🥁Childhood Memories
What are your childhood memories ?
Do you remember any of these ?
*Skipping *Marbles *Tic Ta Toe *Hum-tam Bola *Hide&seek *Pickup Sticks *Kuti Kuti *Masak Masak *Tikam *Bottlecaps *Blowing Bubbles
We had a nostalgic time reminiscing how much fun we had as a child. Behind each activity, there is end in mind, strategy, skill & sometimes, luck. We were beaming in joy and laughter. A great theme led by Fun-master Yen.
On Search, Hospitality and Food industries continue to keep us busy in roles from General Managers, Operations Head, Executive Sous Chef to IT Managers.
On Consulting, we achieved a marathon success completing a Talent & Value Assessment for an Engineering MNC in 1.5 weeks. Exhilarating, stressful and rewarding – diagnosis cum recommendations exceeded client’s expectations.
Just like childhood memories, our search and consulting journey gives us valued experiences, unforgettable in time to come. Similar to childhood activities, there is end in mind, strategy, skill & sometimes, luck. With higher complexity for sure.
“🥁When we play well as a child,
we learn to play well as an adult”
23 Sep 2024
👑King of Fruits
August is the season to hit the streets in Singapore and to go for Durians – celebrated 👑King of Fruits.
Beaming from ear to ear, the Exquisitz Asia 👭🏻👫🏻👭🏻👭🏻team had the most yummy feast at Geylang Durian Culture. We had unbeatable 猫山王 & newbie 小红. First bite makes one salivate more … just a few seeds … fill us full.
Experience is memorable – No frills setting – Kampung rustic under zinc roof facing heavy traffic with numerous brollies in the backdrop🤣
13 Aug 2024
Your Younger😜 Self
In reflection, what are 2 things you would tell your younger self ? This was posed to us by our July Fun master, Sally. Certainly good Q and our answers are pretty interesting :
* Date more- before settling down
(dun marry first boy/girlfriend)
* Assert more – go for our dreams be
it dancing, hiking etc (dun stick
to typical hubby/wife role)
* Play more – dun be a workhorse and
miss your youth
* Explore more – learn skills, learnings,
& open to new careers
What about 😜you ?
On⏰Search, Exquisitz Asia continues to be super busy with new requests popping in SG, MY and TW across hospitality, automotive, F&B and food manufacturing. We see a slowdown in Luxury Retail and overall FMCG Retail.
On 🩻 Consulting, we are blessed to have interesting requests
* Talent Map Exercise for Succession
Roles
* Talent & Value Assessment for M&A
due diligence
* Emotional Intelligence workshop for
Leaders
* Outplacement Support for Top
Executives
* HR Support for Startups
Given the breadth & depth of our team, pleased to be able to lent targetted consulting support to our beloved clients. Awesome to be called upon first, before others.
“Be playful. Be spirited.
Be brave. Be different. Be you.
Because life is a one time offer.
Live it to your fullest.”
💃Karen Salmansohn
20 Jul 2024
Does Your Team Sing ?
We had our first Karaoke Event. It was a runaway success. Despite it being a first for most of us, we score 100% for participation & 200% for being sporty and fun. We were screaming at the top of our voices, dancing & storming our feet. Thanks to our awesome consultant KJ Avelyn, who engages & picks all our favourite songs.
Not only are we a Singing Search Firm, we score super high in knowing each other. At our Jun Exquisitz Asia meet, our consultant Irene made us “introduce” & “rate” each other. Ratings hit the roof with 10, 9.5 and 9. Despite 100% WFH, we succeeded in bonding, working and winning together. No wonder we are a Singing Search Firm.
On Search, we entered into an extremely busy season. Industries in PE Real Estate Investments, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, Automotive are active. Whilst Executive Talent are prepared to make career transitions, our Clients’ expectations remain all time high post pandemic.
On Consulting, we have interesting requests from startups and M&As. To build HR infrastructure and to assess Leadership Talent & Value. Also had the opportunity to present 2 exciting assessment programs – Soundwave & Emotional Intelligence to our client to build resilience & higher team performance.
“A singing & dancing team will
always win together”
24 Jun 2024
Are you Intelligent Emotionally ?
