May is Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, which recognizes the contributions, ingenuity, and perseverance of generations of AAPI individuals. The Department of Aviation acknowledges the AAPI employees in every airport sector that enhance the guest experience.
Ekawati Phiong is an accountant within the finance department at PHL, where she has been handling and validating all revenue received by the Department of Aviation for almost two years. She holds a degree in accounting from her country of origin, Indonesia. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Saint Joseph’s University, where she is pursuing her master’s in business intelligence and analytics. She also holds an IRS certification as a tax preparer with the Campaign for Working Families.
“During AAPI Heritage Month, I hope people take the time to learn about the rich cultural diversity, history, and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to society,” said Phiong. “It's essential to understand the challenges they face, including discrimination and stereotypes, and to stand in solidarity against racism and prejudice. By fostering empathy, understanding, and appreciation for the AAPI community, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all.”
Phiong enjoys working in the aviation industry as it challenges her and provides growth opportunities. She believes communication is the most essential aspect of working with her colleagues. She appreciates other cultures and loves that her coworkers do as well. “As an Asian, I feel that our culture is appreciated in this country,” she said. “I always introduce my culture to my friends and neighbors. I always cook and share my cultural food with my neighbors and coworkers who are enthusiastic about knowing and trying various foods from other cultures.”
An AAPI inspirational leader Phiong looks up to is Lee Kuan Yew. “As the first prime minister of Singapore, he put an end to racism there,” she said. “Under his direction, Singapore's economy grew at the fastest rate in Southeast Asia’s modern era. He is regarded with great reverence and is recognized as Singapore's founding father.”
Phiong's native language is Bahasa Indonesia, and she also understands some Chinese. She utilizes her language skills to help people prepare their yearly taxes.
Phiong faced discrimination in several facets of her life and believes that people should be kind to non-native English speakers. “Having all cultures and ethnicities represented is important because it promotes diversity, inclusion, and cross-cultural understanding,” she said. “It fosters innovation and creativity, contributes to social cohesion and harmony, and promotes equity and social justice. In summary, representation ensures that the voices and perspectives of all cultural and ethnic groups are heard and valued, leading to a more inclusive, equitable, and harmonious society.”
Kue Lapis Legit, a cake traditionally made to celebrate the Chinese New Year, is Phiong's favorite dessert. She finds cultural practices fascinating in general as they reflect the rich diversity of human societies and how people express their beliefs, values, and identities. “From traditional ceremonies and festivals to everyday rituals and customs, cultural practices provide insights into the complexity and beauty of human culture,” she said. “Each cultural practice has its significance and symbolism, contributing to the tapestry of global heritage.”
Phiong is a staunch advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her hope is for people to not just recognize and understand cultural differences, but to truly appreciate them. She firmly believes that her diverse background enhances her performance in her role. “The diversity of thought in my work is enriched by the breadth of cultural input. It allows me to approach questions and conversations from various angles, drawing on different cultural contexts and viewpoints,” said Phiong. “My knowledge of cultural references, traditions, and customs from different parts of the world enables me to incorporate relevant cultural contexts into my responses, making them more relatable and meaningful to users from various backgrounds.”
