Singaporean actor Elvin Ng and his mother, Linda Chew, recently traveled to Indonesia to surprise their former helper, Jumi, whom they had not seen in 12 years. This reunion was featured in an episode of CNA Insider's On The Red Dot aired on August 26, 2026.

Jumi worked for the Ng family for six years during the 2000s, a period when Elvin Ng faced demanding filming schedules that sometimes lasted from 7 a.m. to midnight. Ng recalled that Jumi was "a silent strength," supporting the family through various challenges, including the death of his father in 2012. He described her as "always with a smile, very gentle, very unassuming."

In 2014, Jumi decided to return to Indonesia to "get on with her life." At the time of the surprise visit, she believed she was being interviewed for a video on domestic helpers. During the reunion, Jumi shared that "Every Chinese New Year, he would snack on them daily," referring to pineapple tarts, a treat Elvin Ng enjoyed.

Ng praised Jumi's character, saying, "She's very hardworking, has integrity and is very principled. I'm sure she's going to get there."

This touching story highlights the enduring bonds formed between employers and domestic helpers across Southeast Asia.

Sources