Behind Every Smile: Ashlya, HR Intern at Copthorne King's Hotel Singapore

At Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore, we believe in nurturing young talents and providing them with invaluable real-world experiences. We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Ashlya, our HR intern, to learn more about her journey, aspirations, and what it’s like to work in the Human Resources department of a bustling hotel.

Q: What are you currently pursuing in your studies?

I am currently pursuing a Business diploma with HR and Psychology as my elective.

Q: What got you interested in interning in the Human Resources department?

As someone who is adventurous and curious, I wanted to explore Human Resources further. In my Business diploma, the modules aren't as focused on HR, so I wanted to understand more about the department and its role in a business.

Q: If you could swap roles with anyone in the hotel for a day, who would it be and why?

If I could swap roles with anyone in the hotel for a day, I would choose Mr. Daniel Koh, the Hotel Manager. I chose Mr. Koh because I want to experience firsthand how a Hotel Manager handles day-to-day operations. Managing 12 different departments and liaising with both upper and lower management must come with significant responsibility and pressure. I’m curious to learn how to manage these stressors and responsibilities.

Q: What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned about HR so far?

The most interesting thing I’ve learned is how much HR impacts the company and its operations. Initially, I didn’t realize the extent of HR’s influence on business progression. During my 5-month internship, I observed how a lack of manpower can affect team morale, motivation, and even business outcomes. For example, understaffing in the Front Office can lead to slower check-in and check-out processes, which negatively impacts guest impressions and the hotel’s reputation.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working at Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore?

My favorite thing about working at CKS is the nurturing environment. I had always heard negative stories about internships, but my experience here has been the complete opposite. From the moment I arrived for my interview and was greeted with warm smiles by the front office team, I felt at ease. This welcoming atmosphere continued throughout my internship, making it a truly enjoyable experience. The supportive and friendly team at CKS, especially in my department, has been a highlight of my time here. I feel grateful for the guidance and camaraderie, which made the ups far outweigh the downs.

Q: If you could have any superpower to help you in HR, what would it be?

I would love to have the ability to converse in every language. In an industry where foreign workers make up a significant portion of the workforce, language barriers can hinder daily HR tasks. At CKS, I found this to be one of my biggest challenges, especially when trying to communicate with the Housekeeping team. Learning their language would make it much easier to address their concerns and ensure their well-being. Being able to speak every language would be an incredible asset in HR, allowing me to connect with every team member on a deeper level.

Ashlya’s journey at Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore reflects the importance of a nurturing environment and the impact that HR can have on a business. We are proud to support young professionals like Ashlya and look forward to seeing her grow in her career.