Tell us about your business
Far East Hospitality is an international hospitality owner and operator with a diverse portfolio of 10 unique and complementary brands of hotels, serviced residences and apartment hotels, including Oasia, Quincy, Rendezvous, Village, Far East Collection, A by Adina, Adina Hotels, Vibe Hotels, Travelodge Hotels and Collection by TFE Hotels. We own more than 10 hospitality assets and operate a combined portfolio of more than 17,500 rooms under management across over 105 hotels and serviced residences in nine countries – Australia, Austria, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore – with more in our development pipeline.
What’s your role all about?
As Head of Business Travel, I oversee the Corporate business segment for our group of hotels from business strategy formation, annual business negotiation & contracting to overall marketing activities planning and execution for our preferred business partners. My key focus are the Australian, North American & European markets while my team focus on the key Asian markets for business development.
What’s the hot topic in your sector right now?
Nothing is hotter for our industry right now than the opening of international border for business & leisure travel to resume. Without a big domestic market, Singapore relies heavily on international visitors to fill the hotel rooms. Our hope is for the Singapore government to move forward with the selected cities/countries like HK and Australia to start the travel bubble as soon as possible.
Why are you a member of AustCham in Singapore?
We would like to strengthen our connection with the Australian community in Singapore to further develop our understanding and business interest in the Australian market. Australia is ranked one of the top 5 geographic markets for our hotel business. With our company’s keen interest in investing in Australia’s hospitality business, including the recent opening of Quincy Hotel Melbourne and A by Adina Sydney, we believe it will be key for us to further enhance our brand awareness through meaningful networking opportunities created by Austcham.
Where are your favourite places to go to relax in Singapore?
I’m a food and wine enthusiast so I will go anywhere that I can savour and indulge in great culinary delights. My most favourite places to go to are the restaurants at Dempsey Hill. Our Oasia Spa at Oasia Resort Sentosa will be opening in September this year so I’m sure I will be spending many weekends there to enjoy some relaxing massage therapy. Do watch this space for some great staycation and spa promotions we will be offering to the AustCham members.
What are your predictions for the next 12 months?
I wish I had a crystal ball in front of me right now…. If I must, my best predictions for the next 12 months will be that all fully vaccinated Singapore citizens and PRs will be able to travel internationally again to selected destinations without quarantine by Q4 this year. Don’t we all need a holiday or to go home to see our families and friends in overseas?