As the year draws to a close, TTGmice shines the spotlight on the people who make business events happen and hear from them how the growing population of working Gen Y’ers are shifting things

Young chiefs in the house

More millennials are taking over the reins of event companies and bringing with them new ways of managing people. TTGmice talks to some of these young bosses

Alexander Wong, 33, left full-time employment with an advertising and events company to establish his own business in January 2015. This led to the birth of Asia MICE Production (AMP) in Kuala Lumpur, a full-fledged meetings, incentives, conference and events production house with a strong regional network, serving both local and overseas clients.

Taking on a modest job title of operations director, Wong runs a team of eight full-time staff and, depending on the size and complexity of an event, capable and experienced part-timers.

He prefers to be seen as being part of the team instead of the boss, and describes himself as a detailed person. However, he is not one who micro-manages.

“I encourage teammates to show their creativity and communication skills in organising an event and securing new projects,” he said.

“I believe in keeping the team motivated and working together and this is not always easy. We organise sports activities and social events over weekends to keep the team spirit high and to strengthen the bond between colleagues.”

So as not to “offend or demotivate any of the younger team members”, Wong deals with conflicting ideas and differing perceptions in a sensitive manner.

Wong believes AMP had fared above expectations in the first year of operations. He expressed gratitude to “clients who believe in our services even though we are a young company”.

“One of the lessons I have learnt being in the travel industry is the power of networking and relationships. I would not have risked leaving full-time employment to start my own business this year if I did not have strong business contacts who said they would support me in my new venture. And indeed they have done so,” he added. – S Puvaneswary

Andrew Koh, at just 30 years old, leads Singapore-based Events Architects as managing director and has handled a variety of events, from the opening of Unilever’s Four Acres Singapore global leadership development centre to Harley-Davidson Asia Pacific’s regional media launch.

Koh works with a team of 12 which comprises a mix of event veterans and newbloods in their 20s.

“In people management, there can never be a one-size-fits-all policy to please everyone. The right or necessary policy might not be the most popular one. While the top-down communication process is extremely vital to keep everyone aligned to the goals and vision of the company, convincing everyone to sing the same tune is very difficult,” Koh said.

Acknowledging that every staff has a different personality and a different style of working, Koh said it was necessary to “adapt to these (differences) so that the person can perform better”.

Offering an example, Koh said a teammate who isn’t a morning person and who works better at night, is allowed a different work schedule.

“At Events Architects we are result driven rather than process driven,” he remarked. – Paige Lee Pei Qi

Andrew Hiebl, the 38-year-old executive director/secretary of the Association of Australian Convention Bureux (AACB), believes that two-way communication is crucial to successfully managing a team.

“Being able to provide a clear understanding of expectations, as well as a regular and honest feedback circuit can avoid many people management issues,” Hiebl said.

“It is also important to recognise that mistakes happen, but should not be repeated. We should celebrate failure, and learn from it.”

Hiebl’s team is not the conventional meaning of the term. While he has just two staff members, AACB’s structure extends his team to 12 Board directors and a membership of 16 convention bureaux across Australia.

He said managing a Board effectively relies on a strong relationship between the executive director/CEO and chair/president.

“I have been fortunate to have had a good working relationship with my presidents since joining AACB over three years ago. The best way that I can support the president and board is by ensuring that the agenda remains focused on our strategic direction. It is also good practice to provide industry updates that challenge, threaten or support the Board’s thinking, making them strategically aware and able to make critical decisions,” he elaborated.

And while resources for a small industry association may be limited, Hiebl said success can be achieved by working smarter.

“A clear plan is integral, combined with the concept of clever collaboration. A focus for AACB over the next 12 months and beyond will be to collaborate with the broader business events community in order to distribute consistent key messages – uniting the industry and influencing political decision makers.” – Rebecca Elliott

At 22, KEVIN JEMEL HINAHON is seen as the rising star in Intas Destination Management Inc in the Philippines. He takes on the roles of marketing manager and manager of MICE since June last year, after rising through the ranks from the humble position of reservation officer. Throughout his time with Intas, Hinahon had moved from operations to marketing and MICE.

