KEEPING LIFE INTERESTING “My position gives me a unique access to every aspect of work within the bureau simply because of the last sentence in my job scope: ‘Assume any other responsibilities that may be assigned from time to time by the managing director and chairman’. This gives me the chance to be involved with projects other than general administration such as research and lead generation, sales, site inspections and organising events. It certainly keeps life interesting and enables me to learn new things.” With Sarawak hosting international events, and in the day-
to-day office environment, Jau often has to use her language skills. She speaks the national language, Bahasa Malaysia, and often has to translate much of the official correspondence. “Apart from that, I can speak and understand several Sarawak dialects and simple Mandarin. All these skills are crucial, especially during networking sessions and building rapport with people across all levels.” Asked if there are particular challenges, Jau says nothing
Elynnie (centre) with Jill Henry and another guest at her farewell party.
s
REGARDED AS EXPERTS Hired just three months after the bureau was established, Jau says business events is still considered a new venture for Malaysia. “To be part of the pioneer team for SCB somehow made us regarded as experts. It has been exciting since the beginning –each project is unique, and there are always so many new things to learn. “Once I’d digested what I’d gotten myself into, I really could-
n’t think of any other segment as so interesting. I feel that busi- ness events are a combination of both tourism and trade, where business opportunities and knowledge transfer intermingle with tourism. You need to be serious while having fun and vice-versa, all at the same time. “It was definitely a whole new thing to learn. Fortunately, with
guidance and support from Jill, I can say I now have a firm understanding of business events. Her way of teaching was to expose me to projects well beyond my job scope, and being sup- portive when I wanted to try out for any training scholarship or opportunity within the industry.” Inspired by previous wins by colleagues and supported by
Henry, Jau became the third consecutive winner from the bureau to attend the Forum for Young Professionals (FYP) at the EIBTM trade show in Barcelona, in 2009. “I also won a scholarship for the ICCA Asia Pacific Cultural
Exchange Program, enabling me to attend the FYP at AIME in Melbourne in 2010, including an education program both at Mel- bourne Convention & Visitors Bureau and at Gold Coast Tourism. I subsequently participated in the Australian Asso- ciation of Convention Bureaux conference in Geelong, Australia.” Another overseas excursion was when she volunteered,
alongside a sales colleague, to be a dancer as part of a Malaysian bid team in Taipei last year (see An Event for an Event, page 31). “That experience opened up a whole new work perspective
for me, and has since been incorporated in SCB’s culture – bureau members are encouraged to participate as cultural performers in bid presentations, and the whole team has been very supportive of this.” What has been the most interesting aspect of her job?
16 ISSUE THREE 2012 |
WWW.EXECUTIVEPA.ASIA
Elynnie with her boss Mike Cannon.
major because she regards challenges as a chance to explore her limits. “Each time I’m challenged with a new project I say to myself, ‘Bring it on’. “In the beginning, my biggest challenge was minute-taking as
I didn’t have a secretarial background. I admitted my lack of skill during the interview, to which Jill said the bureau would provide appropriate basic training ... now I’m proud to say my minute- taking skills are highly regarded by the board and committees. “Another challenge is being mindful on the advice and brief-
ing info I give to the managing director, chairman, board members and external parties. I’m privileged to confidential information, so it is imperative to answer any query objectively and diplomatically. In a way, I sometimes have to be an unoffi- cial PR officer.” Is it difficult to have to deal with so many people? “So far,
no difficulty at all. I’ve been blessed to have good and under- standing bosses.” And were there any particular challenges in transferring from one boss to another? “Like any organisation, a change of management does pose
a challenge to the team. It’s fair to say that all bosses have different styles, and of course new expectations. No doubt, time is needed to adjust in a new environment. I view this as if the team is embarking on a new adventure, perhaps sailing on a different route on the same ship with a new captain.” E
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56