What are the implications of AirBNB’s legitimacy in Singapore?

Find out from Vernon Lee, GM of Capri by Fraser.

Vernon Lee, 38, joined Frasers Hospitality as General Manager of its award-winning flagship hotel residence, Capri by Fraser, Changi City / Singapore, in June 2014. He oversees the overall management and operations of the hotel residence, which was designed to cater to the lifestyle needs of e-generation travellers.

Prior to Capri by Fraser, Changi City / Singapore, Lee was the Hotel Manager for Village Hotel Albert Court Singapore and Head of Service & Operations of the Serviced Residences division in Far East Organisation.

He will be one of the speakers at the upcoming SBR Industry Insights Series. Find out more about Vernon here:

What are your previous experiences and positions held that contributed to who you are as an entrepreneur/businessman today?
I have always had a love for the travel and hospitality industry, inspite of my beginnings in the finance sector. The training I’ve had from the financial scene has never left me. Through all my experiences past and present, the entreprenueur in me remains excited by what I can bring to the hospitality arena, owners, business partners and employees. To be in the business of hospitality, a good balance is very much needed. The hospitality arena is in the business of bringing both the tangibles and intangibles.

Profitability to stakeholders, owners, business partners and employees. At the same time, the core fundamentals of the hospitality business must always be there – to anticipate and exceed customers’ evolving expectations, to deliver memorable experiences, to innovate through technologies, products, and services. Giving customers wide choices without compromising on profitability for the stakeholders. There is still much to be learnt as an entrepreneur because the world at large is evolving, likewise the hospitality industry.

What are your key business philosophies?
A business philosophy is not one that is necessarily always cast in stone. In today’s evolving world, and ebb and flow of things, adaptation is key. The core business of hospitality is to better serve our customers, to give our customers diversity in terms of products, technologies, services even choices. The way forward is adaptability. Staying relevant. Continuing growth. But at the very heart centre – have a brand with offerings that customers are excited about.

Can you give us a glimpse of what you will talk about at the SBR Industry Insights Series?
AirBNB has, in the last couple of months, been making headlines. Touted as a ‘trusted community marketplace for people to list, discover and book unique accommodation around the world – online or from a mobile phone’, AirBNB has described itself as the ‘easiest way for people to monetize their extra space and showcase it to an audience of millions’.

As a panelist, it would be interesting to explore the implications of AirBNB’s concept and legitimacy here in Singapore. Discussion pointers would revolve on Singapore’s current stand by authorities such as HDB, Urban Redevelopment Authority; issues on security – from fire safety to personal safety of residences and guests - which seem to have been glossed over in the wake of AirBNB’s rise as an emerging solution in the hospitality industry.