Ex-SQ stewardess Lynn Koh leads community advancement at cancer Society
Former Singapore Airlines stewardess Lynn Koh transitioned from aviation to social services after witnessing a passenger death and later supporting her best friend through a cancer diagnosis, The 38-year-old now leads community advancement for the Singapore Cancer Society.
From Cabin Crew to Corporate Marketing
Koh flew as a cabin crew member with Singapore Airlines from 2010 to 2014. Three years into her flying career on a flight bound for Auckland, New Zealand, she spoke briefly with a middle-aged male passenger traveling alone before taking her scheduled break. When she returned, she found her colleagues performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the same passenger.
The flight diverted to Sydney for local authorities to attend to the deceased passenger. The event prompted Koh to reflect on the unpredictability of life. In 2015, she transitioned to a corporate role within Singapore Airlines’ loyalty marketing department, curating events for top customers until 2018.
Building a Career in Social Services
Following her time in corporate marketing, Koh built an eight-year career in the public and social services sector. Her background includes roles at the National Council of Social Services, the Agency for Integrated Care, and the Football Association of Singapore.
Her dedication to volunteer work began earlier during her undergraduate studies at the National University of Singapore, where she read communications and new media from 2007 to 2010. Through the Youth Expedition Project, she traveled annually to Siem Reap, Cambodia, to teach English, refurbish an orphanage, and help build a house for a local family. She continued these trips yearly even while working as a flight attendant.
Koh Leads Fundraising for Singapore Cancer Society
Koh currently serves as the head of community advancement in the Singapore Cancer Society, where she leads a team of six in driving fundraising and partnerships. The organization provides cancer support across all stages of the patient journey.
Her commitment to the cause deepened after her best friend, who is also in her 30s and has two young children, was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago. Koh and a group of friends rallied to support her friend through regular check-ins and presence during treatment. Through her work at the Singapore Cancer Society, Koh noted the broader statistics indicating that one in four people is at risk of developing cancer before reaching 75 years of age.