performance. A total of 29 awards were given out.
Senior customer service officer Nurfatinahidora Mohd Amin, 24, also won a Soaring Star award, after making sure that the daughter of a worried couple made it back to Singapore from the United States, where she was travelling alone for the first time and faced tight flight connections.
"After helping passengers, regardless of what situation it is, it gives me a sense of satisfaction and I feel good helping others. Not only that, but I also make the passenger feel good," said Ms Nurfatinahidorah, who has been working with SIA for three years.
"I didn't think I would get this award because I believe that there are other people who also deserve this award. Winning this award has encouraged me and motivated me to want to do better in my job."
