Nadirah Aleeya Binte Danial Abdullah was awarded the Singapore Airlines (SIA) Foundation Award in 2024 while pursuing a Higher Nitec in Passenger Services at the Institute of Technical Education.
Youth Uplift Programme
From Trainee to Full-time: Nadirah Joins the SIA Team
Nadirah's journey reflects how her traineeship with SIA built her confidence, empathy and composure for a career in airline service.
During her five-month traineeship at the Singapore Airlines Service Centre in ION Orchard, Nadirah served as a Customer Service trainee. She appreciated the rare opportunity to be part of the SIA team helping with passenger services.
"I never imagined I'd have the opportunity to work in Singapore Airlines as an 18-year-old, and this experience has been a great stepping stone as I begin my career," said Nadirah.
Nadirah (back row third from the right) with her colleagues from the Singapore Airlines Service Centre at ION Orchard for their team event.
Each day was different as the team worked together to address passengers' concerns, and she learnt how empathy and composure are necessary skills for the role. Observing everything in action, from frontline service to coordination with other teams, helped her to connect classroom learning with the realities of airline operations.
In March 2026, Nadirah joined SIA as a full-time customer services officer.
The SIA Foundation awards 20 ITE and Polytechnic students each year under the Youth Uplift Programme, working with partner schools to select recipients.