Exquisitz Asia will never start a meeting without having fun. In our May meet, our EQ-i Consultant Douglas Yuan made us act out “our worst” and “our best” emotionally in various scenarios. We were roaring in laughter enjoying being actors for 5 minutes. Whilst hilariously funny, there is a serious message – are we intelligent emotionally ? Given the depth & breadth of EQ, it is obviously an on-going learning journey for all of us.
On Executive Search, grateful that we experienced a sudden surge notably in professions – Supply Chain, F&B Operations, Hospitality Revenue, HR, Real Estate Investment. Certainly industries are fighting to remain competitive and niche talent remains key to unlock results.
On Consulting, we have curated a comprehensive HR Support Framework for StartUps. This is indeed a critical need. Without proper HR, no company can scale. We have 3 solid Assessments to aid our clients – Emotional Intelligence, Soundwave, Workplace Big 5 on top of our diagnostics. If you cannot measure, you cannot manage, change or progress. Looking forward to partner our clients in their people challenges.
“Never let your emotions overpower your intelligence”
18 May 2024
🎼Songs that INSPIRE🎼
All of us have a special song that we hold dear to our hearts – music genre that we grew up with, songs that uplifted us and help us in our darkest moments or simply, a reminder of what matters most.
Our songbird consultant, Avelyn Tan helmed the fun theme “Your favourite song & why leh” at our recent Exquisitz Asia team meet. We got to know each other a little by the songs we each pick. Any of these songs inspire you too ?
•Que Sera Sera• Bare Necessities/Jungle Book• Endless Love/Diana Ross • If we hold on together • You Say/Lauren Daigle • Josh Groban• Michael Bublé • Engelbert Humperdinck • Super Shy/New Jeans • Fantasy/Earth, Wind & Fire
On Executive Search, we witness a slowdown as we enter Q2. Companies are more cautious in reviewing business needs and kept readjusting selection criteria for talent. Others are shifting operations to lower cost countries & senior layoffs continue. Whilst sectors like hospitality, tourism, healthcare and education remain buoyant.
Geo-political and economic conflicts and uncertainties remain rift. Many businesses are still pivoting – calls for patience & tenacity. In moments like these :
“Sometimes, music is the only medicine the heart and soul needs”
21 Apr 2024
🎓Dream Careers
– What & Why Leh?
Our fun master Peng gave us an interesting topic on dream careers :
🍏If you could start your career again, what would you choose to do instead ?
🍏If you like your last career so much, why leh?
We found out that we are a super fun team with aspiring “hidden talents”. Except for 3 consultants who love their last career in Banking, Finance and HR, we found that we have a 👨🏻⚕️doctor/architect👩🏻⚕️nurse👩🏻🌾farmer/gardener👗fashion designer, 👩🏻💼weather expert and 📸photographer amongst us. We are all uniquely wired and our career passions go beyond our “bread & butter” jobs.
On Search, another exciting month working with Clients in Hotels, F&B, Automotive, Gaming, Luxury Retail, Printing, Supply Chain, Estate Management & Precision Engineering. Enjoying the diverse roles across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Solomon Islands.
Talent market super tight across whole APAC. Clients remain cautious and maintain high talent standards. Requirements kept evolving. Searches take longer than usual to close. We remain grateful as our clients kept close to us, believing we can do the Impossible Mission. With a great team & with God’s grace, we managed to fulfil.
On Consulting front, increased interest from our clients in renowned tools by our qualified assessors on Workplace Big 5, Soundwave and Emotional Intelligence. Looking forward to serve and value add to our loyal clients and candidates.
“All great changes are preceded by chaos.” — Deepak Chopra
Without chaos, there is no quantum progress.
21 Mar 2024
Super 🧧Ang Ang🧧
Don’t we look super happy and “Ang Ang” 🧧in this photo ? Sure will win in a photo competition for Chinese New Year.
“Ang” means Red in Hokkein. Chinese New Year is a season where the colour Red🏮is most auspicious. The Exquisitz Asia team is super blessed with individual Chinese calligraphy wall scroll 🧧beautifully hand written by our consultant Sheryl.
We get to hand pick the blessing we most desired like gratitude, happiness, abundance, peace, learning, prosperity🍊🍊
🧧On the business front, into our 6th year, Exquisitz Asia has been super blessed with continuous pipeline of challenging searches from our trusted clients across whole Asia. Latest success is Chief Financial Officer for a conglomerate client in Cambodia in the Banking & Insurance sector.
