TINKER, TAILOR… TRAVEL DESIGNER?
That’ s what you may see on a name card these days, and it’ s part of an increasing number of job titles that didn’ t exist a decade ago. By HOE I YUNE
These women hold fancy job titles that, just a decade ago, were practically unheard of.
PHOTOGRAPHY ZAPHS ZHANG & WINSTON CHUANG ART DIRECTION SHARMAINE KHOR STYLING JOSIAH CHUA HAIR & MAKEUP ZANN TAN & REI TAN
Cheong Mei Yun, 28 Travel designer at Lightfoot Travel
What I do
“I customise holidays – from long trips to a weekend getaway – and itineraries for individuals, families and honeymooners. If our clients already have an idea of what they want, we work from there. If not, I’d start by asking some basic questions, such as the kind of experience they’re looking for, the number of travellers and their budget. Then, I’d recommend destinations based on their answers. I once planned a detailed itinerary for a group of 11, taking into account the various interests of and the experiences sought after by each individual. I’ve noticed that many people are keen on experiential travel, such as going for wine tasting in a private vineyard and a safari drive. Basically, we can plan your trip down to the very last detail, as long as the request is legal.”
How I got my start
“It all started when I obtained a Working Holiday Visa to New Zealand that allowed me to work in and explore the country. I stayed there for three months, during which I took on jobs I wouldn’t have had the chance to take on in Singapore, such as packing kiwi fruit and ‘woofing’ (farm work), whereby I interacted with locals and helped my host feed the sheep, deer and cows on his farm. I gained knowledge on the road as well. While staying in hostels, fellow travellers would tell me where they’d just spotted penguins or I’d share my planned driving route with locals and ask them what activities I could do along the way. If I heard about a particular dolphin-or whale-watching spot that was popular with the locals, I’d try my luck the very next day. When I came home, friends often asked me about my favourite spots in New Zealand and for advice on what to do on their trips. That’s when I realised that I enjoy sharing my experiences with others and that I could make this my career. When I heard about Lightfoot Travel, a bespoke luxury tour operator, I decided to join it as a New Zealand specialist.”
To do what I do, you need...
“A passion for travel, people skills and the willingness to share your knowledge with others. We don’t always work conventional hours; our working hours depend on the market we’re serving and the partners we’re working with. And we always have to be available to our clients.”
The cool factor
“I get to stay at and explore some fabulous places when I travel to New Zealand for work; having experienced them rst-hand, I’m in a better position to make recommendations to my clients. For instance, I got to stay in the luxury lodges in Taupo and Queenstown where British royalty stayed during a visit. A night’s stay in those lodges cost $2,000 and is something I wouldn’t have been able to experience on my own. It was breathtaking!”
People may not know that...
“Destination specialists really know their places inside out! I can point you to my favourite Chinese restaurant in New Zealand that serves beef hor fun – it’s in Tauranga, which isn’t too touristy yet. We’re also not afraid to tell you if a particular must-see destination might not suit your tastes.”
What’s next?
“I’m broadening my expertise to Sri Lanka and Australia, which means I’ll get to travel to these places too!”
“I got to stay in the luxury lodges... where British royalty stayed during a visit. A night’s stay costs $2,000 and is something I wouldn’t have been able to experience on my own.”
Alternative job title:
Adventure consultant – which is what a staff member at tour operator Tucan Travel is called – or Dora the Explorer (we’re kidding!).
Charlie Fisher, 35 Director of sustainability at Marina Bay Sands
What I do
“My role involves working with different departments within Marina Bay Sands (MBS) to see how we can integrate sustainability into day-to-day operations. That includes creating programmes to encourage employees to go green, and working with our partners on new projects so that MBS can be run in a more efficient and sustainable way. Even adjusting the air-conditioning temperature to 25 deg C or recycling shampoo bottles can make a difference.”
How I got my start
“I grew up in different countries and experienced climate change rst-hand – for example, I noticed that the lake in the UK that I used to visit every summer was shrinking, and that places such as Japan are getting warmer. That pushed me to pursue a degree in environmental science. When I had the opportunity to join MBS, it was an obvious move for me to grow my career in sustainability. I’m no Mrs Mega Hippy, but I believe you can balance business success and environmental accountability.”
To do what I do, you need...
“An analytical mind, to manage what you can’t measure. You’ll also need good communication skills and a passion for the environment.”
The cool factor
“I love engaging with people, and helping them see that everyone has a part to play in [protecting and sustaining the environment]. One of my favourite examples I use to illustrate this is how our hotel bellboy suggested partnering with a supplier to switch to using eco-friendly paper for our luggage tags. While implementing it, he would check in with me to see if he was on the right track.”
People may not know that...
“What I do is an actual job. And that’s because sustainability is not a standalone element of many businesses yet.”
What’s next?
“I’d like for more companies to see that green business is good business. I hope to continue implementing projects that focus on global sustainability issues, such as climate change and food security.”
Alternative job title:
Chief inspired protagonist, drawing from Jeffrey Hollender, president of eco-friendly household and personal care products rm Seventh Generation.
“I’m no Mrs Mega Hippy, but I believe you can balance business success and environmental accountability.”