Faces of 50 everyday Singaporeans featured on Jetstar plane

SINGAPORE — A single mother who took on two jobs to raise her son and a woman who gave up her comfortable life to help the poor in Cambodia are among 50 Singaporeans featured on the new livery of a Jetstar plane to mark Singapore’s 50th birthday.

The plane, was unveiled today (July 30) at Changi Airport. It was designed by local artist Michael Ng, and bears the faces of Singaporeans, chosen based on their “heartfelt” stories. More than 500 entries were submitted by friends or family members.

Those selected included Ms Melinda Lim and Ms Chua Bee Ngoh — both of whom are working to help the poor in Cambodia. Another honouree, Ms Lai Oi Mee was nominated by her son, who wanted to thank his mother for juggling two jobs, and eventually opening a hawker stall, to raise him as a single parent.

Twenty-five of the Singaporeans featured are based abroad and were flown back to Singapore to spend National Day with their loved ones.

Jetstar Asia Chief Executive Barathan Pasupathi said he was moved by the stories of all the winners and the design on the livery is a gift to the people of Singapore.

“Jetstar Asia is pleased to unveil the commemorative livery that represents the spirit of the people of Singapore. Our SG50 campaign to connect Singaporeans across the region has culminated into this portrait on our A320 that we are proud to fly across 22 destinations across Asia,” said Mr Pasupathi.

The livery of the plane also takes inspiration from the black-naped oriole bird, a common garden bird in Singapore.

“Our city was built off the back of a nation determined to survive and succeed, and to me, the oriole bird represents the determination, strength and dynamism of our people over the last 50 years,” Mr Ng said.