🍊🍊Grateful to win the trust of our treasured talented candidates. Our success is only possible because we have a dedicated trustworthy team of consultants. Who are now expanding their rich consulting experience to support businesses in people and organisational excellence.
Going to be a Super 🧧2024 !
21 Feb 2024
What an Awesome 2023!
We are happy and grateful that 2023 is another triumphant year for Exquisitz Asia. We had gone through a successful transformation internally with 5 more new members to support growing client base. Achieved great milestones with new frontiers in talent searches and turnkey finance transformation consulting project. This success did not come easy. We would never be able to make it without the unwavering support of many wonderful people who stood by us. To these wonderful people, we are eternally GRATEFUL…
CLIENTS…Grateful for your confidence, trust and continued support throughout this unprecedented year. YOU have been instrumental in our growth and success. We are proud of the work we had done together and the results we had achieved. Applause to our partnership 👏🏼
CANDIDATES…Grateful for the opportunity to journey with YOU in your career development. Truly enjoyed this journey with you and thankful to have the chance to be a career coach. We wish you the very best in elevating your career and be a ‘shining star’ 🌟 wherever you are.
CONSULTANTS…Grateful for an Amazing YOU! It was never a dull moment…be it work meetings or team-buildings having crazy fun. You are always rallying behind each other when the business race is on…what great camaraderie! Deep respect for your generosity in sharing wisdom, expertise and experiences to curate special solution offerings that are one of a kind. Thanks for making 2023 a year of unforgettable learning and growth 🙏
To record our Eventful 2023, we are pleased to share our EA movie – Travel back in time 2023 memorable moments and milestones.
Let’s welcome 2024. A toast 🥂 to everyone with superb happiness, health and success!
28 Dec 2023
Xmas Potluck Party
We had a very enjoyable fun 🌲Xmas Potluck Party last nite. It is possible because everyone participated by bringing awesome dishes, exchange gifts plus humour, wit and laughter🤣
The organising committee did an excellent job 💃💃💃. We had 3 games which tested our knowledge (or lack of it), acting & team skills. With the 2 teams naming themselves How-Lian (Super Arrogant) and Kat-Kin (Faster Lah), we had a truly roaring time.
The 3 Dec 🎂birthday babes were serenaded by all with birthday songs in English, Mandarin plus Cantonese. Our Kueh Silat Birthday Cake was partially eaten before we cut it (someone can’t resist🤣) and we had candles but no lighter🤣Nevertheless we felt very very blessed😍
For putting extra effort in dressing to theme, Xmas 🦹Batman & Brightly💡 Lighted Xmas Babe won the Best Dressed Prize. They graciously entertained us with Xmas songs before we head home with our exchange🛍️ gifts plus lucky ang🧧 pows.
2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣3️⃣ has been eventual year for Exquisitz Asia. We officially welcome Sally Lim as our Executive Director, Irene Wong, Director of Operations/ Executive Search, Douglas Yuan and Whai Peng Loh, both Director, Executive Search & Consulting.
🏆Proud to share that we have increased our Search client base to 70 MNCs in total, done placements in Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia. Taiwan, Solomon Islands plus an on-going project in Cambodia. We also successfully completed a turnkey Finance Transformation consulting project.
🥂Always grateful that we have our pioneers with us since day 1 – Sheryl, Yen, Cheng & Charles Tee. Special recognition to Cheng who has always been our top search producer.
Sharing our happy photos. What a memorable night ending 2023 with a big bang💖
8 Dec 2023
Have you ever thought about what you would do if you were attacked or threatened?
Do you know how to protect yourself in case of such emergency?
Our Exquisitz Asia team recently had first Self-Defense Course conducted by our own Consultant, Sifu Charles who was trained in this program. An eye-opening and informative session…defensive techniques to protect ourselves from robbery, molestation, kidnap, tips on situational awareness to react, on-spot improvised weapons for self-defense and etc. Practised heaps of basic moves, kicks and strikes in the midst of laughter, fun and camaraderie among the team members.
Happy that we attended this course and grateful to Sifu Charles for sharing his self-defense knowledge and skills with the team. We are now more prepared and ready!
….Make Self-defense a Lifestyle.
