Joseph Hooi Liang Kee
Commercial and Regional Airline Operations

Joseph enjoyed a long and illustrious career in the airline and aviation industry.

Joseph started his career in Malaysia-Singapore Airlines. When Singapore Airlines (SIA) was first established, Joseph joined SIA as one of the Principal Project Co-ordinators of the pre-operation programme of SIA’s B747. As a Project Co-ordinator, Joseph was responsible for the conceptualisation and design of aircraft galleys and cabin features. Joseph was also responsible for the evaluation of cabin equipment and also formulation and production of in-flight services for aircrew and ground staff.

After this project, Joseph was appointed as Superintendent in Singapore Airline Terminal Services (SATS).

From 1976 to 1987, Joseph was appointed Station Manager in SIA. Joseph served as Station Manager in Singapore , Brunei , Hong Kong , Bahrain , Paris and London . As the Station Manager, Joseph was responsible for all aspects of administration and control of airport operations, including aircrew scheduling, passenger services, cargo services and overall station office administration and financial accountability.

Joseph retired from Singapore Airlines in 1987. After his official retirement from SIA, Joseph was appointed to various senior positions in the restaurant and hospitality industries, managing many leading hotels, restaurants and even a premiere country club in Singapore .

In 1993, Joseph was persuaded to return to the airline industry. When Myanmar Airways International (MAI) was privatised by the Myanmar government in 1993, Joseph was recommended to assume the position of Group General Manager.

In this position, Joseph was tasked with the formulation of sales and marketing strategies for the new airline. In addition, Joseph trained the local staff in product sales and enhancement so as to create a strong branding for the airline. As the airline was new, Joseph also took on the additional task of formulating MAI’s technical and operations procedures and policies. To further promote the new airline, Joseph personally took charge of MAI’s operations and other line station management responsibilities in Thailand and Singapore .

When Joseph resigned from MAI in 1998 (due to a change in ownership of MAI), he remained in Myanmar as a Consultant to various foreign companies with business interests in Myanmar.