Melanie Lim
Getting started
During my second year of university, I pursued a double major in Marketing and Operations Management. This gave me the flexibility of choosing both an area of interest and an area I excelled in. After graduation, I worked in roles relevant to both my majors for two years, and eventually jumped at the opportunity to join the Landside Concessions team with Changi Airport Group (CAG) – a job that aligned closely with both my strengths and interests.
Despite having no prior experience in leasing, I took a leap of faith to join the team and learn the new skills required on-the-job. Since this role involved liaising with stakeholders and the creation of experiences for the airport’s customers, I was confident that my past job experience would allow me to add value to my role.
About my role
As part of CAG’s Commercial cluster, the Landside Concessions team drives revenue for CAG by managing the food and beverage (F&B), retail and services shop units within the public areas of Changi Airport’s terminals. My core areas of work include engaging with brands, negotiating contracts, planning renovations and overseeing the day-to-day operations of each unit. I take great pride in being able to journey with our tenants towards achieving a common goal of delighting all visitors to Changi Airport.
In addition to our main job scope, we are also given the opportunity to lead special projects. For example, I had the chance to lead a space upgrading project to convert retail units into open concept F&B kiosks. This entire project, from design to construction and leasing, was done in 2020 during the pandemic, making it exceptionally challenging. Despite all odds, and with the guidance and support from my peers and supervisors, the project was completed successfully, and it was truly a rewarding experience.
What I enjoy most about my job
Working for CAG has been a very dynamic and exciting journey that has left me with a great sense of fulfillment every step of the way. For instance, I feel a strong sense of achievement whenever a brand we bring in opens its doors for the first time, or when I get to see visitors enjoying a freshly revamped space that I had a part in creating.
As with any job, it is never always a bed of roses. But I am glad to be surrounded by a team of passionate and driven individuals who work hard towards the common goals of enhancing the experience at Changi Airport, while generating revenue for the business.
Then and now
Due to the pandemic, the past year has been extremely challenging for us as we pivoted to adapt to the new normal. With the support from our management team and our partners, we have been able to react quickly and well to the ever-changing situation. This experience has taught me the importance of maintaining good relationships with our partners, and to be adaptable and resourceful in order to bring in new streams of revenue for CAG.
Essential skills
Good interpersonal and communication skills are extremely important in this role. We are required to work closely with both internal and external stakeholders, so these skills help us to forge stronger relationships with our partners and allow us to better manage their expectations as we work towards our goals. Negotiation skills are also key to obtain the best win-win outcome for all parties. This may not be easy at the start, but with more exposure, and by learning from seniors and peers, you will pick up useful tactics to enhance your negotiations strategy.
My advice to graduates
With any job or role, there are bound to be challenges. Circumstances may change and efforts may seem to be in vain, but as long as you keep an open mind, learn to adapt quickly and have the right attitude, the growth you will gain from it all will be invaluable.
