23-05-2025
Young Semai Female Pilot Breaks Barriers in Malaysian Aviation
LANGKAWI, May 23 (Bernama) -- Under the blazing sun at the Aircraft Static Display area of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA'25), a tall young woman could be seen meticulously cleaning a microlight aircraft.
Wearing a constant smile and speaking with enthusiasm, Wak Elizabeth a/p Tan Say Hong, 19, cheerfully explained the features of the small aircraft and the services offered by Flytrike, a light aviation company participating in the 17th edition of LIMA.
What many may not expect, however, is that Elizabeth is not just part of the exhibition team - she is one of Flytrike's pilots. Even more remarkably, she is of Semai descent from Cameron Highlands, with Chinese heritage through her father.
'I never imagined becoming a pilot. But my father always dreamed of being one, and that sparked my own interest,' she told Bernama when met at the display area of the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC).
Elizabeth's passion for aviation began after she casually tried paragliding following her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exams. That first experience sparked a genuine desire to fly.
'My early career started with Flytrike, a private light aviation company that offers tandem services. I trained under them until I completed my first solo flight. I'm now undergoing tandem training,' she said.
According to her, the requirements are simple - good health, not being colour-blind, and legs long enough to reach the throttle.
The second of four siblings, Elizabeth also hopes to inspire others from the Orang Asli community to chase their dreams.
'My mother is Orang Asli from Batu 17, Jalan Tapah in Cameron Highlands. She grew up in the jungle, without internet or even a fridge. After marrying my Chinese father, they moved to Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