Always be prepared……Stay Safe!
By Sally LIM
3 Nov 2023
Exquisitz Asia Got 🕺 Talent !
In our July theme meet, our FUN Master Irene sets a new milestone. “EA GOT TALENT” challenge – Sing 🧜, Dance 🕺Draw, Paint, Magic Tricks, Stand Up Comedy🤸… any talent will do, “Useless Ones” 🤣too!
We all felt stressed but this has to happen. Because at EA, no serious meeting commences without having FUN. At the end, no sweat! We have 3 dancers💃🕺🏼💃2 artists🎨🎨 1 singer🎤 1 photographer📸 and 1 memory expert💡
On the business front, we also have fun slogging hard collaboratively. We hit a new record working on a Consulting Shared Services Centre project coupled with talent scouting 8 critical talents in 1.5 months. Commendable feat by 4 dedicated consultants. Whilst search market generally seem to slow down, we are blessed busy with continual pipeline of requests from our loyal clients who also referred new clients. From Hospitality, Luxury Retail, FMCG, Food Manufacturing, Automotive.
On our new Consulting and Coaching framework, we look forward launching it by 3rd Quarter. Blessed by a multi-disciplinary brunch of practitioner consultants from diverse industries.
“Life shrinks or expands in
proportion to one’s courage”
– Anais Nin
18 Jul 2023
Work Hard, Indulge Hard
The 8 Musketeers strike again for a second “Storming” session. We “dance our brains” hard on how our future framework should look like in Consulting and Coaching. It seems like we were going nowhere at one point, belabouring the same points.
We persevered hard and finally landed on a golden destination. By then, after 3 intense hours, our brains were totally “fried” at least for me.
Indulgence is our cure. Heading to Mr Durian @ Rangoon Road，We had a wonderful time unwinding and attacking the King👑 of all fruits – Mao Shan Wang, Black Pearl, Black Gold. Just look at our happy faces🤓
PS 8th Musketeer could not join Durian feast due to higher calling duty – nurturing future generation👍🏼
28 Jun 2023
The 8 Musketeers
Today is eventful. Not 3 but 8 of us, musketeers ploughing hard at “dancing” our brains to create a new future for Exquisitz Asia in the sphere of Consulting & Coaching. The master Musketeer is Aileen Chee who led us robustly, challenging & shaping us along the way.
As commandoes, we are deeply aware our “market” battlefield is always challenging, chaotic and unknown. We examine hard at ourselves – where we are at now – to where we want to be. Zero to Hero?
Given our varied professional backgrounds, our views and insights equally wide ranging. Despite that, towards the end, we seem to congregate towards a common vision. True blue musketeers – all for one and one for all.
Marking TODAY 20 Jun 2023 a day – the start of curating the next exciting phase of Exquisitz Asia.
P.S. A mini celebration – we had sumptuous Dim Sum lunch after our heavy “brain” workout.
20 Jun 2023
No Fun, No Bonding
It has been a while since my last post on Exquisitz Asia’s team. We continue to meet monthly and as per tradition, ensure no meeting commences without having fun.
Mar – Fun Intro to New Mate
Apr – Soundwave
May – Something New
In the midst of having fun, we learnt lots, always something interesting about each other and definitely knowledge enriching. Through Aileen, we learnt about Soundwave Assessment, our Top 3 Voices in communicating with others and how this impacts relationships. From Sheryl, our “Wellness Doctor”, we learnt about the power of Kefir. We are certainly energised by Yen’s continuous enrichment from Baking to Drawing, what next? It goes on and on. Super amazing team.
No Talent, No Awesome Results
We have been kept busy supporting clients from Hospitality, Luxury Retail, Food FMCG, Logistics and Construction Materials in talent search. Without well fitted talent, no company can expect awesome business results nor sustainable growth. Grateful to be able to partner our clients in the critical mission of talent hunt.
Blessed to have a strong team backing whilst I managed to zoom off in May to enchanting Greece for an awesome holiday.
God is good. Super good.
24 May 2023
Enjoy the Journey
A BEST team is one where we journey together, not just in business but also, in life. Integrating life and passion is invigorating and sustainable.
Today, Exquisitz Asia team did our first relaxing morning walk. From Kent Ridge Park along Canopy walk to Therapeutic Garden then to Alexandra Village for local hawker brekkie. Treated to treetops, green landscape, manicured garden and flowers along the walk. The reward at end of journey is certainly FOOD.
