Meet the Team: Pia Chen, Luxury Travel Sales Executive, Marina Bay Sands
The Luxury Travel team focuses on curating the finest bespoke hospitality experiences for the high-net-worth segment
Captivated by the inner workings of a luxury hotel in a television drama while in secondary school, Pia Chen set her mind to exploring the dynamic world of hospitality through her tertiary studies.
The Gen Z kickstarted her journey at Temasek Polytechnic, where she completed a six month internship at boutique hotel Heritage Queenstown in New Zealand while pursuing a diploma in hospitality and tourism management, and further honed her craft at the Singapore Institute of Technology, where she graduated with a degree in hospitality administration and management. Upon completing her studies in September 2023, Pia followed her dreams and looked for job opportunities in luxury hotels.
But her hospitality journey is unlike a typical front office role. She had chanced upon Marina Bay Sands’ newly set-up department unit – Luxury Travel – in September 2023 and came across an opening for a sales executive. Although it was unfamiliar territory for her, she saw tremendous potential for growth, took a leap of faith, and joined the team a month later.
Pia dives deep into her role, from her career highlights to how she’s preparing for the upcoming ILTM Asia Pacific 2025 at Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, and offers advice for aspiring luxury travel sales representatives.
1. How is your role different from a MICE Sales executive, and how did Marina Bay Sands stand out to you?
My team focuses on selling luxury travel experiences to high-net-worth clients through international trade shows, luxury consortia programmes and their member agencies, and networking meetings.
I was drawn in by the compelling vision and direction that was shared during my interview with my supervisors, Sherman Lo, Executive Director of Sales, and Hitch Lim, Associate Director of Luxury Travel. Their passion and ambition for the future of the Luxury Travel Sales team inspired me and I was excited by the opportunity to be part of something so new and forward-thinking.
Marina Bay Sands also boasts an edge with its multi-dimensional offerings. Beyond luxury accommodation, the integrated resort offers a myriad of world-class dining experiences, including celebrity chef restaurants, over 170 luxury brands across The Shoppes, as well as a year-round calendar of entertainment options and museum exhibitions to immerse guests.
2. What are some of your career highlights?
My first highlight would be the ILTM Asia Pacific trade show in 2024, which saw over 650 luxury travel advisors representing high net worth travellers from 30 countries gathered at Marina Bay Sands. It was my first trade show where I hosted curated events and managed a full schedule of back-to-back appointments. My boss and I brainstormed creative event ideas that had not been done before, such as hosting 30 buyers to a gourmet trail – appetisers in our Presidential Suite, mains at WAKUDA by celebrity chef Tetsuya Wakuda, and a dessert showcase in the Tea Vault of Paiza Sky Residence, an exclusive enclave with all-day dining tailored for distinguished guests. This was a rewarding experience that strengthened my confidence in client engagement and relationship building.
My second highlight was attending my first sales trip to Melbourne and Sydney with my bosses. Watching how they handled client meetings taught me a lot, inspiring me to emulate their standards. Despite being new to the organisation, I was given an opportunity to conduct presentations at several client offices. As I continue in this role and expand my network, it is exciting to know that I will see familiar faces at subsequent international trade show.
3. With ILTM Asia Pacific coming up from 30 June to 3 July 2025 at Marina Bay Sands, what will your involvement entail?
Following the success from last year’s engagements, I will once again curate unique hosted events that will be engaging and memorable. This includes an interactive site inspection with unique experiential elements that showcase the ultra-luxurious Paiza Collection, which earned the distinguished Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating within its first year of operation.
During the trade show, I will be powering through back-to-back appointments over three days, ensuring every meeting is maximised to strengthen existing relationships and explore new business opportunities.
4. In light of Singapore’s annual celebration of Youth Day in July, what advice would you give to younger people or changemakers aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
If you are passionate about hospitality, my advice would be to take a leap of faith. This industry is incredibly dynamic, full of opportunities for growth, creativity and human connection. It may feel challenging at first, but the experiences and memories you create will be immensely rewarding. Be open to learning, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. You may just find yourself thriving in ways you never expected.