But Hinahon’s contribution to Intas began even when he was still a student of tourism management – he had churned out some projects for the DMC then.

That Intas has a bevy of 13 millennials in its MICE, group and adventure, and leisure divisions – many of whom are Hinahon’s college classmates and batch mates – which makes managing less daunting. They speak the same language and are friends.

Yet these common grounds can also pose a challenge for Hinahon in managing his team.

“Sometimes it’s difficult to implement policies….because we’re all friends and of the same age,” he admitted.

Thankfully, everyone is professional, he added.

The newcomer said he is happy with his performance so far. “We’re doing better now, we’re getting more MICE projects and the field offers a lot of room for personal and professional growth,” he remarked.

One big lesson he has learnt is that he “cannot please everyone”. And how does he cope with it? “I guess I have to believe in my gut instinct and have the skills to read people in general,” he replied. – Rosa Ocampo

The young Muhammad Reza Abdullah, 33, was born into the business of events management. In 2009 he took over the reins of Royalindo Convention International from his parents, Iqbal Allan Abdullah and Evita Nursanty, who founded the company in 1989. His parents had stepped down after becoming members of parliament.

Besides being the president director of Royalindo Convention International, Reza is also CEO of Royalindo Group, which comprises nine subsidiary companies with some 200 staff.

“Retaining good staff and finding the right people, especially for middle-management positions, are my biggest challenges,” Reza told TTGmice.

“The event management business in Indonesia has been growing so fast in the last decade or so, in line with the country’s economic growth. This has triggered the mushrooming of MICE organisers, and those backed by huge capital investment are able to lure talents over with high salaries,” he said.

To retain his staff, Reza offers opportunities for skill improvements, dishes out job incentives and focuses on communication and engagement.

What Reza has on his side is his youth as well as the general youthfulness of his staff. “My staff have told me that the one good thing about the company is that most of us – from the frontliners to the management personnel – are young, which makes communication easier,” he shared.

“Therefore I have been cutting down communication barriers. Everyone contributes to the company’s well-being, so everyone – whether an office boy or a manager – should be able to voice his or her thoughts and ideas to the management, without having to go through a hierarchy,” he said.

To encourage open discussions, Reza’s office has a glass door which allows anyone to look in and drop in at anytime.

When asked to grade himself as a people manager, Reza offered a seven, with 10 being the perfect score.

“I’ve learnt that the recruitment process is key to finding the right person for the position. The perfect resumé and job interview may not lead to a great performance at work,” he said. “So we’ve started to change our recruitment policies. We are now hiring new recruits on a six-month contract before deciding to terminate or convert them to permanent positions.”

Going forward, Reza intends to fill more important positions in the company from within, by motivating staff towards healthy competition. – Mimi Hudoyo

Suyash Gupta, 27, takes on the role of project lead in AgraWalks, a business vertical of Agra-based Travel Bureau and one that is owned by his family.

He told TTGmice that he seeks to be fair in his management of people while remaining result-oriented, and believes that it is important to empower and encourage his teammates to make decisions.

AgraWalks has enjoyed much success. It received a TripAdvisor award and was featured in Lonely Planet’s India Guide.

Gupta said: “A leader is only as successful as the team he leads. While some of his decisions might not achieve the desired outcome, they still present great learning opportunities. When teammates have autonomy, they tend to develop a sense of ownership and belonging to the firm, which does wonders for their motivation.”

His personal challenge is to keep learning and growing as an individual and also to strike a balance between understanding and demanding as far as his team is concerned.

“As I continue to learn from everyone around me, I only wish to be able to do justice to the legacy I have been given and build the legacy I would like to leave,” he added.

Gupta, who believes that self-evaluation is tricky, gives himself a score of seven out of 10 for his performance as a team leader this year.

“Some of the biggest lessons for me this year have been that one needs to keep innovating to sustain growth and that investment in technology is the key to success in the future. Last but not least, empowering and remunerating your team will act as a catalyst for growth,” he concluded. – Rohit Kaul

What keeps a young team happy?

An attractive pay packet and opportunities to upgrade one’s skills are what will keep a young team happy, concluded Beijing-based Linda Wang who leads Destination Asia, China as managing director.

