We speak with Suntec Singapore chief executive Arun Madhok about exhibition venues, learning the art of the deal and tips for wrapping up a good practical joke.
How long have you been in your role?
I joined Suntec Singapore in 2009 as the director of business development. After a short stint as the chief operating officer, I had the privilege to take over as chief executive in June 2012.
How did you get into the events industry?
After 22 years in the aviation industry, of which I spent 15 years with British Airways, I decided to explore something new.
The previous chief executive of Suntec Singapore had been a manager of mine in the airline and he invited me to join him in developing a new strategy and direction for Suntec Singapore.
Tell us about your first paid job
I had just finished high school exams, in 1977, in India. That summer, I started doing door-to-door sales. I sold clothes drying racks and carried them on my bicycle going from housing estate to housing estate.
The lessons I got in how to sell, which customers were most likely to buy and the art of closing the deal have been invaluable.
The commission was good and even if people didn't buy my product, they would invite me in for a cold drink or some cookies so it had its perks.
What do you love most about your work?
At Suntec Singapore, we run more than 1,500 events annually, across the medical and pharmaceutical industry, engineering, technology and lifestyle.
This gives me insights into many industries that I would normally not be able to access.
From composites and medical equipment to financial markets and product launches, I love the fact that I can pop into the events and satisfy my craving for knowledge as part of my work. I also get invited to the best parties in town.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the events industry?
As in most of the hospitality industry, one of the many challenges is to understand the evolving needs of the customers and then develop products and services to cater to their requirements.
At Suntec Singapore we have used our clients’ views to develop and offer services like complimentary high speed WiFi, customisable spaces and innovative catering offerings to position us at the preferred place to meet.
What is your proudest career achievement?
I've had the opportunity to conceptualise, develop and build the most contemporary and technologically advanced convention centre. My amazing team and I have launched the business very successfully and established it as the best in the region and I am very proud of our success.
Can you share your funniest work moment?
A while back, one of our managers got married and went on leave for a couple of weeks on his honeymoon.
To show our affection, the entire office got together and using toilet paper and sticky tape, we gift wrapped every individual item on his desk and every item in his drawers very neatly. We then proceeded to wrap his desk and chair as well.
We did have a lot of laughs wrapping everything, but the look on his face, when he got back, was priceless.
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
A quote that my mom always used when I was a kid, attributed to the Earl of Chesterfield. "Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well". I've always used this to guide me in the pursuit of excellence.
How do you enjoy to spend free time?
When I have spare time during the week, I like to take a quick swim or catch up with my reading list or listen to some music. This helps me to recharge and prepare for another fun day at work. Weekends and vacations are a whole different story.
And your best business travel hack?
Irrespective of my class of travel or the length of my trip, I never travel without my noise-cancelling earphones.
This way if the business lounge is too noisy, or a hyper-active child is seated near me, or the travellers in the next row who insist on sharing their loud conversation with the rest of the cabin, you can tune them out.
Though the airlines give out headsets, they are too clunky to use while sleeping, so earphones are the way to go.