We had more than food for sure, lots of great conversations, laughter, photo taking and simply enjoying the fine weather and friendships.
……Life is not all about Results
Enjoy the Journey is what matters most……..
24 March 2023
A Love Story
Our fun theme for Feb 2023 Meet was to share a love story and team outshines with many touching stories:
- Meet first love after 60 years
- Love turns a night club chap to be a pastor
- PRC wife cares for her Singapore cancer husband despite sceptics
- Caring sister in law died on a Valentine Day
- Sacrificial love for daughter
- Team love for a luxury brand
Exquisitz Asia ended 2022 with sterling results. We started 2023 hot in pursuit with numerous roles in Luxury Retail, Hospitality, FMCG and Auto. Trusted with continuous pipeline of roles from clients with diversified business across APAC, we are doing more searches outside Singapore. Candidates are more open to mobility compared to a year ago. Huge talent crunch continues.
Talent headhunting is our love story. Finding diamonds across APAC is tough and certainly an undying love pursuit. Driven by giving value beyond limits, we have befriended many candidates across APAC via our search network. Blessed and grateful.
‘Without love, one can do nothing.”
14 Feb 2023
What A Party!
Exquisitz Asia team truly knows how to kick off 2023 with lots of hearty party fun. Dressed in festive red and green, we handpicked Chinese calligraphy couplets of our choice. Handwritten by Sheryl Tan. So blessed.
Rowdy lohei, champagne yum seng, delicious Ubin Seafood lunch followed by mouth watering cakes, kueh and chocolates – all ingredients to fly us to the moon. We did earth ourselves for meeting.
2022 has been a memorable year for Exquisitz Asia with great results despite Carol’s 6 months away in Vancouver. The team continues to delight clients and candidates “Giving Value Beyond Limits”. Six superheroes were specially recognised – Lim Cheng Huang, Sally Lim, Sheryl Tan, Charles Ng, Aileen Chee and Suat Kheam. You made us proud!
Special recognition to my co-founder Avelyn Tan for building the backbone of EA without which we would not have thrived forward fast. Our past 4 years have been awesome and we want to thank all our clients and candidates for supporting us.
Also pleased to announce that Sally Lim is now Principal Partner/Executive Director. Looking forward to a great journey ahead together. Truly grateful.
Let’s celebrate 2023! Wishing ALL a happy, healthy and prosperous year!
17 Jan 2023
Just Play It
We are back to our zoom meet; taking stock from what we have done for the past eleven months. While the year is drawing to a close, yet we are looking forward to more good closure of assignments in 2023.
15 Nov 2022
Work Place Big Five
After a yummy lunch meal, we proceeded to business as usual on assignments and search roles.
Most of us had our profiles done in various times. At our Oct 2022 meeting, Avelyn Tan took the opportunity to do a debrief on our profiles and facilitated a discussion on Work Place Big Five. Our team concluded WPB5 is a powerful diagnostic tool for further HR intervention. Based on the diagnosis, we could complement our consulting with other tools such as Soundwave or Leadership Intelligence.
Leaving the meeting stomach full of ideas!
18 Oct 2022
Wonderful Food
When come to food, we all have our favourites; avocado, durians, eggs, fish, pratas, steaks, sushi, turtle soups, thunder tea… the list goes on.
In the midst of our busy schedule, we take time to find out each other’s favourite food. Be it healthy or otherwise, we hope to bond over food and further strengthen our connections.
The month of September continues to bring us challenging searches. Harnessing on the power of good food and good company we press on. Food… glorious food.
19 Sep 2022
Amazing Super Heroes
We had 6 amazing closures of senior roles in 2 months amid very challenging demands. This is an astounding record. It is indeed no mean feat achieved by the closely-knit team. Doing almost the impossible. This would require insightful knowledge of the industry clients are in, deep search skills plus engaging exchanges with candidates and God’s blessings. These are EA’s ‘super heroes’.
We found out at our Aug 2022 meeting that these ‘super heroes’ are powered by their own super heroes including mother, grand mother, Ukraine’s President and comic heroes.
Fours years have passed since EA’s inception. The aspiration to be an innovative, trustworthy partner which clients treasure is realised. This vision continues to excite us.