Wang, who turns 40 in February, leads a team of close to 70 staff located in the Chinese capital, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Guilin.

According to Wang, who has 17 years of industry experience, the average age of her staff is around 30, while she is the second or third oldest in the company.

Set up 10 years ago, the nine directors in Destination Asia have between eight to 10 years of industry experience.

Wang said paying experienced staff one of the highest salaries in the business has paid off, resulted in staff loyalty and stability. However, 2015 saw the departure of a few staff, not due to competitive reasons but because of health and personal issues.

Personal coaching and training, and empowering new staff to run programmes by themselves have also helped keep attrition rates in the young team low, she added.

“In winter when it is low season, the company organises training for the various teams. On a group level, team leaders have the chance to go to our group headquarters in Bangkok for training too.”

“We have very few fresh graduates but because bookings for 2016 are looking very positive, we intend to launch an internship programme,” she revealed. – Caroline Boey

A new-gen kind of place

Making younger clients say ‘Like’

As Gen X delegates make room for Gen Y’ers who are younger and more tech-savvy, Raini Hamdi asks four veterans in this roundtable how they are adapting to the changing landscape

What latest event and communications technology did you employ this year to present events in a compelling way to this generation?

Oscar Cerezales (OC): Today more than 20 per cent of our revenues come from technologically driven solutions applied to events. We understand that engagement of the younger generation is the key. I’d say it’s all about increasing attendee expectations; being average is not enough and status quo is out.

Hence we are using a good number of technologies including audiovisual solutions (i.e. 3D mapping), mobile solutions (i.e. tablet/phone apps focused on community engagement), O2O2O solutions (offline to online to offline) and so on.

Bob Guy (BG): Clearly the smartphone app as a category is the ‘hands down’ winner when it comes to communications technology that has impacted the meetings and events industry in a compelling way. It is not just one app but a whole phalanx of them! TripAdvisor, hotel chain apps providing instant confirmations, concierge style consultations, spa reservations, meeting delivery apps, where to dine, where to go for drinks, advice in real time (Foursquare, Yelp and others) – you name it and they are right there for the asking. It is simply astonishing what is available and more are arriving daily.

Laurent Kuenzl (LK): Visualisation is more important than ever. Who has time to read lengthy texts? Images speak more than words and we try to emphasise those as much as possible. Technology that supports this is at the forefront.

Sumate Sudasna (SS): Short video clips have been and are still the most preferred media. We have been using video clips to present activities long before the HD era and are still using them to grab attention effectively. Hopefully, they will lead to further enquiries.

What do you think of new meeting products that came out this year, such as Marriott’s Meetings Re-Imagined and Carlson Rezidor’s Experience Meetings? Do they make you jump to change suppliers?

OC: I like the way they create, test and position such products. At the end of the day, it’s all about the client experience. The whole value chain (hotels, F&B companies, agencies, convention centres, convention bureaus, etc) has new offerings and a relevant number of new products are being introduced every year. I see products like the ones mentioned as an evolution rather than a revolution. Great products but not necessarily forcing supplier changes.

BG: These services are sometimes a rebranding of what already exists, but (they) can also be a completely new approach to meetings management in the hotel or (venue) environment. It is a good thing whenever service is enhanced for both the planner and user, in particular those initiatives that positively impact the individual attendee. I have seen new and improved coffee/tea breaks and apps for both planners and attendees. They are all welcomed!

Now all we need is a ‘hotel agreement re-imagined’ where the terms and conditions are meant to be read by meeting planners and are much easier to live with!

LK: Convenience, simplicity, speed and creativity are the name of the game, and any technology or product which supports these is a winning technology. I don’t want to highlight any meeting product or hotel software in particular, but if is not easy to use and does not come with detailed information, it will not be effective.

SS: Hotel meeting products are full of great ideas but are geared towards the corporate audience with direct procurement practice. If they are trade-beneficial we can certainly co-market them.

Which new product impressed you the most this year and why?

OC: Those that impressed me the most are technological in nature – iBeacons-RFID solutions, wearable technologies, augmented reality, crowdshaping, analytics, etc – and new market approaches such as those undertaken by CVBs in Singapore, Sydney and Melbourne to increase the economic impact (of business events).

