Loh Xiaoyou

Can you introduce yourself?
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I'm a Manager with the Industry Technology Transformation team at Singapore Tourism Board. At work, I drive the adoption of the Singapore Tourism Analytics Network (Stan) and build data capabilities of the local tourism stakeholders. In my spare time, I enjoy going for workout classes and spending time with my family/ friends/ pets.

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Can you tell us about the latest project that you’ve worked on? Give some detail on why it was important for you or for the company and what you enjoyed about it?

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The latest (/ongoing) project that is most memorable for me would be the Data Analytics Shift (DASH) Programme. As the project lead, I worked with local tourism companies and industry experts to address a company specific business problem through the use of data analytics.

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This was an enjoyable experience for me as I gained a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced by our diverse group of stakeholders. DASH Programme also delivered tangible business outcomes for companies, which made the experience even more meaningful to me.

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If applicable, how have you seen the tourism industry change since you've been working in it and how do you feel it has improved for women?

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There has been a long lasting impression that the hospitality industry is a service oriented one, with concerns that the use of technology may erode the element of personal touch. In recent few years, I witnessed a growing appreciation for the use of technology and data analytics. Stakeholders recognise the value and are keen to embrace technology, which is now seen as an enabler to complement service delivery and ensure operational efficiency.

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The tourism industry is gradually climbing up the maturity curve. This presents a good and equal opportunity for anyone keen on entering the digital areas of tourism management.

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Now thinking about the future, what would you want to see change or improve in the industry? How (if at all) would this improve the role of women in the industry?

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I hope we may progress to a stage where each company, regardless of size, will be well positioned to fully utilise the data collected from their touchpoints independently - in terms of infrastructure and capabilities.

Companies that are further up the maturity curve may also embark on cross industry collaboration projects to explore how we may deliver a seamless visitor journey.

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What things are in place at your workplace or in your every day that enable you to excel?

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I am extremely fortunate to have colleagues who share the same vision. The energy in the team is wonderful. Kind words and words of appreciation from industry stakeholders certainly keeps me going when the work gets challenging.

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The official IWD theme of 2022 is #BreakTheBias - If any, what biases within your role and/or industry would you want to be challenged?

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Don't feel daunted by all the technology! There are roles to bridge the gap between the business and technical sides. These roles are crucial to ensuring that solutions implemented have a real business use case.

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What's the best piece of career advice you've received?

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Stay focused on delivering meaningful outcomes from your projects!

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Would you have any recommendations for future female leaders in the industry?

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Go for it! Come in with an open mind and the willingness to 'get your hands dirty'.

I'm currently a Manager with the Industry Technology Transformation team at the Singapore Tourism Board. At work, I drive the adoption of the Singapore Tourism Analytics Network (Stan) and build data capabilities (e.g. DASH Programme, Data College) of local tourism stakeholders.

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When travelling was relatively accessible in the past, I enjoyed travelling and scuba diving. These days, I enjoy going for workout classes and spending time with my family/ friends/ pets.