All credits go to our EA’s amazing super heroes.
16 Aug 2022
Grateful
Covid viral infection has made face-to-face meeting challenging. Indeed grateful that our full force of 11 consultants in Singapore from Exquisitz Asia was able to have a lunch meet on 19 July 2022 (short of our 2 colleagues in Hong Kong).
Tradition is golden. No serious matters to be discussed without having fun first. Fun quiz – How much do we know each other? Can we guess – who used to play classical guitar, has 8 grandchildren, worked for BATA, loves shoes or can sleep anywhere? We did not score too well. Clueless and hilarious!
Business Matters. This is a high Executive season for us, partnering loyal clients in talent scouting on top management and confidential roles. Covering a wide spectrum from General Manager, Finance, HR, Legal, Marketing, Supply Chain, Franchise, High Jewellery, Restaurant across diversified industries ranging FMCG, Hospitality, Property, F & B, Luxury Retail and Automotive.
Indeed grateful that Exquisitz Asia continues to win the trust and confidence of our loyal clients. Double joy to have awesome team of dedicated consultants winning the trust and confidence of many qualified candidate professionals.
“We are not a team because we work together. We are a team because we respect, trust and care for each other.”
19 July 2022
Super Crazy Q1
Borders have opened. Businesses fight hard to catch-up on lost time. Long delayed business travel has also started. Career opportunities tripled as companies start to activate critical positions more aggressively. Professionals making career transitions more boldly have exercise adequate conservatism in last 2 pandemic years.
Indeed a super crazy Quarter 1 for Exquisitz Asia as we ploughed full steam to talent hunt:
- CFO, HRD, IT Director
- FMCG GM, BD Director
- Hospitality Housekeeping
- Marketing & Brand Strategist
- Laboratory Manager
- Civil Project Engineer
- IT Experts from project managers developers to system integrators
“Always deliver more than expected and you will always be sought after.”
We are grateful to all loyal clients and high calibre candidates whom we consider our previous clients. Not forgetting our ever dedicated consultants who go the extra miles always.
15 Mar 2022
Take a Trip in 2 Minutes
That’s what Exquisitz Asia team did in February. Covid, Omicron come what may… boarders certainly opening and travel is hotting up. We took a memory lane to reminiscence our best holiday in the past and look forward to relive again:
- Hot Air Balloon
- Cruise
- Island Trip to Pulau Ubin
- Bowling at Sunway Lagoon
- Makan Explore Penang
Business wise, we end 2021 and start 2022 with many Search and HR consulting projects from both existing and new clients. Half expected as economy is certainly picking up and talent is active in mobility. Despite critical talent shortage, clients maintain robust standards and taking time. Glad to be the talent co-partner in hunting the “needle in the haystack”.
2022 will certainly be an exciting year. We all grew stronger, closer and more balanced. So no matter how busy, we must make a trip.
Once a year, go somewhere you’ve never been. You only live once!
15 Feb 2022
Roaring into 2022
How was your 2021?
Beyond adapting full swing into the new Normal fully masked, EA consulting team has a rich year – new home, new life, new dog, new medical, new community work. Life goes on. On business front, we have been kept busy throughout festive year end. Blessed and grateful.
2022, Here We Come!
Charles Ng shares a great quote:
PURPOSE guides you
MISSION drives you
VISION is what you aspires to
IMPACT is what matters most
It could be leaving a meaningful legacy or just coaching, impacting lives or reading to enrich oneself so that one is full to bless people around us. Whatever it is, just keep SHINING!
18 Jan 2022
Face to Face
For our December meet, we dumped the usual agenda to have a sumptuous Japanese lunch at Hinode Izakaya. Not only was the food was awesome, the fellowship was even better. Nothing beats having a meal face to face even though we were spilt in 2 separate tables.
Wishing all our clients and candidates a blessed Christmas and a fulfilling 2022!
14 December 2021
Grateful despite Trapped
Whew! Blink of an eye is 2 years. All boarders tightly closed, trapped in country because of Covid 19. Life goes on and we all managed amazingly.
