Kershing, you are the person that combines so different sides: a Singaporean girl, working in NYC, representing Emirate Abu Dhabi. How did it happen?
I was working for Singapore tourism marketing, as 2005 they sent me to USA to run the US market for them. The job was limited for 3 years and I had a diplomatic status. After 3 years they extended to two more years. My office wanted to have me back to Singapore or to send me to the other country. Those options were open. On the other side, my children grew up here and went to school, my husband did his MBA, everybody felt well and good. So we decided to make US our home. 2010 Abu Dhabi wanted to open their office here. That how I started to work for them.
How did you find them?
2008-2009 I had some contacts to head hunters. They proposed me this job, but to that point I was working for Singapore. Later they asked me again. And also my colleague was working for Abu Dhabi. So he probably recommended me as well.
Your whole family lives in Singapore. Tell about your home country.
It is a very small country. A size of Long Island. There are 5 million people live there, 3 million are Singaporeans, 2 million are the foreigners. It’s probably the most cleanest country in the world. It’s a big finance center. Experts say till 2016 Singapore will be the number one finance hub, over NYC, Switzerland and London. It’s a good country to raise children, because an educational system is very good. The life is very expensive there: a small Toyota car costs 75 thousand $ and Mercedes is about 350.000 $. Every house costs over million. The life is also very stressful there, people work late and very hard.
But you like it?
I like it because it’s my country.
What is your job exactly? What are you doing?
I manage all the aspects of tourism to Abu Dhabi. Our goal is to attract business to the country.
How many people do you have in New Yorker office?
We have six people here.
You have been traveling many times to Abu Dhabi. How do you like the country?
Well, I’m going to give you a polite correct answer (she laughs). There is a lot of potential there. And a lot of money. The government in Abu Dhabi wants to develop tourism, so they really put a lot of efforts to this and invest a lot. Abu Dhabi is a great destination and it is a great job to be involved in the process of it’s development. NYU campus operates here, as well as Cleveland Clinic, Guggenheim, British Museum,- just to name some of big names. A lot of things are happening here right now, a lot of big projects are going on. My job is to present Abu Dhabi - a product - to US market, to place it.
Well, Abu Dhabi is a new region to me. It’s a middle-eastern culture, very safe. I have learned a lot of things. My perspective beyond the US and Asia became broader. It’s interesting and I really like it. At the same time it’s still hard for me to deal and accept this man-oriented culture. It’s a big difference.
You have three boys in age of 11, 9 and 4. How do you organize the home, when you are away?
When the boys were younger, I had a living in lady. So she helped. Now the boys are getting bigger and my husband helps with the home. He has a small electronic business not far from our home. At this time I’m earning more money, but in long term I think, his business can bring more money and I will concentrate on teaching.
You’re taking a good point. Additional to your main job, you are teaching now at NYU. Tell about it.
Some time ago I received an email from NYU with a proposal to teach a tourism course. I don’t know how die they find me, anyway. I accepted an offer and am teaching once a week. I like it very much. My job is very interesting and brings me a lot of satisfaction. I teach my students to understand that tourism is much more as travel agency and hotels. The big part of tourism is development. Someone should be behind all the hotels and build all the attractions. Not many people think about it. With the time my students realize it and get a bigger perspective.
I also like this job because it keeps me young. The students teach me a lot of things. Coupons, Groupon, social living,- they give me advices and test concepts I develop for my main job.
The things you like in US
Everyone is equal. I don’t feel any difference, doesn’t matter what religion, nationality or income you have.
Freedom. You can really be free here. Nobody looks at you and nobody cares.
Weather. I like that it has 4 seasons. You have something you can look forward to. For me is every season like a new beginning.
Singapore
Food. The food there is the best. I miss it so much.
I’m just proud of my country. Considering how small it is and the fact that it doesn’t have any natural resources, we are doing very good.
Abu Dhabi
I really like the dessert.
Do you like to cook?
Yes. But I have time to cook only on weekends.
What is your hobby?
When I was younger, I used to play ping-pong for my town.
What is your favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving. I like this holiday, because it’s not religious. I like the concept of this holiday, to thank people around you. In Singapore I like to celebrate Chinese New Year.
Do you have a motto?
I’m very competitive, I don’t like to lose. Before starting a game or do something new, I make sure I win. When not, I’m not doing that. I like positive people, who can help themselves, who can encourage others.
I don’t like fake people, who pretend everything is ok, if it’s not.
How different fashion in Singapore, New York and Abu Dhabi? And how different or similar women are there?
In Abu Dhabi everything is covered. The women wear abaya. But despite this fact they are very fashionable. They love expensive labels, especially shoes and bags. Women there are treated like princess. They have many servers and have a pretty good life. I also experienced situations when they became aggressive when something goes different as they expect to be.
Women in Singapore are quite similar to US women, but they have a much better life. Women are working, at the same time they have at least one servant who helps with home and children. In a lot of cases women earn more money and have more power as men. They look good, go often to spa salons and wear fashionable dresses. They would never go out without make up.
I see a strength of women across all the countries. Next generation will be dominated by women’s power.
