Emily Goh walks into a private area in Mandarin Oriental, Singapore’s team cafe with a bright, bright smile. You ca n’t help but notice how expertly dressed she is, sporting a red and white embroidered dress, red choker, and hexagonal-shaped glasses. I was instructed to use someone with a tale to tell. she chirped.
Goh, 58, is the recently appointed general manager of Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, assuming the role in January 2024. The former businessman is the homeowner’s initial female general manager.
Despite having been in the industry for more than three decades, hospitality was n’t Goh’s first love, she shared as we settled in for a chat. Goh was born in the little town of Kluang, Malaysia, into an visual community. ” My dad is a writer, my sons were musicians”, shared Goh, the youngest of eight children. I was always very effective in class activities like public speaking and singing competitions from a young age. I even play the piano”.
After graduating high school, Goh harboured ambitions to examine songs. But when she sat down with her parents, he expressed his concerns. ” He asked if I was quite confident about pursuing music”, Goh recalled. ” He said,’ I know you are physically gifted in song, but for you to do audio, you better take it seriously. It ca n’t be just a hobby, you better be very good'”.
Goh’s father also acknowledged that he “did n’t have the financial means to support me, especially if I was going to be away for a very long.”