The 68-year-old wardrobe mistress of Singapore’s largest hotel is ‘fascinated by the technology’

So when she was invited to apply, she jumped at it. The MBS operation was set to be so massive that she would be in charge of wardrobe and only wardrobe. Laundry would be handled by a separate department. Even so, the new role would require her to manage more people than she’d ever had. It would require her to also quickly master a completely new way of doing things.   

“You have to tell yourself you’re here to learn something. It will be challenging, but you have to make it,” she said. 

“WHEN YOU HAVE SUPPORT, YOU FEEL ENCOURAGED”

Thirteen years on, Tan is still thriving. She has no plans to retire. And her family is supportive of her decision, even though her husband, who was formerly in the construction industry, is now retired. 

Synergy, it appears, is key to career fulfilment. 

“Opening season was a very tough time. There were so many people involved and we had to mass produce, and I hadn’t produced on that kind of scale before. But every department supported each other and when you feel supported, you also feel encouraged. You tell yourself you have to carry on,” Tan shared. 

“When you overcome challenges, like when staff come in saying they can’t find a uniform in their size and you do your best to make alterations, they come to you personally to thank you. 

“That kind of consolation, that feeling of achievement … It makes you want to work harder,” she added. 

As a manager, Tan herself is exemplary. During our conversation, she consistently compliments her “very strong team”. And she doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach.

“Listen,” said the mother of two, when asked about her experience with leadership. “And don’t just listen to one person. If one team member talks to you about someone or something, go to the source and find out more. 

“Get feedback. Share your challenges with your team and listen to their challenges, then figure out the next steps together.”