As a relative newcomer to the industry, Sherie Han, guest service officer at Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore, has already turned a lot of heads at the iconic property.
Just a year into her first hotel job as guest relations officer, Han was promoted to guest service officer at the hotel’s Tower Wing, charged with checking in and out every guest. It wasn’t long until she was transferred to the opulent Valley Wing later in 2015, where she is considered an “ambassador” to guests.
“I want guests to look for my assistance when they return to Valley Wing,” says the 26-year-old. The 131-room wing is considered the hotel’s most luxurious of its three wings and provides amenities such as butler service to high-profile travelers including heads of states, corporate executives and other celebrities.
“I strive to learn as much as I can while staying sincere,” she says. “I have learned to be confident in everything that I do, but also humble toward people I meet and patient with whatever comes my way.”
“Sherie never says ‘no’ and always does her job to the best of her ability,” says Reto Klauser, vice president and general manager of Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore. “She is a strong asset to us because she is a genuinely warm person and very resourceful, which leads to her can-do attitude. She always comes across as an enthusiastic and cheerful member of the team who is eager to learn and to grow with us.”
Han considers Klauser one of several mentors. Others include Nora Ghazali, general manager of the Valley Wing and David Amador, executive assistant manager of the rooms division at Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore. “They are smart, experienced and always push me to my limits,” she says. “They are also tough on me when necessary and that’s part of why they are the best at what they do.”
One of Han’s many goals is to be the greatest that she can be for the people around her. Her outgoing personality and natural desire to help others are important qualities in her professional life, but training such as the Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications, a national continuing education and training program for adult workers in a wide range of industries, have proven valuable when interacting with “difficult guests.”
“My passion for work, coupled with knowledge and the right training was what enabled me to make it to where I am today,” she says.
Han represented the hotel in the country’s annual “Receptionist of the Year” competition. The experience, she says, boosted her confidence and helped her learn more about other cultures from fellow contestants from around the world.
Staying in her home country was an easy decision. “Singapore is unique because it is one of the safest countries in the world and, despite our small size, we are exposed to many cultures and international events,” she says. “Travelers who visit have an extensive range of accommodation to choose from in a variety of different locales.”