AF: Being true-blue Singaporeans, how do you relate to the Chinese culture here?
VT: Having spent so many years overseas, I do not find much difficulty adapting to the local culture. In fact, I think the way of doing things here are very similar to Taiwan, where I was in for 11 years.
EL: Generally, I think it is relatively easy for Singaporean Chinese to adapt in China, more so if he or she is bilingual. We tend to forget that most of our forefathers were migrants from different provinces in China, and that we are brought up with the same Chinese traditions & beliefs after all.
SL: I agree! It's definitely not that different since Singapore has a large Chinese population.
SW: Yes, China has certainly made tremendous leaps since the 1990s when I first came on my first job with an exhibition company.

AF: How about sharing with us something you never knew about working or living in Shanghai before you set foot here?
SL: Winter! I did not know it would be this cold and wet, even indoors!
EL: One has to learn to be more assertive in getting what you want.
SW: Yes, especially when you are trying to jostle your way through a crowd!

AF: We all know how Singaporeans love their food, have you discovered any comfort food in Shanghai you cannot say no to?
EL: I admit I have a soft spot for local favourites such as hairy crabs, shanghai rice cakes, stewed pork, hot pot…
VT: Be careful about that waist of yours too!
SW: I am happy as long as I get to have my spicy food, which is thankfully never a problem here!

AF: When it comes to work, what are some of the critical values and skills you believe in?
EL: Responsibility, integrity, optimism, good interpersonal skill plus a good dose of
humor!
SL: I would think integrity, confidentiality and professionalism are critical from a HR
perspective.
VT: Likewise, integrity is a big issue with me. I also believe that lifelong learning is essential when it comes to keeping apace with the volatile changes in the market as well as workplace.
SW: Professionalism, people management skill, cross-functional understanding and being forward looking are just as important to me too.

AF: Describe your management style.
SW: Open but firm.
VT: Three words: decisive, sensibility and efficiency!
SL: Open and direct communication style. Consultative and creative but within the
boundaries of integrity and professionalism.
EL: I believe in a democratic leadership style. While I may not be able to please everyone with my decision, I try to obtain a majority vote and support in moving forward, in alignment with the company's mission. Bearing in mind positive thinking, we need to stay focus and have the conviction to carry through, execute our plans and achieve our goals.

AF: With the launch of LIFE and recent repositioning of the brand values, how will you carry them out in your daily tasks?
SL: Being professional and meticulous at work for Ascott The Residence, while keeping the work-life balance at Somerset Serviced Residence, and not forgetting the flexibility and creativity at Citadines Apart'hotel.
EL: I always believe that every brand portrays a different service culture according to its hardware and target audience. In my daily work, I have to use different problem-solving methods when I am confronted with issues pertaining to our 3 unique brands. However, at the end of the day, what makes a product successful is ultimately determined by our service culture - Heartware.
VT: From a service perspective, we should always ensure our guests receive ernest and personalised service from our staff. As long as they stay in any of our Ascott properties, residents can expect "Heartware" service from us!

AF: This is the time of the year when the festive season is upon us. So how would you keep the family spirit on the home-front strong when you are far from your loved ones?
EL: By getting my family over to Shanghai to join me in celebrating Christmas &
New Year!
SL: You are indeed fortunate! For myself, my friends in Shanghai have planned to get together this Christmas. It keeps the Christmas cheer up and I won't get so home sick.
VT: We usually keep in touch through phone calls and emails though I really would love to spend more time with my family if time permits.

AF: Share with us the one wish you have for the coming year.
VT: Good health and happiness to all!
SL: I hope to travel to Eastern Europe next year on a 1-month long vacation (fingers crossed!).
EL: My wish? To meet the 2007 budget!
SW: You couldn't have said it better!