Malaysia Airlines Celebrates the First Batch of Orang Asli Cabin Crew Graduates

The airline reaffirms its commitment to service excellence; ranked among the

World’s Top 10 Best Airline Cabin Crew

KLIA, 12 July 2024 – Malaysia Airlines is delighted to onboard its first four Orang Asli cabin crew following the successful graduation of Batch 1/2024 and Batch 2/2024 after a rigorous three-month training programme at MAB Academy.

Amyisha Nurshahira A/P Rosman from Suku Jakun; Sarah Elissa Tang A/P Aman from Suku Temuan; Veena Angelina Bte Jincis from Suku Semai; and Alzariza A/P Alwi from Suku Semai are among the 56 cabin crew who have graduated, and have just begun serving aboard Malaysia Airlines’ flights since 7 May 2024. This after completing comprehensive training modules that covered grooming, public speaking, hospitality, first aid, hazardous materials handling, and aircraft familiarisation, which are meticulously designed to ensure they meet Malaysia Airlines’ standards of service excellence.

The graduation ceremony took place on 11 July 2024 and was attended by YBhg. Datuk Hajah Sapiah binti Dato’ Mohd Nor, Director General for the Department of Orang Asli Development.

Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), said, “We are proud to welcome the first batch of cabin crew from the Orang Asli community into the Malaysia Airlines family. This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within our workforce, ensuring equal opportunities for all, regardless of their background.

 Our comprehensive training programme ensures that all cabin crew receive the highest standards of service excellence and Malaysian Hospitality, delivering personalised and premium services that prioritise the comfort and satisfaction of our customers throughout their journey with us. We are committed to enhancing the travel experience for our global passengers and ensuring they feel at home through the diverse perspectives, warmth and hospitality that shape our workforce.”

In December 2023, in partnership with the Department of Orang Asli Development, Malaysia Airlines commenced the recruitment outreach in Pahang, Perak, and Johor, covering diverse ethnic groups such as Jakun, Temuan, Semai, among others. The airline will also take part in the Karnival Kerjaya Khas Untuk Orang Asli on 24 and 25 August 2024 as part of its cabin crew and cadet pilot outreach programme, underscoring its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in its workplace.

The airline also continues to ramp up efforts to recruit international cabin crew to promote diversity and personalise its service for its global customers. This includes recruitment of cabin crew from key markets such as India, Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia.

Malaysia Airlines recently earned a spot on the Top 10 World’s Best Airline Cabin Crew at the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2024, a significant climb from its previous position of 17th in 2023. The award acknowledges exceptional performance in both hard service (e.g., techniques, efficiency, attention to detail) and soft service characteristics (e.g., staff enthusiasm, attitude, friendliness, and hospitality), highlighting the cabin crew’s dedication to delivering professionalism, warmth, and top-tier hospitality to every passenger.

Furthermore, Malaysia Airlines has enhanced its standing among the World’s Top 100 Airlines, moving up to 39th place from 47th in 2023, demonstrating growing trust and confidence in the brand. The airline continues to integrate improvements across its end-to-end offerings. Recent enhancements include on-arrival lounge access for Business Suite and Enrich Platinum members, curated lounge menu offerings, and the introduction of luxury private transfer services at KLIA Terminal 1 for departing and arriving passengers.

Onboard, passengers can enjoy upgraded amenities, including special giveaways for young travellers on selected international routes, refreshed amenity kits, enhanced soft furnishings such as larger blankets and redesigned duvets and mattress covers, and refreshed in-flight dining offerings that celebrate both the rich flavours of Malaysian cuisine and the diverse global palates. These efforts underscore the airline’s intensified focus on ensuring passengers receive exceptional care throughout their journey.