From driving trucks to flying high - Meet Mukhriz, a cabin crew who came from an unexpected career background. Unlike others, Mukhriz’s venture into being a cabin crew was something unexpected. A former lorry driver, he’s now flying across countries and living his travel dreams. Tune in to the Hot Seat to find out more about his unique career journey.

1. Lookin’ good Mukhriz! Let’s start off with 3 fun facts about you.

• It’s kind of surprising to some, but I have a background in Sports Science.

• Before becoming a cabin crew, I used to be a lorry driver, salesperson, and part-time model.

• During my free time, I like to unwind by hopping on my favourite video games.

2. How has your career journey been?

It’s been a rollercoaster. Right after I completed my studies, COVID-19 struck. Everything was put on hold because of the Movement Control Order (MCO). To avoid wasting time at home, I decided to work as a salesperson at a local mall.

Then I worked as a delivery driver for a courier company, handling customer goods for two years. Despite my busy schedule, I wanted to explore a new field, so I decided to try part-time modelling. That experience eventually led me to my current role as a cabin crew.

3. How’d you get into modelling? That's a big shift from your previous work.

My journey into modelling was quite unexpected. One day, I just decided to enter a pageant while also working as a courier lorry driver. I never thought it would have such a big impact on my life, and it just changed things for the better. To my surprise, a company approached me to model for their brand. You could say that the exposure from the pageant opened up new opportunities for me and brought me a step further in my passion.

After that initial shoot, I received more offers to participate in photo shoots and fashion shows. I found that modelling allowed me to express myself creatively. The transition felt natural, and it was an exciting change from my previous jobs.

4. What made you decide to become a cabin crew?

Well, I didn’t really plan to become a cabin crew at first, my friend told me about the cabin crew interview and I decided to tag along. I thought it wouldn’t hurt to give it a try. While I was there, I realised my experience as a delivery courier lorry driver has given me an advantage in various ways, even if others had different backgrounds. I just tried my luck at the interview, but I didn't expect to be successful.

5. What was your family’s reaction when you told them the news?

Initially, my family was a bit worried that I’d be flying on the daily, but they were still proud of me. Eventually, when I got in, they were all happy and supportive. Being the first person in the family to get into this field, it was definitely an achievement in their eyes. They all knew that this opportunity didn’t come easily.

It’s an experience that I’m really grateful for and it became a turning point in my life. Even though being a cabin crew is a whole shift from my past career choices, I find joy in being able to fly and venture out to places I’ve never been before.

6. Did you face any challenges transitioning from your old career to being a cabin crew?

So far, I haven't encountered any major challenges as a cabin crew. My previous experiences as a salesperson and a courier lorry driver were quite helpful in getting me prepped for this role. Both jobs involved interacting with various people, managing expectations, and delivering excellent service. The main difference is that now I’m doing this in the air, rather than on the ground.

The skills I developed in my previous roles – such as communication and customer service, have been directly applicable to my work as a cabin crew, making the transition smooth and enjoyable. I love the positive environment that I’m in, and even better, I get the chance to meet and connect with new people from all sorts of backgrounds. These experiences have made this role fulfilling for me.

7. Besides being in the sky, what do you normally do to unwind?

When I’m not up in the sky, I mainly prioritise my physical health by staying fit. There are many ways to go about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but I achieve this by hitting the gym six times a week. Not only does it help me stay in shape, but it also helps a lot with regulating my mental well-being – which is important in my line of work.

8. Any advice for people out there who are thinking of trying something they're not confident about?

I believe that everyone in this world deserves to achieve their dreams if they work hard and never give up. One thing I would say to everyone out there is to be persistent in chasing your dreams. Even if you lack confidence, don’t let it get the best of you — try to stay strong.

I have to admit, I’ve felt the same way before. I used to compare myself with others, but I came to realise that my background has given me unique strengths that set me apart. In the end, I didn’t listen to that doubtful voice and just worked hard. I truly believe that if there’s a blessing meant for you, it will come at the right time. At the end of the day, what matters most is being yourself.

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