No exception for Exquisitz team of consultants. We are grateful for various “Firsts” in our lives:
- Survive a Medical Ordeal
- Bake a Black Forest Cake
- Bus to an Inaccessible Food Stall
- Walk a Traffic-Free Road
- Prepare a Full Meal for Friends
- Self-care Pottery and Painting
On the business front, we have been busy with talent search for the hospitality, automotive and critical care sectors. Also received on-going requests to strengthen HR and people infrastructure for the air-con and medical industries.
“Change is hard at first, messy in the middle and gorgeous at the end.” Robin Sharma.
Whatever happens, we will thrive. Just be grateful.
16 November 2021
New Partnership with Jobilla
Exquisitz Asia is the new partner of Jobilla in Singapore. Jobilla, a Finnish digital recruitment company founded in 2015, is currently recruiting in 39 countries on 5 continents. On average, its clients get 7 times more candidates than the traditional methods. With this new partnership, we are able to establish a sustainable way to hire junior and mid – level positions via strategic employer branding and digital headhunting. Jobilla opens for Exquisitz Asia an effective platform and optimisation engine for successful talent hunt.
19 October 2021
Ugh – So Challenging!
Our listening skills were put to the test by Aileen Chee, helming the fun theme at our Sep 2021 meet. We have to listen intently and then, draw. Seems easy. We rotated to be the describer. Caveat – describe using only ‘shapes’ language. Cheng Huang won us by getting 2 objects correct.
We were exhausted after finishing 9 rounds. Brain drain and teeth grinding. Listening certainly takes a lot of effort and energy.
IPTER – Global Power
Just like listening, we are challenged by continual pipeline of difficult talent searches from our regular clients. Against current climate of close boarders and tight supply of qualified professionals. This can only address by being well connected to constant flow of niche talent pool. Proud to share that Exquisitz Asia is part of IPTER – International Partner Team of Executive Recruiters spanning 55 search partners across 6 continents. Collaborative synergy. One Global Team. Grateful.
14 September 2021
Home Sweet Home
August 2021’s fun theme for Exquisitz Asia team was to share happy moments at home with a photo. Idea well curated by Cheng Huang.
It is not surprising how our happiness is deeply connected to our home furnishings. Different people, different strokes:
- Garden and 20 feet Christmas tree
- Study and Books galore
- Living and Photo talking point
- Quirky Arm Chair corner
- High Rise Pool view
- Art Studio & Paintings
What about your home?
On the business front, Exquisitz Asia is happily kept busy with searches & HR consulting projects. We had a lot more strategic positions and confidential exclusive searches. Employers continue to increase pace with their leadership and talent rejuvenation. In good or bad times, talent is always rare and needs to be hunted.
17 August 2021
Awesome Twenties
At Exquisitz Asia, we meet once a month and we do not start meeting without having FUN. July’s theme is Awesome Twenties.
We all had our colourful years in our 20s:
- Finish school; Second education
- First job; Promotion; Overseas
- Get married; First child
- Buy house; Car; Insurance
Thomas wanted us to reflect on our Crossroads in our 20s. Gloriously, we share our “What Ifs”:
- I had not married my first love?
- I had not divorced? Remarried?
- Changed job?
- Do a profession industry switch?
- Go overseas?
- I had not quit to start a family?
Twenties is a season where we made life decisions full of venture, rash and risk. They shaped us to be who we are today. Looks seemingly like mistakes. All of us thrive at the end. Make hay and make the best, come what may. We live without regrets.
“The greatest prison people live in is the fear of what other people think.”
13 July 2021
Gifting Forward
What is that ONE last gift you want to leave for your loved ones? A lasting memorable legacy – Exquisitz Aisa’s June 2021 FUN theme. Team wished they could have given more TIME to loved ones. Below are some awesome sharing:
- A Recipe Generational Book
- A classic Grammar Book
- Stay healthy is a gift
- A gold pendant from Mum
- Pope John Paul Silver Coin – symbolic of prayer of love and peace
- Bible “New Life in Christ”
- Unique Personalised gifts
Adam and Hannah walked away with prizes as their stories have touched us the most.
“Be a delightful companion whenever and wherever you go. Just one minute can be a memorable lifetime.”
Pay it forward. Never leave to regret.
15 June 2021
Outdoor Fun
May 2021’s theme was Outdoor Fun. We dressed Sunny in front of Zoom unfortunately and responsibly. Or else, it would have been an awesome Exquisitz Asia outdoor fun day.
