Rebuilding the image of Changi Airport to pave the way to open the skies

The case of the Indonesian maid, Ms Parti Liyani acquitted by the Singapore High Court after being convicted of stealing from Changi Airport boss Liew Mun Leong has, unfortunately, put Singapore in the spotlight.  And I read of most disturbing reports, it certainly does not augur well for Singapore and our airport.  

 

Raymond Anthony Fernando

There is a way to turn this negative incident into a positive one. And given that our newly appointed Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung is forward-looking, and receptive to the suggestions, I sent this proposal to him on Monday 14^th September 2020. The minister’s response is given at the foot of this proposal.

 

That said, we should never, never, allow circumstances to dictate our lives– because all of us face challenges in life. Bear in mind what the famous American author Oscar Wilde once said of the human race: "All of us are in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. "

 

Often one idea can springboard to yet another idea.   And I got the idea while looking at the stars at night in mid-September.

 

Be aware that the stars from above give us hope – down below.

 

The idea of Singapore Airlines (SIA) to allow a 3-hour flight to nowhere can be expanded to include inviting persons with special needs on any of these flights – at no cost. It can be sponsored by SIA and her partners.  

Special needs persons can include people with mental illness who have recovered, caregivers who have ‘weathered storms’, senior citizens and those in the lower income bracket. Well trained healthcare workers can be on hand to assist. This is yet another good way to accord recognition and appreciation to our hard-working front-liners.

 

A little souvenir from SIA can be a good remembrance for the ‘adoptees’ to treasure.  Think about it!

 

Meals can be sponsored either on the plane OR at Jewel. The underlying message is to show the world that both SIA and Changi Airport are excellent corporate citizens who give back to society – both in good and bad times. 

 

Then highlight this in the media, and see how we can turn a crisis into an opportunity.   

 

Need not necessarily show the faces of those with special needs, but a sharp producer or journalist can bring out the story in a creative way that ‘moves’ people.

 

The marginalised who may not have been given the opportunity to travel, for whatever reason, will be delighted with this possible once-in-a-lifetime experience.

 

However, as the aviation industry is facing financial challenges, perhaps sponsors or philanthropists can tie-up with our national carrier to undertake this community outreach.   Even ordinary citizens can offer to sponsor a seat/s for special needs citizens, and this gesture will help build a truly united Singapore where everyone looks out for one another

SIA has put Singapore on the world map, and we all can play a part to let it take to the skies – once again. With positive publicity, we can turn a crisis into an opportunity. 

 

Given the negative publicity of the Indonesian maid, Ms Parti , Indonesia  could be watching this case closely, and it can affect bilateral ties. We need to go into damage control.

 

Thus, to debunk any notion that Singapore does not treat her hired helpers well, why not those with special needs like the elderly could be accompanied by their helpers as per my proposal. It is a good way to turn a negative situation into a positive one. And that will help to send a clear message that Singapore does care for the welfare of its maids.

 

Reply from Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung on Tuesday 15^th September 2020

 

Hi Raymond,

Thanks for your suggestions. These are interesting ideas, will share them with SIA.

Regards

Ong Ye Kung