As the landscape of career transitions evolves, more professionals are seizing new opportunities to reshape their career paths. In Singapore, mid-career transitions have become a significant aspect of the workforce, with government initiatives like SkillsFuture playing a crucial role in supporting individuals to upskill and reskill. At Far East Hospitality (FEH), women have been leading the charge in this movement, breaking barriers and advancing into leadership roles.
In 2023, Singapore emerged as a frontrunner in gender representation in leadership, with women occupying 42% of leadership positions. This marks a positive shift towards greater female leadership, and the ongoing conversation around this progress continues to build momentum as we work towards greater gender parity and increased representation.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, we spoke to two inspiring leaders at FEH—Jasmine Neo, Area Director of Sales & Marketing, Village Cluster, and Sherlene Wong, Area General Manager, Rendezvous Cluster. Their journeys reflect resilience, passion, and the company’s commitment to empowering women in the hospitality industry.
Jasmine with her team
Ms. Jasmine Neo started her career in Sales and Marketing at Far East Hospitality in 2014. Through her expertise and dedication, she advanced to lead a cluster of hotels. Today, she continues to drive strategic growth for the company as a director. Read our interview with Jasmine to find out more.
Interview with Jasmine Neo, Area Director of Sales & Marketing, Village Cluster
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in hospitality, and what has kept you motivated over the years?
Jasmine: I’ve been passionate about hospitality since I was young. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about creating meaningful experiences for guests and making them feel valued. Seeing familiar faces return to our hotels, knowing that we’ve made a lasting impression, keeps me going.
To me, hospitality is more than just providing accommodation—it’s about creating a home away from home. The drive to elevate each guest’s experience and exceed expectations is what fuels my passion for hospitality.
Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in your leadership journey and how did you overcome them?
Jasmine: Leading in hospitality means balancing evolving market trends, operational hurdles, and managing diverse teams. One of my biggest challenges was finding the balance between strategic decision-making and empathetic leadership—ensuring both business growth and a motivated team.
I overcame this by actively listening, staying adaptable, and leading with a people-first mindset. Resilience and the ability to embrace change have been key to overcoming obstacles and staying focused on what makes hospitality so special—human connection.
Q: How has Far East Hospitality supported your career growth and leadership development?
Jasmine: FEH fosters a culture of continuous learning and empowerment, which has played a crucial role in my career. Through mentorship programs, cross-functional collaborations, and leadership opportunities, I’ve been able to develop my skills and expand my perspective.
Most importantly, I’ve always felt supported in bringing fresh ideas to the table and making an impact. That level of trust and encouragement has been invaluable in shaping the way I lead.
Jasmine with her family
Q: What advice would you give to women looking to advance their careers as leaders in the hospitality industry?
Jasmine: Believing in yourself is the first step to growth. Take initiative and don’t shy away from opportunities just because they seem daunting. The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, and success comes from experience, resilience, and a willingness to adapt. Surrounding yourself with mentors and peers who uplift and challenge you will help you grow, but at the end of the day, owning your voice and trusting your instincts is what will set you apart.
Your ideas and contributions matter, and leadership is about stepping forward with confidence. Embrace every opportunity, learn from every experience, and never stop striving to be better.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you received from a strong woman figure in your life which you’d like to share with others today?
Jasmine: I was once told: “Always trust yourself—your only true competitor in life is yourself.” It’s easy to compare yourself to others, but real growth comes from focusing on your own journey. Stay true to your goals, trust your instincts, and always strive to be better than you were yesterday.
Sherlene with her team
Interview with Sherlene Wong, Area General Manager, Rendezvous Cluster
Ms. Sherlene Wong joined Far East Hospitality in 2005 in Sales and Marketing. Embracing a transition to Operations, she gained valuable hands-on experience. After honing her leadership skills as a Hotel Manager, she now serves as Area General Manager, overseeing a cluster of hotels. Read our interview with Sherlene to find out more.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in hospitality, and what has kept you motivated over the years?
Sherlene: My love for culture, travel, and human connections drew me to hospitality. This industry allows us to engage with guests from diverse backgrounds, fostering cross-cultural understanding and, in many ways, teaching us about humanity. I thrive in the fast-paced, ever-evolving nature of hospitality, where creativity has no boundaries.
But what truly motivates me? The people. I love working with people, and throughout my career, my colleagues, mentors, and team members have been a constant source of inspiration and encouragement.
Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in your leadership journey and how did you overcome them?
Sherlene: Leadership comes with its fair share of challenges—manpower constraints, conflict resolution, leading change, and even moments of burnout. At times, I’ve had to lean on my faith to find strength.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that support systems matter—from mentors who provide guidance to team members who stand by you. Building strong relationships and having a resilient mindset have helped me navigate these challenges over the years.
Sherlene – Team outing
Q: How has Far East Hospitality supported your career growth and leadership development?
Sherlene: FEH has been incredibly supportive of my career journey. The openness to new ideas and the trust given to me to take on challenges have been instrumental in my growth. Having the freedom to push boundaries and learn from experience has shaped me into the leader I am today.
Q: What advice would you give to women looking to advance their careers as leaders in the hospitality industry?
Sherlene: Building a strong support system—whether at home, at work, or within your social circles—can make a huge difference in your career journey. Connecting and networking with peers and mentors will provide invaluable guidance, but above all, leading with heart is essential. Hospitality is about people, and working with integrity and empathy sets great leaders apart.
Don’t be afraid to take on challenges and new projects. Keep an open mind, adapt to change, and never stop learning. Most importantly, enjoy the work and the process—leadership isn’t just about reaching a destination, but also about growing along the way. Have fun, stay passionate, and take care of yourself!
Q: What’s one piece of advice you received from a strong woman figure in your life which you’d like to share with others today?
Sherlene: My late mother, a career woman herself, always told me: “Take risks! You write your own story.” That advice has stayed with me throughout my career, reminding me to be bold and embrace opportunities as they come.
The journeys of Jasmine Neo and Sherlene Wong exemplify the power of perseverance, adaptability, and passion in the hospitality industry. Their success is a testament to the supportive and inclusive culture at Far East Hospitality, where women are encouraged to lead, innovate, and redefine career paths.
As more professionals embark on mid-career transitions, stories like Jasmine’s and Sherlene’s serve as powerful inspirations—showing that with resilience, continuous learning, and a strong support system, women can thrive in leadership roles and shape the future of hospitality.
Both Jasmine Neo and Sherlene Wong exemplify resilience and leadership, breaking barriers and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. Their journeys at Far East Hospitality highlight the growing role of women in leadership and underscore the importance of continuous growth and empowerment in the hospitality industry.
Find out more about Far East Hospitality at https://www.fareasthospitality.com
