Waxworks museum Madame Tussauds Singapore has created a wax figure of the Singapore Girl, the iconic face of Singapore Airlines (SIA). The figure is modelled on Ms Nur Surya Binte Mohamed Ambiah, a flight stewardess with SIA who joined in 2007 but left to start a family in 2011 and rejoined SIA in 2012 under the Returning Crew Scheme.
“The Singapore Girl, with her distinctive sarong kebaya, is a global icon and one of the most instantly recognizable figures worldwide. She is perennial and appeals to both young and old. Our customers have a strong emotional connection with our brand as a result of her iconic image. Her contribution to SIA’s brand is invaluable and we are excited for her to be featured in Madame Tussauds Singapore,” said Mr Marvin Tan, SIA’s SVP of cabin crew.
This is the second figure of a Singapore Girl to be produced by Madame Tussauds. The first was modeled after Ms Lim Suet Kwee and was launched in 1993 in London. Ms Lim, who is now assistant manager for crew performance, played a crucial role in the selection process for the new Singapore Girl wax figure.
Several factors were considered during the selection process, the most important of which was the fact that she should embody the characteristics of the Singapore Girl, such as Asian grace, hospitality and commitment to service. Other factors include her poise and confidence in presenting herself.
In September 2014, the Madame Tussauds team met Surya for an eight-hour sitting which involved collecting measurements, photos, costume donations, a hand cast, hair samples, a signature and checks for eye color matches. About 500 precise body and facial measurements were taken. Ms Lim was also present at the sitting to provide Surya with guidance, based on her past experience. The figure was created in London and took approximately three months to complete. Surya’s wax figure is wearing an SIA sarong kebaya cabin crew uniform, donated by SIA.
See how the wax figure was created HERE