Yang Mei Hong: The Drive to Make a Difference

31 July 2025

Yang Mei Hong: The Drive to Make a Difference

Fourteen years ago, Yang Mei Hong left her job as a waitress to try something new. She still loved meeting different people, but she also loved driving, so becoming a Bus Captain with SBS Transit seemed like a suitable profession. Her journey was not easy.

Before becoming a Bus Captain, I was working three part-time jobs a day – from 7am to 11pm – just to support my family. Life was hard, but I kept telling myself – you can, if you believe you can.

That belief became her personal motto, carrying her through tough times and shaping how she approaches both work and life.

Today, beyond her role as a Senior Bus Captain, Mei Hong is also a National Transport Workers’ Union representative, a Safety Champion at Toa Payoh Bus Interchange, and an active member of Singapore’s National Trades Union Congress Women’s Committee.

Small Actions, Big Impact

Mei Hong’s drive to go above and beyond shines through in the little things. On rainy days, she shelters elderly passengers and young children with her own umbrella to help them board safely — a simple act that speaks volumes.

That same spirit of consideration shows in her regular encounters with a passenger-in-wheelchair on her route. “Because of his condition, I always take extra care to help him board and alight,” she shares. “Sometimes the journey takes a bit longer, but my passengers are very understanding. A thumbs-up from them really encourages me.”

Mei Hong also took the initiative to inform other Bus Captains along the route, so they could lend a helping hand when they saw him.

It’s a small thing, but it makes a difference.

Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Colleagues often seek advice, and new Bus Captains regularly turn to her for guidance and support. “I try to share what I know, whether it’s advice giving or just being someone that they can talk to.”

Personal growth and uplifting others

She’s also driven to continuous improvement at the workplace. Through SBS Transit’s training and development programmes, she’s picked up digital skills, communication technique, leadership knowledge – and even CPR.

“All these courses give me more confidence. And that makes me better at helping others too,” she says. For example, through her role with NTUC Women’s Committee, she connects with women across different industries to exchange ideas and learn how to lead with empathy. “Everyone is different. When you take time to understand them, they’ll trust and respect you more.”

The Road Ahead

It’s the everyday moments that motivate her – a smile from a passenger, a thank-you wave, the camaraderie with colleagues.

These little things push me to keep going. That’s my drive.

Her advice to others, especially the younger generation? “Give it a try! If you’re willing to learn and put in the effort, there’s always room to improve and grow.”

Staff like Mei Hong bring our purpose to life every day. Her story reminds us that drive doesn’t have to be contained in the self – it’s also about lifting people along the way to do the same.

After all, as she says, “You can – if you believe you can.”