ITERVIEW WITH NG BEE FONG

As an Associate Director of Marketing Communications, what do you think the most important traits or skill to have in doing your profession and why?

The ability to adapt with changing times! With digital media taking over most of our daily lives, we will need to change with the times. Even how people receive information nowadays through digital platforms are very different from 10 year ago when digital was not as big as print.

 Share us a bit about your life; what were you like in high school, and what was your dream job?

I was kind of a nerd in high school, and was surprisingly good in the Chemistry subject. My dream job then was to be a Chemist, honestly. But my love for travel was far stronger and I couldn’t see myself working in a lab for long.

I’ve heard stories from my elder cousins about their travel adventures and what they experience during their trips and it really inspired me. I got into the hospitality industry as well by chance. When I went to a study fair and was attracted to take up hospitality as the subject offered are so varied which what made it so interesting. Also, through hospitality there is a possibility to work and travel at the same time, I did not think twice and went for it! Haven’t looked back ever since.

 You have settled in Bali for quite sometime now, can you tell us the most noticeable difference between living in Malaysia and Indonesia? Why did you choose Bali to work?

The most noticeable difference is the language – and the food!

For example, there are some words that are exactly the same, but have totally different meaning. I discovered some new vocabulary to add on as I was often laughed at when I keep saying ‘Kereta’ (meaning car) as it is referred to as ‘Mobil’ in Indonesia. ‘Kereta’ in Indonesia means train.

I love both Indonesian and Malaysian cuisine! Indonesian food has a slight kick to it as the spiciness level cannot be compared with Malaysian food – I got used to it now, but from time to time, it does still sting! But I love it J

 Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Still working in the hospitality industry, perhaps in a different country!

 During your career, what is your greatest achievement so far? And how did it shape you?

I was given a lot of opportunities during my early years, which led me to believe you could achieve anything if you put your heart and soul in it and follow through your dreams. My greatest achievement I must say was just before I got here, managing 10 hotels PR portfolio with guidance and support from my bosses, giving me the platform to kick start my career in a foreign land. It was not easy, but perseverance in the long run pays off.

 If you could travel anywhere in the world, which destination would you choose and why?

Central to South America, from Mexico all the way to Argentina and eat my way through the continent. They have some similarities with Asian food, but using different spices and herbs.

 What’s your most favorite Indonesian food?

There are so many good Indonesian foods, which make me spoilt for choice! On the island of Bali itself, I enjoy the occasional Babi Guling (suckling pig) but feel instantly guilty afterwards. As the saying goes, its food that’s good for the soul, but bad for the arteries!

 How would you define your brand in 1 sentence?

We are committed to making the most out of your stay with our effortless travel programs

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