THE BASICS
Name: Ghim-Lay Yeo
Title: Vice president, corporate communications
Company, city: oneworld; New York, New York
First job: When I was 18 years old, as a telemarketer for a financial services company, I had to cold-call people, which is never pleasant.
Where to next: Madrid, Spain
A LITTLE BIT MORE
What actor or actress would play you in a movie of your life? Lucy Liu, because she’s a bad ass and a good actress.
What would you be doing professionally if you weren’t in your current industry? I’d be a novelist writing fiction.
What is your favorite book, movie or television show? Little Miss Sunshine is my favorite movie; it’s funny, and the dark humor appeals to me, but it’s also a good movie about family.
What historical figure, dead or alive, would you love to have dinner with? Bessie Coleman — she was the first African American and Native American female pilot, carving out a space in a field still dominated by men today.
THE BUSINESS
What is your most recent project, and what was the inspiration behind it? I’ve been organizing our town halls, an initiative we continued from our 20th-anniversary year in 2019. We’re visiting member airlines to get to know them better, get updates, bring our message to the airlines and meet the employees.
What is your favorite aspect of the job? Working with the people; as the newest member of the team, it’s a treat to get to know everyone: people of different cultures, backgrounds and at different stages of their lives and careers.
What’s the biggest business risk you’ve ever taken? I moved from Singapore to Washington, D.C., in 2011. I was transferred with my previous company, in my late 20s, and I didn’t want to turn down the transfer and potentially regret it. I was initially financially worse off, but it was such a big decision that was worth it in the end.
Who is someone you admire professionally in the travel industry? Claudia Sender, who previously served as the only woman on the executive team at LATAM — and Latin America has a male-dominated culture. She was out- spoken about women having a better seat at the table.
AS A TRAVELER
Tell us about a travel nightmare: When I lived in D.C., I booked a flight to Boston in March. I don’t know why, because I typically don’t, but I checked a bag. In line for security, my flight was canceled. I was put on the next flight, but my bag went on an earlier one. My next flight canceled. It wasn’t worth it for a short trip to rebook again, and it then took me two days to track down my bag, calling every number I could think of. Four days later, I picked up my bag at the airport in D.C.
Share a comical travel experience: I extended a business trip to include a solo trip to Machu Picchu. Singapore is a tiny country, and I rarely run into Singaporeans on my travels. On the train ride back from Machu Picchu, I was among an entire tour of Singaporeans — it was serendipity! What is your preferred method of travel — planes, trains, automobiles, cruise ships — and why? It depends on where I’m going, but mostly planes. It’s the easiest, most convenient option, especially as the train infrastructure in the United States isn’t great.
What has been the best example of customer service you’ve experienced during your travels? In my previous career as a journalist, I was booked on a Singapore Airlines flight. I was sick a few days prior to the trip and not sure I’d even make it; I had no appetite on my business- class flight, and the cabin crew noticed and expressed concern. A flight attendant brought me green tea throughout the flight, and I felt much better upon landing.
Read This Next
Tour a Newly Rebuilt Christchurch
February 2020
Feb 11, 2020Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Mar 28, 2024New Adriatic Yacht Cruise and Tour Itineraries Unveiled for 2025
Set sail through crystal-clear waters and explore ports, islands and more on three new yacht cruise and tour itineraries in the Adriatic Sea from Riviera River Cruises. New 2025 itineraries combine yacht cruises with onboard accommodations and land extensions with hotel stays in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Itineraries also include tours of charming coastal towns and stops in national parks and swimming hole locations.
Sponsored Content
Exclusive Savings: Cruise Along the Danube River with Global Traveler
Exclusive Sailing with Global Traveler
March 2024
Mar 28, 2024Cruise Lines Elevate the Onboard Fine-Dining Experience
It’s been a long time since the food on cruise ships resembled the bland, uninspired fare that gave onboard dining a bad name. These days, cruise passengers can look forward to menus created by Michelin-starred chefs made with top-quality ingredients served in stunning spaces. Choices abound as well. In addition to elegant main dining rooms, cruise ships have created a huge array of specialty restaurants that focus not only on perfectly executed traditional European and North American dishes but flavors and experiences from around the globe as well. In fact, meals served aboard cruise vessels have gotten so good, they’re drawing passengers onto ships: According to a recent report by luxury travel planning network Virtuoso, advisors report after Europe (specifically Italy and France), the No. 2 dining destination for travelers is aboard an ocean or river cruise. “This shows how cruise lines have really stepped up their culinary game, with consulting chefs and new restaurants and making that a focal point,” said Misty Belles, vice president, Global Public Relations, Virtuoso.
Daily
Mar 28, 2024Athens’ National Museum of Contemporary Art Opens What if Women Ruled the World? Exhibition
National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens was founded in 1997 and is supervised and subsidized by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports. The museum began its operation in 2000, when it acquired the first artwork of its collection and the first temporary exhibition took place.
Sponsored Content
Reconnecting the World: GBTA Convention 2023 Spotlights the Vital Role of Business Travel and In-Person Connection
In an increasingly digital and interconnected world, the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Convention remains an indispensable platform for business travel industry professionals seeking to make the most of the power of face-to-face connections. Taking place August 13–15 in Dallas, the 2023 GBTA Convention provides the unique opportunity for professionals and companies to join visionaries, thought leaders and industry experts for meaningful networking, cutting-edge insights and inspiring innovation.
Daily
Mar 28, 2024AmaWaterways Debuts Specialty Summer Cruises in Europe
AmaWaterways recently unveiled its lineup of experiences and exclusive offers for its 2024 Summer European river cruise season, and the list includes 20 Celebration of Wine Cruises, with two hosted by Samantha Brown and Chef Joanne Weir; and three Loyalty Appreciation Cruises.
Hotel Indigo La Paz Puerta Cortés Review
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 27, 2024Japan Airlines Purchases 32 Airbus, 10 Boeing
eFlyer News
Mar 27, 2024eFlyer News
Mar 27, 2024China Airlines Expands North American Network with Non-Stop Flights to Seattle
China Airlines will begin offering non-stop flights to Seattle (SEA) from Taipei (TPE) starting July 14. The new route expands the carrier’s passenger services to the northwestern United States by offering five weekly flights via the Airbus A350-900.
Sponsored Content
Unearth Seoul’s Hidden Gems
Filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, Seoul invites travelers to unearth its many gems, and Seoul Tourism Organization is here to help travelers do just that. Through thoughtfully created initiatives like the Theme Tourism County Competition, Seoul Tourism Organization works closely with local districts to identify and showcase what makes each district unique and charming in all seasons.
eFlyer Deals
Mar 27, 2024Sleep Sanctuary at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
In West Florida, indulge in a stay at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. This season, the hotel’s Sleep Sanctuary offer promises premium, beachfront accommodations; and sleep-enhancing amenities. Amenities include two aroma bracelets, a handmade soap, a bath bomb and foaming sugar scrub from Artful Soap Co.
ShareThis