My first assignment in Japan was in Nagoya, the heart of Japan. It is not a busy city if you compare it with Bangkok where I relocated from, but Nagoya was pretty sophisticated. I still remember my first experience — and shock — when I took a taxi from Nagoya Airport to Hilton Nagoya, forgetting that taxi fares are not as cheap as in Bangkok.

Live a balanced life with total accountability at work and at home. This affects the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities that we live in. We are in a people business and it is therefore absolutely important that our people are relaxed and happy, as only then would we be able to spread the light and warmth of hospitality to our guests.

When I was 21, someone asked me what my goal was. My answer was that I wanted to be a general manager of a hotel at the age of 35. Not sure why I said “by 35” but here I am, slightly delayed, but I did become a GM when I hit 36. I sincerely and humbly appreciate Hilton and my colleagues, managers and teams in supporting me to get here.

With the recent opening of Conrad Osaka, my goal is to continue strengthening our Conrad brand in Japan, inspiring our customers and team members. My focus remains - to make our hotel THE CHOICE for travellers in Osaka and THE PLACE to work for team members.