- Title: CEO
- Organisation: Far East Hospitality Management
- Office headquarters: Singapore
- Company operations: Southeast Asia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Germany
- Industry: Hospitality
- Employees: 3,000
Like many in the hospitality industry during Covid-19, Arthur Kiong battled with the idea of opening up Far East Hospitality Management’s establishments as quarantine facilities. He shared with Salt&Light that he was aware of possible stigma from other customers but nevertheless sought to make the biggest social impact and serve as many people as possible.
It was this conviction that allowed Far East Hospitality Management to remain profitable, have zero layoffs, and maintain employee salaries throughout the pandemic. “We never started out using that as a strategy; it came as a result,” Kiong says. He emphasises how important it is for executives to show staff that the company has a definitive action plan during times of crisis, and that it is the company’s responsibility to look after employees, keep them safe, and have their wellbeing at heart.
“It builds confidence, it builds morale, and it gives everyone a sense of belief in what you’re doing,” he says. Kiong also likens crisis management to the mask mandate of the time, saying that looking after others is the only way to get out of a crisis, just as wearing a mask is a way of protecting others as well as oneself from disease.
He is intentional about nurturing the right values among his employees. Every shift across all hotels and departments begins with 20 minutes of a ‘Daily Dose’: a huddle and collective reflection on 11 behavioural standards set forth by Kiong. Together, they embody having the right attitude, working with empathy and integrity, exercising initiative and resilience, and exemplifying a spirit of gratitude.
As CEO, he desires that the work environment he and his company provide is one where kindness and patience reign. “I’m grateful for a very cohesive and very loyal team that has been with me for a very long time,” says Kiong.
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