Ms. Harmony Wong
Director, Rooms & Attractions
Wild Wild Wet
Singapore - Singapore
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, May 2024
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I started working in a café straight after high school, prior to pursuing my BA, which provided me with some edge over my peers. Almost immediately after I graduated, I was hired by a hotel as a reservation agent, sitting behind the desk, taking phone calls, doing data entries, sending faxes of confirmations and cancellations, making airport transfers arrangements...how interesting (not)!
That was my first job, and without a doubt, it was also the job which made me understand the meaning of “wrong fit.” Being young and full of energy, sitting behind a desk was not for me. I left the job, on the anniversary date no less.
Wanting to remain in the hospitality industry, I took a pay cut and joined Housekeeping in another hotel. I moved up in Housekeeping and decided it was time to be exposed to another department and joined F&B, moving onto planning roles of the latter.
After 15 years in the hotels, opportunity came knocking on my door to join Resorts World Sentosa, which has four themed parks in Singapore – Universal Studios Singapore, SEA Aquarium, Maritime Museum and Adventure Cove Waterpark (ACW). While my primary focus was on planning, ticketing, and guest services during my time there, we dabbled in everything that came our way and contributed in whichever ways we could in operations. I had a ball during my time in theme parks and in the blink of an eye,10 years passed.
Most recently, in July, 2023, I joined NTUC Club to lead D’Resort and Wild Wild Wet (WWW), the integrated waterpark resort in Singapore.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
It was really by chance. When the opportunity came for me to join the attractions industry, I took it and have never regretted making the change. In any case, my outgoing character requires me to be in a people industry.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
Water, of course. Being in a tropical climate, nothing beats a dip in the water, regardless of the thrilling rides or lazing in the lazy river.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
There are too many to name just one. On the professional front, I have been blessed to have superiors who gave me the opportunity to make mistakes and grow. Each of them had their own leadership traits and they guided me during my growth, allowing me to find my own.
On a personal note, I am thankful to my mother and my partner who have unconditionally supported me throughout my career.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
Not just in my waterpark career, but throughout my entire career – the greatest fight is against complacency. Manpower is the other challenge in this part of the world, as most do not like to be under the sun.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
I try to not let the “noises” affect me by focusing on the matters in front of me, including the staff members who are keen to learn and grow. These staff members are our assets and without them, I am nothing.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Don’t trouble trouble, if you don’t want trouble to trouble you – be inquisitive and stay alert! And while you are at it, have fun...working in a waterpark does not have to be stressful.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
Stephen Covey’s
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, especially when individuals have differing opinions while working on your team. Always “think win-win” and “seek first to understand, then be understood.”
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
Seeing guests enjoying themselves in a safe environment.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
Theme parks, preferably wet!
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
WWW has been a member of WWA for many years and when I joined WWW, I automatically started receiving more news of WWA. It was also how I ended up in New Orleans in October, 2023, attending the WWA Show and making many connections. It was a great experience!
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I collect band aids. •