BG: For me it is the transformation of the tablet (in my case, an iPad) from being a nice-to-have product to a can’t-do-without essential business tool. I can now truly travel and work almost anywhere, even for a few minutes, and that has made me more productive and more responsive to my colleagues. I expect the emergence of the iPad Pro will allow me to sever my ties permanently with my laptop.

LK: In the context of wooing younger clients, particularly those from Asia, I’m impressed by products that use mobile technology and software that can be used in teambuilding. It’s interesting to see that many of these new products are from the leisure travel segment and are being adapted to MICE requirements.

SS: I’m impressed by event apps that have become widely used. Some are quite extensive. Events that are destined to be successful will owe some of their glory to apps, especially the interactive ones as they can capture attention, invite participation and create value to attendees who are expecting more from events.

How did you change the way you operate this year to make meetings more engaging for younger clients?

OC: We always organise internal (our team) and external (our customers) event design sessions where we analyse the value capturing and the value creation for our customer’s customer. Our methodology follows thee pillars: pre-during-post, online-offline, and socio-demographics.

BG: Through encouraging and training colleagues to be more attentive to customers, younger or otherwise, by listening to what is being said and interpreting what is desired for meetings and events.

LK: We have created more authentic and sustainable experiences in the small to medium budget range, with a flexible approach to the client’s requirements. We have created teambuilding products that are integrated with technology. We are looking into more interactive approaches to meetings with themed elements. We are doing quite a bit of work with several suppliers including hotels, in order to make coffee breaks more interesting, more healthy and more fun.

SS: Business events respond to client objectives and are generally managed by experienced professionals. The younger generation of staff may be assistants or apprentices, not quite on the influencing or decision-making level. This business demands a high level of professionalism and planners (of the younger generation) might not yet be fully proficient in managing flawless events.

The ideal situation is that the bright new generation (of planners) embrace detail-oriented practices from experienced colleagues and integrate that with technology for an effective, productive outcome.

And finally, how did the overall market evolve this year?

OC: It has been positive for both the association and corporate markets. There are more and more B2B and B2C corporate events due to an increase in marketing budgets. The association market (consistently contributes) number of congresses, delegates and sponsors. Events as a strategy, channel and platform for corporates and associations are a validated medium today.

BG: The world seems to be in a constant state of turmoil – or more kindly, in a constant and rapid change – with new developments emerging each week. In any week there can be volcanic eruptions, airport or city-wide demonstrations, regional haze or a dramatic shift in exchange rates, preferences, etc.

Yet, the meeting and incentive market does not seem to be much affected. For better or for worse, this is the new normal and we must be prepared to react. This means that there is constant change and the need to occasionally remake or re-think work that has just been completed. This places additional burden on an already overworked staff but can also mean new opportunities.

LK: The trend of shorter lead times, smaller group sizes and smaller budgets has continued. Everyone wants creativity, outside-the-box experiences, but the ones who are willing to pay for all that are in limited numbers.

Authentic and sustainable experiences are in demand. Project managers try to source more services directly with suppliers, cutting out the DMC. The more established the destination/products are, the easier the direct procurement becomes since almost anything is available online.

As traditional markets are looking for new destinations in Asia, traditional destinations need to reinvent themselves.

Many destinations in Asia continue to offer excellent value for money but safety or the perception of safety continues to be a key decision-making factor when choosing the destination.

SS: Events are booked closer to actual dates, and cost-effective planning is still a driver. Emerging markets are hasty and low-cost driven, compared with poised, mature markets.

The new task has been to explain the difference between true DMCs and those in disguise.

It’s free time, people!

Batik is both fashion and passion for me. If I were given three days of “me time”, I would go hunting for batik lawas, old batik cloths to add to my collection and find new ones to wear. (Such places) can be anywhere across the coastal areas of Java to Madura and Bali.

I especially love old batik because of the craftsmanship. Old ones feature more intricate motifs and meaningful designs.

I would also spend time with batik experts and learn all I can from them.

Riyanthi Handayani
President Director, Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, Indonesia

I would hire a boat and go fishing for three days with a friend who shares the same interest. Rather than talk, we would enjoy nature. It doesn’t matter if I catch a fish or not, it is the preparation for the journey that is important. And after I have caught a fish, I would release it back into the sea.

