Lynn Koh trades Singapore Airlines cabin crew career for social services
Former Singapore Airlines stewardess Lynn Koh transitioned from the aviation industry to the social services sector after experiencing an unexpected mid-flight death on a route to Auckland, New Zealand, stomp.sg reported. Koh, who flew with the carrier from 2010 to 2014, currently serves as the head of community advancement at the Singapore Cancer Society.
The pivotal moment occurred three years into her flying career on a flight bound for Auckland. Koh spoke briefly with a middle-aged male passenger traveling alone before her scheduled break. Upon exiting the break room, she discovered colleagues performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the same passenger, who had died.
“It was just casual chats, you know, it was perfectly fine,” Koh recounted to stomp.sg regarding her initial conversation. She described feeling stunned but had to continue serving other passengers calmly while the flight diverted to Sydney for local authorities to handle the deceased passenger.
Corporate transition at Singapore Airlines
About a year after the incident in 2015, Koh left her role as cabin crew to join Singapore Airlines’ loyalty marketing department. She made the switch to experience ground operations and challenge herself with a predictable corporate environment.
Despite leaving the skies, the Sydney flight incident stayed with her. That experience eventually steered her career path toward social services. Before joining her current non-profit role, Koh worked in the public sector for over eight years, taking positions with the National Council of Social Services, the Agency for Integrated Care, and the Football Association of Singapore.
Driving community advancement at the Singapore Cancer Society
In her current leadership position at the Singapore Cancer Society, Koh manages a team of six professionals focused on fundraising and partnerships. The non-profit organization delivers support systems for patients throughout every stage of their cancer journey.
Koh and a circle of friends rallied to provide round-the-clock support, check in regularly, and be present for the family during treatment. Witnessing her friend’s resilience and grace motivated Koh to address public health statistics, noting that one in four individuals faces a cancer risk before turning 75.
Early volunteer roots in Cambodia
Koh’s commitment to community service traces back to her undergraduate studies at the National University of Singapore, where she pursued a degree in communications and new media between 2007 and 2010. During those years, she joined the Youth Expedition Project and traveled annually to Siem Reap, Cambodia, to volunteer at a local orphanage.
Those month-long trips involved teaching English, upgrading facilities, and constructing a house for a village family. Even after graduating and joining Singapore Airlines, Koh maintained the tradition by taking annual leave during the year-end holiday season to organize volunteer trips to the same Cambodian orphanage with a small group of friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Lynn Koh work as a flight attendant?
Koh flew as a stewardess with Singapore Airlines from 2010 to 2014 before moving into a corporate marketing role within the company from 2015 to 2018.
What prompted Lynn Koh to leave aviation?
A flight diversion to Sydney following the sudden death of a passenger on an Auckland-bound route made her reflect on the unpredictability of life, eventually inspiring her move to ground-based corporate and social service roles.
What does Lynn Koh do at the Singapore Cancer Society?
Koh works as the head of community advancement, leading a team of six to drive fundraising initiatives and strategic partnerships for the non-profit organization.