Proud moment: Veena Angelina (left) and Sarah Elissa are part of the first batch of four Orang Asli cabin crew for MAS. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: After spending over 20 years in the comfort of her village, Veena Angelina Jincis from the Semai Orang Asli group decided to challenge herself by taking up a job as a flight attendant with national carrier Malaysia Airlines.
The 22-year-old, who is from Kampung Orang Asli Batu Tiga in Tapah, Perak, aced her interview and five-month-long training at MAB Academy earlier this year, and officially began serving aboard Malaysia Airlines flights on May 7.
She admitted to feeling homesick whenever she was away at work, but said her mother’s encouragement never fails to strengthen her resolve to build a career that is synonymous with glamour, and one that is rarely pursued by members of her community.
In a statement dated July 12, Malaysia Airlines announced the intake of the first batch of four Orang Asli cabin crew, describing it as a milestone reflecting its ongoing commitment to “promoting diversity and inclusion within our workforce, ensuring equal opportunities for all, regardless of their background”.
Besides Veena Angelina, the three others recruited by Malaysia Airlines are Sarah Elissa Tang Aman, Amyisha Nurshahira Rosman and Alzariza Alwi.
“Seeing Orang Asli joining an airline as cabin crew is an eye opener for many people. But it shows indigenous people too can pursue the same dream,” said Veena Angelina when contacted by Bernama recently.
She said she found herself onboard Malaysia Airlines after attending just one interview, much to her surprise.
“I am still adapting to the culture here, considering this is my first job outside of Perak. Before this, I only worked in the surrounding areas. I am grateful because I have friends who have supported me since the day I joined,” she said.
Veena Angelina, who has a Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia certificate, said what attracted her to the airline industry was the stylish appearance of flight attendants she often saw on television.
However, her perception of the career changed after nearly three months of service.
“The job of a flight attendant is not as easy as it seems,” she said.
To ensure the safety of passengers, she has to stay focused throughout the flight; she also has to communicate effectively with passengers from different backgrounds and countries as well as fulfil the responsibility of providing the best hospitality as an ambassador representing the nation.
Sarah Elissa, 24, who was originally from Kampung Sungai Miak, Bentong, Pahang, and grew up in Selangor, said initially during the training period, she and the three other Orang Asli trainees often felt inferior for being the minority.
“I didn’t expect us all to pass every test with flying colours.
“We all cried together because we felt isolated and had a hard time adjusting compared to others during the training. So when we all passed the exams, it felt like a real achievement. I will never forget that moment ... we cried because we managed to defy the perspective that others had placed on us,” said Sarah Elissa, a Temuan Orang Asli, who has a diploma in media technology.
She is grateful to her parents for supporting and enabling her to achieve her childhood dream of becoming a flight attendant.
“In my kampung, there are parents who don’t want to allow their children to explore the world outside. I hope our achievement will prove to other Orang Asli that no matter what one’s background is, if they get an opportunity, just go for it because opportunities like this don’t always come easily,” said Sarah Elissa.