Zulkefli Sharif
CEO, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau

I would do things I don’t normally get to do because of my hectic schedule, such as catching up on my reading and connecting with friends, relatives and former colleagues. I would also spend time gardening and cooking.

Chew Chang Guan
General manager, Sarawak Convention Bureau, Malaysia

I would seek out a  gorgeous beach with crystal-clear waters and enjoy three days of peace and privacy, and I would read.

Diane Chen
Deputy general manager, Shenyang New World Expo, China

I would spend the time on an island in Yangcheng Lake where its fresh water crabs are famous.

I would just enjoy the sunshine, clear sky and clean air, eat lots of organic food from the farmers’ fields, and be contented to be isolated from the busy city life for a few days.

James Zheng
Director-China, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board China Office and Los Angeles World Airports, China

I would go to the finals of the World Surf League (WSL) in Teahupoo, Tahiti. This beautiful location features some of the world’s largest and most powerful waves, which makes it one of the most challenging events of the WSL and awesome to watch as the best surfers tackle the huge swells.

Alan Pryor
General manager, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia

This is a rare chance and I would like to travel. But I don’t want to be travelling all by myself.

Dexter Deyto
Vice president and general manager, SMX Convention Center Manila, Philippines

This would be a moment for me to go deeper into myself – understand who I am and the real characteristics. Hence it would be an ideal time to meditate  and reflect on the real purpose of life, and happiness.

Dileep Mudadeniya
Vice President, brand marketing at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka

I would probably be on a remote island and my friends would have left on the last flight without me.

I would start the day with breakfast and a swim. I always travel with a book or two, so I could catch up on my reading. Being a scuba enthusiast, I would then go for my first of many dives.  The evening would mean finding a place with good music to have a sundowner and swap stories with the locals.

Paper and pen would always be on hand to jot down ideas and thoughts that I could then pursue when I return to the connected world.

Being disconnected does not sound too bad!

Arun Madhok
CEO, Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre

“If I had the luxury of time, it would be something very simple. After long days in the office, I’d be more than happy to just enjoy the Gold Coast sunshine at one of our beautiful beaches or resorts. I’ve got a dozen books I’d love to finally get around to reading…preferably with a cocktail or two and my favourite music playing in the background.”

Anna Case
Director, Gold Coast Business Events, Australia

The break of dawn is the best time to enjoy Singapore’s outdoors. I’d like to run the new East Coast Park extension that skirts the Marina Bay, Singapore Botanic Gardens and MacRitchie Reservoir.

The best time to visit one of our diverse neighbourhoods is from late morning to early afternoon. Shops are just starting the day and the local community is getting into its daily rhythm. Balestier, Little India, Katong and Pulau Ubin come to mind.

To escape the harsh afternoon sun, take a nap or go for a spa.

Once refreshed, it’s time to consume some culture. I am partial to the Singapore Art Museum, National Museum and Singapore Pinacotheque de Paris. I’m excited about the new National Gallery. The independent art space DECK at Prinsep Street is great for photography buffs. I will also want to check out performing arts at the Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall and The Esplanade.

Finally, great supper and nightcap options abound in Singapore.

Can I have more than three days, please?

Lionel Yeo
Chief executive, Singapore Tourism Board

Meet the TTG family

Here are five things about the people who put together stories you see in our print and online

KAREN YUE
GROUP EDITOR

• Who’s in your family? Two adorable boys – one my age and another who has just turned one in early December • Your ideal vacation? A month with my family in a cool and quiet countryside that has been painted in the rich colours of autumn • What are you reading right now? Hitler’s Furies: German Women in the Nazi Killing Fields by Wendy Lower. •  A bad habit you cannot kick? I chew my fingernails when I’m thinking • Most people don’t know that you… sold chicken rice in a small neighbourhood shop throughout 2005, just for the experience. It was exhausting, but so satisfying when you work for yourself

RAINI HAMDI
SENIOR EDITOR

• Who’s in your family? Kurt, Hatta, Tamara, Chanel, Vanessa (and their spouses), Luis and Luna • Your ideal vacation? Hiking with Kurt in the Alps • What are you reading right now? A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman • A bad habit you cannot kick? Drinking more than I should at social functions • Most people don’t know that you…have a 28-year-old son

