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How did you come to choose the Ted Rogers School of Management’s hospitality and tourism management program?  

I was initially admitted to the University of Toronto’s commerce program. However, I found myself feeling disengaged with subjects like economics and calculus. During some of my lectures, I sat next to my high school friend whose sister was studying in the hospitality and tourism management program at the Ted Rogers School of Management. My friend often shared stories about the exciting courses her sister was taking, such as hospitality management, wine tasting and cooking classes. These courses sounded far more interesting than my large, impersonal economics lectures. Inspired by my friend’s stories, I decided to apply and pursue a field that truly sparked my interest.

What are some skills you developed through university that have assisted you in your career?

One of the most valuable skills I developed during university was public speaking and presentation. The Oral Communication course on public speaking was particularly beneficial, as it involved recording our presentations in front of the lecturer and classmates. After each presentation, the lecturer would facilitate a feedback session where classmates shared their thoughts on our performance, and the lecturer provided constructive criticism on our style and material delivery. This course was instrumental in preparing me for the corporate world, where I frequently need to create and present decks and slides to management. The ability to effectively communicate and present your ideas is crucial in any corporate environment.

Another significant project that greatly contributed to my ability to work collaboratively in groups was the Restaurant Design Project in Years 3 and 4. This group project was designed to closely mimic real-world scenarios. We collaborated with students from the Interior Design program to build a restaurant from the ground up. Our tasks included developing a theme for our restaurant, creating staffing plans and duty rosters, and designing menus. This project provided us with a realistic taste of the foodservice industry, and honed our abilities in teamwork, project management and creative thinking.

After graduating, you were accepted into a chef’s training program at one of the top hotels in Toronto but elected to accept a position in Hong Kong. What attracted you to working in Asia?

Upon graduation, I received two offers: a one-year Kitchen Apprenticeship Program at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto and a Management Trainee Program at Regal Hotels International in Hong Kong. After carefully considering the career prospects of both offers, I decided to move to Hong Kong to accept the management trainee position. In the ’90s, Asia was experiencing a significant boom in travel destinations and hotel openings, including prestigious brands like Four Seasons, Peninsula and Hyatt Group. The opportunity for career growth in Asia was incredibly appealing and offered a more dynamic and promising path for my professional development.

Could you tell us about your current role at AIA and what a typical day for you looks like?  

AIA Group is a publicly listed insurance company in Hong Kong, with operations spanning across 18 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. In my role at AIA, I oversee hospitality services in our major buildings, including event venues and staff dining facilities. Additionally, I manage our corporate travel program, which involves overseeing the services provided by our appointed travel management company and negotiating corporate rates with major airlines and hotel groups.

A typical day for me includes attending physical or virtual meetings related to major event arrangements and business travel matters, responding to inquiries about in-house corporate events, reviewing weekly or seasonal menus, and greeting VIPs who come to dine or meet with our senior executives. Each day is filled with new challenges and opportunities, making my work dynamic and engaging. For instance, I get to taste new items on the menus, ensuring they meet our standards. Particularly memorable experiences include meeting David Beckham (three times!) when he was the spokesperson for our corporate advertisement campaign and interacting with the English Premier League team, Tottenham Hotspur. These unique experiences make my role at AIA both exciting and rewarding.

You have a core team of 14 and a large client base across a number of Pan-Pacific and East Asian countries. What are some of the challenges (and/or opportunities) when working with so many diverse personnel and stakeholders?

At AIA, our regional group office boasts a diverse staff from over 30 nationalities. This diversity is both enriching and challenging, as we navigate different cultures and working styles within the company. To succeed, one must be nimble, flexible and accommodating, while also being assertive when necessary to maintain operational boundaries.

One of our core buildings features an indoor basketball court where we host regular sports activities such as basketball, badminton, pickleball, yoga and modern dance classes at various times before and after work hours. Additionally, we have an entire gym floor and an indoor running track, providing staff with opportunities to stay active, connect with different teams and unwind after a hard day’s work. These activities have been instrumental in promoting health and fostering connections within the organization.

After more than two decades in the industry in progressive leadership roles, do you have any words of encouragement for students and recent graduates who might be interested in pursuing a similar career path?

Firstly, my advice for students and recent graduates is to never limit your job search to the field of your study. Embrace a broader perspective when exploring career opportunities. Secondly, always strive to do and give your best. Stay engaged and actively participate in department and company activities. Your dedication and hard work will be noticed by your bosses and colleagues, helping you build valuable connections that can advance your career. Lastly, when the opportunity arises to give back to your community or school, do so in any way you can. Contributing back not only helps others but also enriches your own professional and personal growth.