From The Straits Times    |

Mother’s Day may be over, but that doesn’t stop us from celebrating the superwomen in our lives.

As the Inflight Manager for Tiger Airways, Annie Teo, 46, is the perfect example of a working mum who not only is a caring and loving mother to her two teenage children, but manages her career and plays the role of “mum” at work to perfection too.

Being responsible for training 400 members of the cabin crew staff, as well as conducting safety and standard procedures for the airline for more than a decade now, this “Mum” is integral to the airline in more ways than one.

Annie shares just why she enjoys being in the mentorship role, gives us useful travel tips and how she balances her career and her family at the same time.

HWP: What do you enjoy most about your job?

Annie Teo: I enjoy interacting with people, so this job allows me to work with a crew that is as diverse as the 33 destinations that Tiger Airways flies to. It hones my communication skills when I have to manage an international crew with multiple cultures, nationalities and ethnicities.

A perk of working at Tiger Airways is the discounted fares, giving my children the opportunity to travel since a very young age, widening their perspective and allowing them to increase their level of confidence.

HWP: As a mother of two teenagers, how do you cope with both your career and caring for them at the same time?

AT: As a working mum, I don’t get much time to relax or catch up with my favourite television programmes. Instead, I spend my free time with my children, reminding them of values and etiquette that I have taught them since they were young.

HWP: How has being a mother benefited your role as a manager at work, and vice versa?

AT: Mentorship is a key requirement in my job scope. Being a mother has enabled me to share the values, etiquette and experiences that I teach my children with the crew. I am also able to offer guidance to some of the younger crew members.

As Tiger Airways offers short-haul flights, with minimal “overnight stays”  most of the crew can still enjoy family life and spending time with their children. I often share my experiences as a working mother and wife with these colleagues.

In turn, interacting with my colleagues also offers insights when it comes to handling my kids, improving our relationship at home as well. Being a working mother is tough, but it keeps my views updated, and gives me a good sense of how to guide my children in planning for their careers.

HWP: What are some of the activities you do together with your children to bond?

AT: Our weekly Sunday brunches at Bedok Simpang is a fixed event on our calendar. We usually have Teochew fishball noodles and beancurd, and we occasionally go for brunch buffets at hotels. My son also loves the eateries at the airport terminal, and we make it point to have dinner there every weekend!

And of course, we travel together as a family. That’s the best way to bond with one another!

HWP: What are some of the places you’ve visited as a family? Can you share some memories with us?

AT: I enjoy travelling with my family and we’ve been to many exciting places around the world including Bangkok, Phuket, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan and the United States.

One of our more recent trips was to Hong Kong, where my children made my husband and me ride some of the rollercoasters at Ocean Park and Disneyland! The vacation gave us a great chance to spend some quality time together as a family.

Tiger Airways flies to 33 destinations across 14 countries and territories in Asia-Pacific. We look forward to exploring more that this region has to offer.

HWP: Do you have any travel tips you’d like to share with our readers?

AT: When travelling with your family, especially with the kids in tow, you may be tempted to pack your entire home into your suitcase. However, pack only the essentials, and buy whatever else you need at a convenience store or supermarket at your destination.

Low cost carriers like Tiger Airways keeps fares low by removing non-essential costs and providing add-on services which allow passengers to pay only for what they need. So travelling light gives you the opportunity to spend more on sightseeing, shopping, spas and having a good time!

If you’re travelling with kids and could do with a little extra legroom, Tiger Airways’ Seat Selector service provides you with the option to pre-select your preferred seats. You can choose seats with extra legroom at the emergency exit row, or pick a window or aisle and sit next to your travel companions.

And finally, when travelling together with your family, never be in a rush to shop or visit all the tourist sites. Take your time and enjoy yourself – after all, you’re on a holiday to relax!

Fly with Tiger Airways to four destinations in Thailand – flying to Krabi 7 times a week. Other destinations include Bangkok (35 times a week), Hat Yai (8 times a week) and Phuket (14 times a week).

Want to stand a chance to win a pair of tickets to Krabi? Click here to enter now!