XINYI LIANG-PHOLSENA
DEPUTY EDITOR, TTG ASIA & TTG INDIA

• Who’s in your family? My husband and our baby girl • Your ideal vacation? A road trip with my family, filled with good conversation in the car, numerous food stops and gorgeous scenery along the way • What are you reading right now? Love, Life, and Elephants: An African Love Story by Daphne Sheldrick • A bad habit you cannot kick? Reading my iPad in the dark • Most people don’t know that you… were the interpreter for Thai action star Tony Jaa during his Tom Yum Goong movie promotion in Singapore

MIMI HUDOYO
EDITOR, INDONESIA

• Who’s in your family? My two sisters, one in-law, and five wonderful nieces and nephews • Your ideal vacation? I spend so much time travelling for work, so my ideal “vacation” is to stay at home where I can try out new recipes in my kitchen, do some gardening, have a traditional massage (yes, I can call a masseuse home), or just to laze around watching movies • What are you reading right now? The Rise of Majapahit, a novel based on the history of three ancient kingdoms of Singosari, Kediri and Majapahit by an Indonesian young novelist Setyo Wardoyo • A bad habit you cannot kick? Snacking when under stress (this usually comes when I’m on deadlines) • Most people don’t know that you… like talking to the plants in my garden

S PUVANESWARY
EDITOR, MALAYSIA

• Who’s in your family? I’d say my dog is more ‘family’ than the humans I live with • Your ideal vacation? A quiet beach vacation • What are you reading right now? Mende Nazer’s autobiography called Slave • A bad habit you cannot kick? I sleep too much • Most people don’t know that you… would love to be an entrepreneur

Part of the editorial team on the last day of ITB Asia 2015, obviously
high from the adrenaline rush of producing the show dailies

PAIGE LEE PEI QI
ASSISTANT EDITOR, SINGAPORE

• Who’s in your family? Many ladies (three sisters, my mum) and the only male exception – my dad • Your ideal vacation? A spa retreat far away from the frenetic city’s hustle and bustle • What are you reading right now? On top of the Bible, I am in the midst of a psychological thriller by Paula Hawkins, The Girl on the Train. • A bad habit you cannot kick? Social media. The longest I’ve steered clear of it was one month, when I challenged myself to a social media fast • Most people don’t know that you… used to wait for Santa Claus when the clock struck 12, and still wishes that he exists.

ROSA OCAMPO
CORRESPONDENT, PHILIPPINES

• Who’s in your family? My siblings, nephews and nieces, a few grandchildren, friends, and friends of friends who camp at home perennially • Your ideal vacation? Catching up with friends anywhere in the world • What are you reading right now? Where God was Born by Bruce Feiler • A bad habit you cannot kick? Caffeine addiction and sleeping too much • Most people don’t know that… I can catch a falling star

PRUDENCE LUI
CORRESPONDENT, HONG KONG

• Who’s in your family? My hubby and a 13-year old daughter • Your ideal vacation? Enjoying food and wine in the Pacific Alliance of South America • What are you reading right now? The First Aid Manual by Hong Kong St John Ambulance for renewing my first aider qualification • A bad habit you cannot kick? Turn my radio on before going to bed • Most people don’t know that you… love Chinese musical instruments and play erhu in my leisure time for fun

CAROLINE BOEY
SENIOR CORRESPONDENT, CHINA & SPECIAL PROJECTS

• Who’s in your family? My 81-year-old mum, older brother, sister-in-law, two nieces, a nephew and their respective spouses and boyfriend • Your ideal vacation? To discover a new place or revisit a favourite where I can still work up a good sweat, spend time with family and friends, watch my favourite TV series, cook and bake • What are you reading right now? A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini •  A bad habit you cannot kick? I used to complete people’s sentences but I think I may have been cured • Most people don’t know that you… I practise trying to hold my breath for more than 40 seconds. My yoga instructor says it is good for living longer. He can do so many things I cannot, so I guess he must be right.

