Discova Singapore Guide Kim Ping Seah had over 10 years of experience in private wealth and asset management before she made the switch to become a travel guide, an entirely different profession that allows her to meet and interact with new people from all over the world.
“Once I had my son, I moved careers to become a freelance tourist guide for its flexibility which gave me the necessary time and space to care for my infant and also continue working at the same time. With my son approaching Primary 1 next year, I became a full-time in-house guide with Discova earlier this year in April 2024”, she says.
Kim Ping enjoys facilitating the cultural exchange between tourists and her home country through our wide variety of excursions, where they learn about different perspectives and build connections with people from diverse backgrounds.
She adds, “As a mid-career individual, I desired a flexible lifestyle which allowed me to spend quality time with my family and particularly nurture my son. I am grateful that Discova has made that happen!”
Within six months of working full-time with Discova Kim Ping has received 100 five–star reviews on various channels, which is a testament to her dexterity in handling varied guests with very different individual needs. As a travel brand ambassador for her country, Kim Ping is adamant about changing people’s perception of Singapore as a boring, sterile city with nothing to do.
“This couldn’t be further from the truth! Singapore is a vibrant, multicultural hub with a diverse range of activities and experiences to offer tourists. Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Chinese, Malay, Indian, and the unique Peranakan communities we have. This diversity is reflected in the city’s food, festivals, and architecture,” she informs.
From exploring the unique Peranakan Culture to visiting the horticultural marvel of Gardens by the Bay on our tours, Kim Ping is keen on showcasing the bustling and exciting side of Singapore beyond its skyscrapers to dispel the misconception of it being a boring city and encourage more tourists to explore its many wonders.
She recommends Discova’s Gourmet Street Food Tour as an unmissable experience for any traveller to Singapore.
“A food tour is a great way to experience the best of Singaporean cuisine, from traditional hawker centres to Michelin-starred restaurants – our guests will be able to sample an array of different dishes during our tour. Furthermore, food is an important part of any culture, and Singapore is no exception. A food tour can teach you about the different cultures that make up Singapore, as well as the history of Singaporean cuisine,” she elucidates.
For Kim Ping, it is not just about opening new worlds for visitors to explore; she is also mindful of highlighting the stories of local people and their cultures and traditions that make her excursions immersive and meaningful in the best way possible.
“By creating a rapport with some of the local businesses, like the hawkers we visit during our food tours, I can share their personal stories and the challenges they face as hawkers in Singapore. Bringing Discova’s clients to these establishments also supports local businesses, and guests also appreciate having the chance to assist in improving their lives,” she says.
Kim Ping asserts that a tour guide should have three key qualities: knowledge, passion and empathy. According to her, a good tour guide should have a deep understanding of a destination’s history, culture, and attractions and convey that passionately, making the tour more engaging and informative. Tour guiding can also be demanding, especially when dealing with large groups or challenging situations. A patient and empathetic guide can handle difficult situations gracefully, ensuring a positive experience for everyone involved.
With impeccable ratings from her customers, Kim Ping is insistent on receiving feedback during and after the tour to know how her guests are doing in real-time and understand if everything was up to their expectations. If there were any shortcomings, feedback allows her to review and improve on things she could have done better. But there is nothing quite like a five-star glowing review: an affirmation of a job well done that continues to motivate our stellar guide to showcase Singapore in the best light and attract both new and repeat visitors to the city-state.
Her message for young, aspiring individuals who want to join the travel industry and become guides is to be pragmatic and prepared for any uncertainty.
“Almost all tourist guides work on a freelance assignment basis in Singapore. It is not full-time employment in most instances. While the travel industry can be a fulfilling career path, it’s important to approach it with realistic expectations. It is essential to be prepared for a flexible schedule and potential income fluctuations. You have to be disciplined to plan and save financially to ensure you have enough for your future needs,” she concludes.
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