AirAsia Foundation continues the fight against human trafficking by training Allstars online to become first responders

Following the United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons  on 30 July, AirAsia Foundation is proud to continue the fight and has launched its own #KnowtheSigns Anti-Trafficking Training, available to every Allstar.

Since 2017 the AirAsia Foundation has facilitated classroom training for AirAsia cabin crew to provide them with the tools to recognise, report and record cases of human trafficking on our flights. A total of 1,580 Allstars have already completed the course over two and a half years. 

While in person training has been highly effective to date, Covid-19 restrictions on group gatherings has allowed the team to get creative by offering the learning module online. By reconfiguring classroom training content into a comprehensive online module AirAsia can continue the fight while keeping Allstars safe. In just under a month since the launch of the e-learning module, over 4,000 Allstars have already enrolled themselves.

AirAsia Foundation Executive Director, Yap Mun Ching shares her vision for this new phase of AirAsia’s anti-trafficking initiative below.

Question 1: Why did you decide to launch the e-learning module?

Our classroom training on the subject of anti human trafficking was so popular and well recieved by Allstars that we simply couldn’t meet the demand in person. This coupled with the safety requirements necessitated by Covid-19 meant it was the perfect time to launch the learning module online.

Now that we have fully transitioned to e-learning, we are able to reach not only our cabin crew but also pilots, ground staff and security staff in every AirAsia hub, wherever they are located.

Question 2: What are the differences between the e-learning module and the classroom module?

Allstars taking part in the previous #KnowtheSigns classroom training (file pic).

The overall concept is the same. With the classroom training, the trainees engage in role-playing sessions and they are able to immediately ask questions or raise examples that they have encountered during their course of work. As the classroom training is resource intensive, we are only able to reach 30 trainees per session, twice per month. 

With e-learning, we will reach a much wider group. Our Allstars can easily access the module via our internal Workday Learning Platform and learn at their own pace. They can access additional resources and we have also set up a #KnowtheSigns group in our Workplace internal communications platform for anyone to to ask questions and share case scenarios.  

Question 3: What are the challenges you face in terms of continuing the module during Covid-19?

Due to Covid-19 physical distancing precautions, all classroom training sessions had to be stopped completely. E-learning allows us to continue as trainees can access the module from the safety and comfort of their own homes.

Question 4: When will the e-learning module start?

AirAsia Foundation #KnowtheSigns e-learning module can be accessed via internal Workday Learning platform.

The e-learning module started on 30 July 2020, in conjunction with World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, which is aptly themed ‘First Responders’ this year. With the support of all AirAsia CEOs across the region, all Allstars are encouraged now to volunteer for the training. We will soon be implementing the #KnowtheSigns training as a requirement for all frontline staff - namely flight and cabin crew, ground staff and security staff. 

Question 5: How long is the e-learning module?

Since this e-learning module is a self-navigation module, it will take between 30 and 45 minutes depending on each person. The feedback we have received is very positive with my Allstars commenting that they found the subject matter interesting and useful.

Question 6: Who are the trainers in the e-learning module?

For our classroom training, we engaged global experts to develop the core content with the AirAsia Foundation team. The same content is adapted for the e-learning module so, technically, we have the same ‘trainers.’

Question 7: What can Allstars expect to learn from the e-learning module?

At the end of the training module, Allstars will be equipped with knowledge about identifying signs of human trafficking. As we are frontliners in the aviation industry, we are all responsible for ensuring that our employees are aware of these signs and what should be their appropriate response. It will not only help individuals who are being trafficked but also help protect our network in, particularly ASEAN, from being exploited by criminals.

Question 8: How many Allstars have completed the training? 

We’ve trained a total of 1,580 Allstars over two and a half years through our previous classroom training sessions. As for the e-learning module, in just under a month of the launch, over 4,000 Allstars have enrolled themselves. It’s an amazing response. 

Question 9: How many Allstars do you target to train in the next 6 months?

By the end of 2020, we are targeting for at least 30% of our frontliners to complete the e-learning module. A plan is currently being put in place for this target to be achieved.

Question 10: Can the public participate in the training or find out more?

We know that public awareness is a very important part of combatting trafficking so AirAsia Foundation is set to host our first webinar titled ‘The Role of Airline Staff as First Responders in the Fight Against Human Trafficking’ on 27 August 2020 at 5.00pm (Kuala Lumpur timezone) via Zoom. This webinar aims to discuss global efforts to bring airlines into the anti-trafficking equation and share some real experiences from airline staff who have been confronted with trafficking directly. 

Hosted by AirAsia Foundation, with speakers from AirAsia Berhad, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Airline Ambassadors International, the webinar will give participants an understanding on the frontline experience to combat human trafficking and how they can get involved too.

To register, visit https://airasia.zoom.us/join and log in 946 0848 0713.