The team from the Singapore headquarters celebrates another year of having survived deadlines together

ROHIT KAUL
CORRESPONDENT, NEW DELHI

• Who’s in your family? Parents, wife, a daughter and a son • Your ideal vacation? A quiet beach destination with my family • What are you reading right now? How to Keep Your Woman Happy: A Manual for Men • A bad habit you cannot kick? I thought a while, but I don’t have any bad habit. I am a saint. • Most people don’t know that you… I never spoke to any girl in my school. I was too shy

FEIZAL SAMATH
CORRESPONDENT, SRI LANKA/MALDIVES

• Who’s in your family? My wife, son, daughter, fish and a dog who gives me hell but is adorable to the rest of the family, ha! • Your ideal vacation? Three days in a beach resort or tea country, British colonial holiday bungalow with the phone off the hook and to hell with writing! • What are you reading right now? Climate change series on National Geographic magazine • A bad habit you cannot kick? Nothing really. If there is a will, there is a way • Most people don’t know that you… have raised millions of rupees for children’s charities for the past 30 years

REDMOND SIA
CREATIVE DESIGNER

• Who’s in your family? Mum, dad, brother, sister-in-law and Patchy (Jack Russell Terrier) • Your ideal vacation? Sunny places • What are you reading right now? Comics • A bad habit you cannot kick? Eating too much • Most people don’t know you… love snacks with garlic chilli

GOH MENG YONG
CREATIVE DESIGNER

• Who’s in your family? My wife, my three-year-old daughter, my one-year-old son, my mother, a brother and a sister • Your ideal vacation? Any part of Japan for two weeks • What are you reading right now? The Dalai Lama’s Book of Wisdom, which I got during a stopover in Thailand • A bad habit you cannot kick? Binge watching on Netflix • Most people don’t know you… write with my right hand and draw with my left hand

LINA TAN
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

• Who’s in your family? Steven (husband), Victoria (daughter), Gabriel (son) and Buddy (family dog) • Your ideal vacation? Travel to any part of the world for shopping and pigging out with my family • What are you reading right now? The Bible, reading the stories and trying to figure the meaning behind each story • A bad habit you cannot kick? None that I can think of • Most people don’t know you… like to be left alone at times!

(Editor’s note: Lina’s like a mother to the editorial team, especially when we travel together to tradeshows for Show Daily projects. We are always clingy and needy, and she’s always frustrated with us. We love you, Lina, and will never leave you alone!)

Say hello to the newbies

The editorial family has grown this year! Our four newbies reveal what they love most about their job and the industry

DANNON HAR
ASSISTANT EDITOR, ONLINE

Since hopping aboard the TTG supersonic jet plane on July 13 this year, there has been little time to reflect until now, when I got tasked to jot this personal piece. The ride is best described as being aboard a luxury cruise ship going full speed against river rapids, where every sightseeing opportunity is an excuse to Tweet and Instagram for #TTGAsia. Social media shenanigans aside, my first love and mind remains fixated on increasing the inbound traffic of TTG’s online properties. Speaking of which, time to check-in on how the new websites are developing…

RACHEL AJ LEE
SUB EDITOR

I joined the TTG family on July 13, 2015 and it has been a rollercoaster ride. Coming from a lifestyle background, adjusting to “harder” trade news is kind of like walking into a chiller after a dip in a hot onsen. But I get to discover the world through overseas trade shows and have a hand in producing show dailies, and expand my editing and writing portfolio, all of which makes the switch pretty eye-opening.

JULIAN RYALL
CORRESPONDENT, JAPAN

My first contribution to TTG was in January – and I confess it has been a steep learning curve since day one. I’d previously written travel stories, but never covered travel as an industry. My second confession is that it’s addictive and I consider myself fortunate to be writing about a sector that is dedicated to helping people have a good time in some of the most exotic and beautiful places in the world. What can possibly be bad about that?

REBECCA ELLIOTT
CORRESPONDENT, AUSTRALIA

I filed my first story for TTG in April and was over the moon when I became the official Australian Correspondent in July. I love exploring and uncovering the latest news, innovations and opinions from the industry in Australia and then sharing them with TTG readers. The industry is thriving down under, which means there’s always a good story to be told.