Jetsetting with ... Zuji’s Chua Hui Wan

SINGAPORE — Online travel agency Zuji has been operating for 12 years, and it relaunched its website last November. The site sports new features like a live chat function where users can talk to the customer service officers. Zuji Singapore’s CEO Chua Hui Wan, said these features are important as online travel agencies often lack the “people factor that traditional travel agents offer”.

When she’s not overseeing new initiatives like these, Chua likes nothing more than a trip to the Maldives where she has been three times. “Beach holidays and breaks at villas with private pools are my top holiday picks,” she said. “My kids can stay entertained and safe and I find these kinds of trips to be far more relaxing.”

Q: What do you enjoy most about travelling?

A: I really enjoy seeing new places and embracing the local culture — doing what the locals do and eating what they eat. In Mongolia, I was served horse meat for dinner; I was told it is the best meat to eat to keep warm in the -20 degree Celsius winter. To be honest, I’m not sure if it kept me warm at all. I’m not particularly fond of the taste but it was definitely a memorable experience.

Q: What is the best way to experience local culture?

A: Reach out to your local friends or the hotel concierge to recommend places to explore and restaurants to eat at. These guys will know the hidden gems that tourists generally overlook.

Q: How do you adapt to the differences in the business culture when you travel for work?

A: I normally travel around Asia Pacific, but even within Asia, the cultures drastically differ. You can already sense the difference once you land at an airport. The set-up, process, efficiency and people, provide you with a good view of what to expect. For example, business in Taiwan is conducted in a very polite manner, so you need to know the customs and be proactive in your work. In the Philippines, remembering someone’s birthday will put you in good stead; and in Hong Kong, efficiency is key; you need to get to the point quickly. Business in China is a different ball game all together — they view business as a long term investment and relationships are crucial and usually fostered over lengthy drinking sessions.

Q: What are some travel trends that you have observed?

A: Travellers these days do a lot more research on the place they are visiting. They rely heavily on reviews of hotels, restaurants and things to do. This applies to business travellers too. I think if given a choice, people would prefer exploring versus being cooped up in the hotel room with room service.

Q: What is one item that you always travel with?

A: Noise cancelling headphones are a must. And not to forget my emergency sleeping pills!

Q: What is your most treasured souvenir?

A: I wouldn’t class this as an “official” souvenir, but I have the quirky ritual of collecting hotel room slippers which I use around my home. Whenever I grab a new pair to use, it takes me back to the trip I got them on.

Q: What was the last thing you saw or place that you’d been to that took your breath away?

A: The sheer size and wonder of Niagara Falls. What a magnificent sight! JEREMY GOPALAN