Since graduating with an Honours with Distinction in Hospitality Business in 2018, Glenda Ong has found that her learning journey continues till today. From her transformative time at SIT to her impactful roles in the MICE industry and at Singapore Airlines (SIA), Glenda has consistently embraced opportunities with humility and a passion for building strong teams.

Armed with a diploma in Integrated Events and Project Management from Singapore Polytechnic, Glenda spent three years with SIA as a cabin crew to save up for her university degree. Then, in 2015, she enrolled in SIT’s Hospitality Business degree programme because of its emphasis on applied learning and strong industry collaboration that set it apart from other universities. Along the way, she received the SIT Mid-Term Scholarship, which helped with her finances.

Glenda receiving her SIT Mid-Term Scholarship. (Photo: Glenda Ong)

Describing her time in SIT as being transformative, Glenda credits the university’s flagship Integrated Work Study Programme for her current career trajectory. “It wasn't just about theory; it was about applying knowledge in practical settings. This gave me a significant advantage when I entered the workforce. Personally, SIT fostered a growth mindset, encouraging me to embrace challenges and continuously learn.”

This growth mindset, rooted in the SITizen-DNA trait – ‘Able to learn, unlearn and relearn’, gave Glenda the confidence and impetus to try out new avenues after exploring the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) industry upon graduation.

Making Progress…One Step at a Time

Glenda began her career at Pacific World Singapore, an event agency, where she independently managed small-scale meetings and incentives while supporting large-scale conferences and events, such as the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. When COVID-19 hit and the company was forced to shut, a recruitment agency reached out to her with a temporary position in Community Chest’s Experiential Fundraising Team. After only two months, she proved her mettle through sheer hard work and secured a full-time role.

Glenda with the 2020 Experiential Fundraising team in Community Chest running the annual Community Chest Fu Dai event. (Photo: Glenda Ong)

Glenda speaks fondly of the time she spent at ComChest, working under a “wonderful team leader”. But when her boss decided to move on, that was the spark that catalysed Glenda to fulfil her dream of working in the aviation industry.

In 2022, SIA offered her two positions -- a ground staff position and a cabin crew position. After much deliberation, she chose the former. “While I cherish my flying experience, I'd always wondered about life would be as an SIA ground staff. I believe we often regret the chances we don't take more than the ones we do. Having experienced flying as a cabin crew once, I knew I wouldn't regret exploring this new path within the aviation industry.”

And just like an intrepid explorer, she gave everything she had to her first project upon joining SIA – leading a team of 20 in curating, planning, and executing the first-ever SIA Cares Open House 2023. This CSR flagship event demonstrated the airlines' commitment to giving back to the community, focusing on the supported causes: children and youths-at-risk, the differently abled, and seniors in need.

“My experience leading a large team transformed my perspective: it's truly about orchestrating and enabling collective success. This shifted my focus towards the immense impact of clear communications in fostering seamless teamwork and ensuring complete alignment.”

Today, Glenda manages the organisation's CSR corporate social responsibility portfolio and internal engagement events as part of SIA’s culture and engagement team. Looking back, she credits the progressive steps she took along the way, which enabled her to grow her skills in event and community management, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership.

Embracing Life, Love and Lots More

On her undergraduate days at SIT, Glenda recalls embracing student life in its entirety, while coping with assignments. “Knowing this was likely my final chapter in formal education, I was determined to savour every moment. I fully immersed myself in the experience, particularly enjoying the company of motivated and like-minded peers who balanced hard work with a vibrant social life.”

Ever the go-getter, Glenda didn’t just get a degree from SIT. She even snagged herself a partner for life, meeting her future husband as part of the SIT Student Orientation 2016 where they were both facilitators. For her, it was important to have someone who could appreciate the “SIT pace of life” and provide emotional support while navigating the stresses of undergraduate life and celebrating small victories.

Glenda with her husband at SIA Cares Open House 2024. (Photo: Glenda Ong)

Till today, she keeps in touch with a few good friends she made as part of ‘Project Cambodia’, a CCA during her time in SIT, as well as a fellow alumni mentor who is still in the industry. Glenda acknowledges that without her mentors, she wouldn’t be where she is today. This is why she continues to give back to her alma mater by offering support and practical guidance to current SITizens through regular alumni networking events. She finds it extremely rewarding to share her experiences, provide insights into industry trends, and offer career development guidance. At the same time, she fully appreciates the opportunity to learn from the innovative ideas and perspectives of the current students.    

"To learn, unlearn and relearn – this SITizen-DNA taught me the importance of adaptability and humility, especially when navigating career transitions. This mindset allows me to approach new roles with an open mind, while confidently leveraging my experience. Maintaining that balance and humility, coupled with the ability to showcase my capabilities, is a practice I continue to value and apply today.”

Glenda (centre) bonding with her colleagues on an overseas work trip. (Photo: Glenda Ong)

Learning – A Process to be Embraced

Asked what she would say to her younger self, Glenda exhorts: “I would tell her to network more aggressively with industry professionals during internships and school events, not just for future job prospects, but to truly understand the nuances of the MICE and events sector from those who are living it every day. I would also encourage a stronger focus on developing soft skills like negotiation and advanced presentation, as these have proven invaluable in my career.”

She also has this advice for any aspiring entrant into the industry: “Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and take on challenging projects. Focus on developing practical skills and building a strong portfolio. Remember that learning is a lifelong process, and stay curious.”