Long Shiau Wee’s Singapore Long‑Distance Love
Picture this: Long Shiau Wee, the fearless CEO of YTL Hotels Niseko Village, missing her home island more than a tourist misses a rainy day in the Alps. Since the world locked its borders, she’s been stuck abroad, unable to drop by with her family and friends on the island.
What’s Keeping Her On‑The‑Road?
Sleep? Well, that’s one thing she definitely had to set aside. But her calendar was crammed with hotel entrepreneurship.
- December 2023: She led the grand opening of Higashiyama Niseko Village, a brand‑new Ritz‑Carlton Reserve.
- Spanning across the snowy peaks, the vast resort boasts 36 luxury rooms, a 50‑seat restaurant, and a function arena for events.
- Reflecting the company’s “keep the hotel dreams alive” mantra, she’s hired and trained over 200 staff from the ground up.
Leading Through a Pandemic
When the pandemic hit, Long was already a seasoned pro—“I’ve been with YTL Hotels since July 2011,” she says.
Under her direction, YTL Hotels Niseko Village forged a path of resilience:
- Maintained a steady cash flow with a 70% turnover and high winter operational capacity.
- Lived off the table of cuts and bonuses, yet kept the management team loyal while stopping subsidization.
- Implemented a risk‑free strategy, securing 30–40% of the overall budget to triage the crisis.
The Takeaway
Long obviously doesn’t let a pandemic shut she—she literally builds hotels air‑tight and strong to withstand whatever comes.
What lessons did you learn from the pandemic that now guide your decision-making process?
YTL Hotels: Turning Local Trips into Unforgettable Adventures
When the pandemic hit, we found ourselves re‑evaluating what makes a trip feel truly special. It dawned on us that guests—whether from the city lights or the far‑away corners of the globe—deserve more than just a stay; they deserve an experience that stays with them long after they check out.
What We’re Doing Differently
- Tailored for Every Guest – Our menu of activities evolves continuously, ensuring everyone finds something that blows them away.
- Learning Meets Luxury – We blend education and indulgence, turning ordinary visits into moments of genuine discovery.
- New Horizons for Local Visitors – Even those who live in the area can return home with fresh stories.
New Attractions You Can’t Miss
- Golf Retreats for the Dedicated – Picture manicured greens, expert coaching, and a drive that feels like strolling through heaven.
- The Majestic Mount Yotei Hike – Lace up your boots and soak in the sheer beauty of Niseko’s rugged peaks and serene valleys.
Why It Matters
We’re not just putting surfaces back together; we’re reshaping how you perceive travel. You’re not just a guest—you’re part of a story that we write together. Whether you’re chasing sunsets or chasing after a championship short‑course, YTL Hotels is ready to show you the best of local charm with a splash of splendor.
Come Back With a New Story
Leave with memories that go beyond the room—stories of on‑the‑ground adventures, personal growth, and sheer indulgence. And remember: the next time you think of travel, think local, think YTL. Cheers to fresh experiences, unforgettable sights, and a sprinkle of humor along the way!
What were the hardest challenges you had to overcome during the pandemic?
YTL Hotels Keeps the Wheels Turning, Even When the World Turns Upside‑Down
Picture this: the world’s on lockdown, flights are a joke, and “hotels” feel terrified. And yet, in December 2020, we rolled out the gates of Higashiyama Niseko Village, a full‑blown Ritz‑Carlton Reserve.
Getting the Keys in a Remote Work Test‑Drive
- All the prep came straight from overseas teams, who backed‑up their laptop screens instead of hotel lobbies.
- The business climate was a moving target—think of it as playing chess with a blindfold on.
- But with a pinch of grit and a lot of virtual coffee, the project stayed on track.
What the Awards Are Saying
We’ve already bagged a few trophies for the new property—so far, it looks like the world’s been acknowledging the effort, even when everyone else is scrambling to keep their beds filled.
YTL Hotels: Still Growing, No Matter What
Even in a pandemic that made travel feel like a lottery, YTL Hotels’ expansion plans kept blooming. We’re already lined up more properties across Japan, showing that a good heartbeat beats not just in the heart of a hotel, but in the hearts of our guests too.
All in all, it’s proof that you can still smile, grow, and hit the next big mark—if you keep the fun, the focus, and the fearless spirit in the rear view mirrors.
Let’s focus on issues beyond the pandemic. How have you pushed for sustainability and diversity goals in YTL Hotels?
Green Steps, Big Wins
At YTL Group, it’s more than just glassware and a fancy décor – it’s about making sure our planet and our people thrive.
- Biodiversity Boost: Every luxury resort we manage gets a tailored, eco‑friendly strategy that lets local wildlife get the VIP treatment they deserve.
- Historical Hang‑Ups: Rather than tearing down the past, we give classic buildings a spruce‑up, preserving heritage while slashing the carbon footprint of new builds.
- Equal Playfield: 32 % of our leadership roles are chaired by women, and I’ve got the pleasure of leading the YTL Hotels Niseko Village crew as a female CEO.
- Diversity on Deck: Our team is a vibrant mosaic of cultures, ideas, and perspectives – because fresh voices bake the best hotels.
Why It Matters
Booking a stay with us means you’re supporting rivers, forests and a cleaner future for the next generation. It’s like choosing a salad over a steak, but with more trees involved.
As a female CEO, the journey is still new, but I’m thrilled to steer a crew that thinks, plans and chuckles through challenges together, dismantling stereotypes one brick at a time.
What was it like to be a Singaporean abroad in the beginning?
Living the Dream: My Time in Japan
First Glances from Niseko Village
Every morning in Niseko Village feels like stepping onto a postcard. The crisp air, the snow‑clad peaks, and the bright blue sky make waking up an adventure in itself. It’s impossible not to feel like you’re in a winter wonderland every single day.
From Skis to Sails
I jumped into all sorts of activities that would have been out of reach back in Singapore. In winter, I carved through powder on the slopes and even tried snow rafting—think sledding but with an extra splash of adrenaline. Come summer, the mountains invite you to hike, and if you’re feeling daring, a paragliding session gives you a bird‑eye view of everything.
The Magical Otaru Matsuri
One highlight? The annual summer matsuri in the charming town of Otaru. Picture this: I slipped on a traditional yukata, joined the locals, and we all got into a dance that felt both joyous and deeply rooted in tradition. The atmosphere was electric, and I felt like I was part of a living, breathing cultural tapestry.
Kind of Luck, Right?
It’s rare to get such personal and unique experiences just by doing your job. I couldn’t help but chuckle about how lucky I am—my work somehow turned into a passport passport through Japan’s heart, giving me moments I’ll cherish forever.
<img alt="" data-caption="The view of Mount Yotei, where travellers can hike if they wish.
PHOTO: Twitter/TheMaxReport” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”1fff5b80-74ee-4d28-86b5-0c4aa6e566ee” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/mount%20yotei.jpg”/>It looks like the excerpt you provided is just a brief line. Could you share the full article text you’d like re‑written? That way I can ensure the output meets your style and format requirements.
