Roy Liang is in the hospitality industry in Singapore as General Manager of Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore.
What’s your story?
I’m fortunate enough to have been in hospitality from the get-go. My whole professional life has been centred around my passion for the industry, a passion which began during my student days. My career has taken me on a journey through internships and grad schemes, to international team leadership roles. Today, I’m the General Manager of Singapore’s first Oakwood Premier property – the most luxurious new serviced apartment in Singapore’s downtown.
What excites you most about your industry?
The genuine appreciation we receive from our guests daily is the most rewarding part of being in the hospitality industry. It’s also clear to see how much it motivates and ignites passion in my team. Our guests are served by a dynamic, proactive team of professionals who go the extra mile to achieve outstanding results.
I am always excited to meet dedicated and creative individuals who add their own unique spark to the industry.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I grew up and studied in Singapore and have previously held roles in Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur. I love travelling to different parts of Asia to explore and immerse in the different cultures.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Singapore! Because of the efficiency, great infrastructure and cosmopolitan culture that makes it very accessible for people from around the world to work and live in.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
In life, everything is about balance. You don’t need to be the best at one thing, you just need to have a balance of all the good things.
Who inspires you?
Lee Kuan Yew!
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
I’ve heard from multiple industry sources recently that Singapore’s cocktail scene is considered the best in Asia! This is fantastic news and I love seeing the F&B scene continuously evolve here.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I would have spent more of my youth travelling – although I have been fortunate to have experienced a wealth of travel opportunities, the opportunities are infinite.
How would you unwind?
I love going back to nature, listening to great live bands and having a good night out with my friends.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Gili Trawangan. Where do I start! I love the hiking, trekking, chilling by the beach, the fresh food – basically going back to nature. Overall, it’s a beautifully unspoilt island in Indonesia where I can completely disconnect without having to travel too far.
Everyone in business should read this book:
The Toyota Way
Shameless plug for your business:
We are the best in class.
How can people connect with you?
Come visit The Bar at Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore to have a drink with me after work. Otherwise, I am always accessible on Facebook or LinkedIn!
—
This interview was part of the Callum Connect’s column found on The Asian Entrepreneur:
Callum Laing invests and buys small businesses in a range of industries around Asia. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is the founder & owner of Fitness-Buffet a company delivering employee wellness solutions in 12 countries. He is a Director of, amongst others, Key Person of Influence. A 40 week training program for business owners and executives.
Take the ‘Key Person of Influence’ scorecard <http://www.keypersonofinfluence.com/scorecard/>
Connect with Callum here:
twitter.com/laingcallum
linkedin.com/in/callumlaing
Get his free ‘Asia Snapshot’ report from www.callumlaing.com
