Clarence Tay
Seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience in travel & tourism, hospitality, sales and management roles
About
Seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience in numerous travel & tourism, hospitality, sales and management roles. Delivers exceptional customer service during all interactions with customers, clients, and professionals. Demonstrates outstanding attention to detail, efficiency, organization and accuracy in the workplace.
Technically savvy with proven ability to use and learn collaborative software programs and numerous customer management platforms. Displays strong problem-solving skills and proven ability to work independently or as part of an effective team. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Multilingual, fluent in English, Mandarin, German, Teochew, Hokkien and Cantonese (Chinese dialects).
Experience
CO-FOUNDER - SAMARAGIRI (Villa) - Sri Lanka
(2017-01)
- Planned Villa layout, designed, furnished, hired staff, set up website, marketing, staff training, purchased of products, reservations (for short-term leisure holiday rental & long-term rental), set up OTAs, finance, and manage property
KITCHEN DESIGN SALES ASSOCIATE - RONA+ KINGSTON - Kingston
(2024-01 - 2025-03)
- Approach customers to make sure they find everything for their project
- Using 20/20 kitchen software to design and present customers' ideal kitchen with quotation
- Arranged installation and delivery when required
- Carryout down stocking and make sure all shelves were neatly filled up with the right products
MANAGER ON DUTY - QUALITY INN & COMFORT SUITES KINGSTON CENTRAL - Kingston
(2023-08 - 2023-11)
- Providing guest services, problem solving, answer inquiries, making reservations, managing staff and handling payments
- Making sure property and surroundings are safe and lightings are functioning
OUTDOOR FF&E DESIGNER - BUREGA FARNELL (L.A.) PTE LTD - Singapore
(2015-01 - 2020-12)
Designed and specified outdoor furniture, fittings, and equipment for a variety of luxury hotels and resorts across Asia.
ADMIN MANAGER - BUREGA FARNELL (L.A.) PTE LTD - Singapore
(2010-01 - 2015-12)
Completed the studio administration and planning all business travel arrangements.
MANAGING DIRECTOR - MANGO TRAVEL PTE LTD - Singapore
(2003-01 - 2010-12)
Founded, managed, and operated a LGBTQ boutique Inbound and Outbound travel agency for both leisure and corporate markets.
- Created travel products, making flight bookings and issuances of air-tickets and booking of hotels for customers
- Arranged transportations and selling travel insurance
SALES MANAGER - HOTEL EQUATORIAL, REGIONAL SALES OFFICE - Singapore
(2003-01 - 2003-12)
Planned strategies and promoted sales of all seven hotel properties under this brand across Malaysia, Vietnam, and China.
- Making sales calls to local travel agencies and building good rapport
MANAGER - COMMONWEALTH TRAVEL SERVICE CORPORATION PTE LTD - Singapore
(2003-01 - 2003-12)
In-charged of planning group and individual tour itineraries, specialized in Free and Easy travel packages for East, West and Southeast Asia.
TOUR MANAGER - LUXURY TRAVEL PTE LTD - Singapore
(2002-01 - 2002-12)
Worked with tour wholesalers to promote tour packages, customized items for the customer including booking flight, rail and bus tickets, and selling travel insurance.
SALES & OPERATIONS MANAGER - COMMONWEALTH TRAVEL SERVICE CORPORATION - Singapore
(2000-01 - 2001-12)
Created, updated, and managed website sales on all travel related services for inbound and outbound travels.
PRODUCTS PLANNING MANAGER - COMMONWEALTH TRAVEL SERVICE CORPORATION PTE LTD - Singapore
(2000-01 - 2000-12)
In-charged of planning group tour itineraries including no cost and easy travel packages for East, West and Southeast Asia.
- Planned numerous meetings, incentives, conferences and event groups
- Travelled with MICE groups to coordinate day-to-day activities
ASSISTANT MANAGER - ANGLO-FRENCH TRAVEL PTE LTD - Singapore
(1996-01 - 2000-12)
- Planned tour packages for groups and individuals
- Promoted, sold and customized travel packages, flight, train and bus tickets, including travel insurance and issuance of air tickets
- Planed and coordinated meetings, incentives, conferences and event groups
- Travelled with MICE groups to coordinate day-to-day activities
SALES MANAGER - ASIA VOYAGES TRAVEL PTE LTD - Singapore
(1995-01 - 1996-12)
Promoted travel services to corporate companies including meetings, incentives, conferences and events for both inbound and outbound clients.
TOUR SUPERVISOR (OUTBOUND) - ASIA VOYAGES TRAVEL PTE LTD - Singapore
(1994-01 - 1995-12)
Provided guidance and supervised tour assistants on day-to-day operations.
- Promoted, sold and customized travel packages, flight, train and bus tickets, including travel insurance and issuance of air tickets
TOUR ASSISTANT (OUTBOUND) - ASIA VOYAGES TRAVEL PTE LTD - Singapore
(1993-01 - 1994-12)
Promoted, sold and customized travel packages, flight, train and bus tickets, including travel insurance and issuance of air tickets.
TOUR ASSISTANT (INBOUND) - ASIA VOYAGES TRAVEL PTE LTD - Singapore
(1992-01 - 1993-12)
Scheduled hotel rooms reservations and arranged ground transportation according to overseas agents for individual and tour groups.
- Conducted hotel inspections regularly
GUEST SERVICES OFFICER - QANTAS AIRWAYS - Singapore
(1992-01 - 1992-12)
- Printed arrival flights manifests of the day
- Coordinated and ensured all special attention/services were arranged
- Met arrival flights and liaised with ground handling agents to guarantee a smooth operation
- Made sure luggage was well handled by the agents
- Worked together with ground handling agents during check in of customers
- Sold and issued air tickets for last minute travellers
FRONT OFFICE EXECUTIVE - ALLSON HOTEL - Singapore
(1991-01 - 1992-12)
Managed and trained front office assistants.
- Assigned rooms for arrivals each day and registered guests accordingly
- Escorted guests to rooms and provided the required information on the hotel and room facilities
- Assisted rooms reservation and telephone operators during busy periods
- Provided service of currencies exchange, travellers cheques, safe deposit box, and checking-out guests
FRONT OFFICE EXECUTIVE - NOVOTEL ORCHID SINGAPORE - Singapore
(1990-01 - 1991-12)
Managed and trained front office assistants.
- Assigned rooms for arrivals each day and registered guests accordingly
- Escorted guests to room and provided the required information of the hotel and room facilities
- Assisted rooms reservation and telephone operators during busy periods
Education
Hotel Management Course - Hotel Management - PALACE HOTEL (1988-01 - 1990-12)
Metal Machining - Metal Machining - AYER RAJAH VOCATIONAL INSTITUTE (1982-01 - 1983-12)
GCE 'O' LEVEL - General Education - WHAMPOA SECONDARY SCHOOL (1978-01 - 1981-12)
