Here we find out more about Baizuri Baharum, the Director of Tourism Malaysia Sydney.
Q: What was your first ever job and what did you learn from it that you still use today?
A: I was a Financial Executive at Maybank in Malaysia and throughout my training I took an extensive public speaking course that helped me become the competent presenter/speaker that I am today.
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you start a new position?
A: I always try to know the people first and foremost – my co-workers, important stakeholders, tour operators, airlines etc. That way I will learn a lot about the market scenario, exciting ideas and expectations from our partners which will assist me in doing my work efficiently.
Q: What advice would you give someone wanting to start a career in travel now?
A: It’s a great career for someone that already has a passion for traveling, meeting new people and experiencing new environments. People will always want to travel – wanderlust is human nature.
My advice – keep that flame of passion burning, love what you are doing and you’ll do well.
Q: What has the pandemic taught you about yourself?
A: Perseverance and resilience. There were some very dark days for the tourism and travel industry during the pandemic as they were the most affected sector.
I had to learn to be patient, adapt and roll with the punches to get through the difficult period.
Q: Aisle or window seat?
A: Aisle so I don’t need to disturb others when I move about the airplane.
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you get into the office?
A: I get a cup of coffee, say hi’ to everyone with a very big and bright smile, and figure out what my priorities for the day are.
Q: How do you think the travel industry is looking at this moment in time?
A: I think, to a player, all markets are finding ways to increase travel and keep it there, particularly for long hauls. It’s an all-hands-on deck sort of situation.
Airlines must figure out how to increase their capacity, promotion and marketing by tourism boards like us, and the hospitality sector is also gearing up, especially when in some countries it’s not easy to hire new workers as so many have departed during the pandemic.
Much work will need to be done to bring back travel to pre-pandemic levels and keep them there.
BAIZURI IN FRONT OF THE DRAW BRIDGE, TERENGGANU
Q: Who would you most like to sit next to on a plane, living or dead?
A: Julia Roberts
Q: What are some of your favourite spots around the world?
In my home country it would be the state of Terengganu, as I love the beautiful islands such as Redang and Pulau Perhentian. It is a state that is very rich in its unique culture and food. My family and I always have a yearly trip to the islands and the state of Terengganu.
I love fashion so I have to say I love shopping. Having been based in the Hong Kong office as a Director, I took the opportunity to discover amazing outlets with the latest trends.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about your role in Australia with Tourism Malaysia?
A: I am really looking forward to meeting and working with the people in the outbound tourism industry here in Australia and updating them on why, more than ever, Malaysia should be their preferred holiday destination.
