Elvin Ng surprises former helper in Indonesia with pineapple tarts and family trip

Entertainment In a recent episode of CNA Insider's On The Red Dot, Singaporean actor Elvin Ng and his mother flew to Indonesia to surprise their former helper, Jumi, whom they hadn't seen in 12 years. Back in the 2000s, when he first joined the entertainment industry, Elvin Ng, 45, faced hectic filming schedules with shoots running from 7am to midnight. He would memorize scripts until 1am, sleep for five hours, and return to work. His then-helper, Jumi, was a silent strength, helping him wake up and supporting his family through various ups and downs, including the death of Ng’s father in 2012. Jumi worked for the Ng family for six years before announcing she wanted to return to Indonesia in 2014. Twelve years later, the episode documented their reunion. Jumi, now 42, was unaware she was being interviewed for a video on domestic helpers. She recalled learning to make pineapple tarts from Ng’s mother, Linda Chew, because Ng enjoyed them daily during Chinese New Year. When the producer gave her a tub of pineapple tarts made by Ng, Jumi cried, missing the Ng family. Elvin Ng and his mother then surprised her from behind, asking if the treats were nice. Jumi hugged them and cried more upon seeing Ng and his mother. Jumi then brought Ng and his mother to meet her family, including her husband Mugianto and four children. She also showed Ng a Coach wallet he had gifted her. The next day, Ng helped Jumi sell snacks near a school, where she shared her dream of opening her own shop. Ng took Jumi and her family to Jakarta for their first visit, where they visited the National Monument (Monas). Jumi expressed that the three days felt like a dream, and Ng reflected that the emotional closeness was more meaningful than the duration. They parted ways at Jumi’s house, with Ng expressing fulfillment from their brief reunion.