Charles Tee brought smiles with his crocodile suit. Charles Ng emerged top story teller with his Monfort surprise adventure, complete with amazing race, monkey bar and charity work all in a day. Stories were so very good. We decided 2 more winners – Hannah for her scary Luge adventure and Yen Fong for her Jungle Management Retreat.
April has been a fulfilling month as Exquisitz closes coaching and consulting projects with compliments from clients. Searches continue to spike especially for HR, Chefs (Japan and Hong Kong) & IT experts – all need to be award winning in their trades. Search closure is a lot tougher.
Overall, blessed and grateful to be ‘wanted to hunt the wanted’.
18 May 2021
April Fool
April Month – Exquisitz Asia team shows up clown colourful and share April Fool ‘Jokes’. Whoa… we had such a hilarious time. Charles Ng was pranked to go back office to sign ‘important documents’ on 1 April so that his team could celebrate farewell with him. Hannah Hong and her school mates pranked their teacher by swapping entire subject class and it went totally undetected for entire 45 minutes lesson and till today.
We laughed till tears drop. Laughter is indeed a man’s best medicine.
April month continues to sustain in hyped activity in Executive Search for challenging niche roles. Demonstrates that clients will always need top talent and top talent is always rare, latent and needs to be hunted.
As we enter into our half year mark into Consulting Support to companies leveraging on government grants, we see steady rise in requests from Small Medium companies. Strong need to put in place HR infrastructure to support sustainable business growth.
In memory of 1 April, let’s remember :
‘Laughing is and always be the best form of therapy.’
13 Apr 2021
Covid Plus
Mr Covid has caused major disruption 360 degree from countless deaths, business closures to job losses. Exquisitz team decides to don white to celebrate Covid Plus – let’s not forget the benefits too – work from home, closer family ties, healthier lifestyle, zoom/online productivity to global collaboration breakthrough. Carrie again won high votes for her sharing on how she turns overnight to be an e-commerce expert, leveraging on collective buying and bulk offers. Thanks to Mr Covid.
March is another super busy month for Exquisitz Asia. On top of continuous stream of searches, we won another HR consulting project. Thanks to our clients who never fail to choose us to be their preferred business partner.
16 Mar 2021
Colour of Love
We celebrated Valentine Day via zoom awesomely. We came in varied colours to tie to a true love story. Carrie Tse touched us with her love story with ‘potato’ – her belonged dog who has given her much joy, love and companionship. Precious and priceless.
February was indeed a busy month for Exquisitz Asia with multiple searches in Singapore, Hong Kong and China plus consulting projects. Blessed and grateful.
16 Feb 2021
Tok Tok Chiang! Welcome 2021 the Chinese way
When the town turns Red blasting Tok Tok Chiang, the Chinese melody, it is time to usher in another year.
The Exquisitz team turns up in Ang Pow red to welcome 2021. To celebrate 2021, we shared our most memorable CNY. Adam stole the limelight with him having to miss BKK CNY hols and rushing to USA and UK to conduct training. These were the days we could travel at will.
Exquisitz ends 2020 with a big bang:
- Huge surge in searches
- Breakthrough into medical sector
- Break into Brunei, UAE, HK and China
- Pioneering into consulting
- New IT and e-commerce partners
- Global search partners hit 52
As we welcome 2021, we are indeed grateful that 2020 has been revolutionary and globally synergistic. Yet old ties remain super strong with existing customers and constant flow of new client referrals. Opportunity to have deep chats with many awesome professionals who have lost their jobs or at threat.
‘Human tenacity has no limits’. All businesses will only get stronger in different shapes and sizes.
19 Jan 2021
“Covid 19 has thrown out all Business Science and ART has come in full play.”
For Dec, we dump our usual zoom meet. We also dump business talk. We met at a quaint art studio and just had fun painting. Led by Sheryl, our motivational art coach for the day. We slough hard for 3 solid hours to create a masterpiece from a blank canvas. It seems impossible especially for first timers. Amazingly everyone did well. Spurred on with encouragement individually & collectively, we converted serious fun into fine masterpieces. Best team bonding. Perfect closure to an imperfect 2020.
“In ART, you can never fail. Mistakes are good. Imperfection is ART”
Wishing ALL a magnificent 2021! May you be ART ready at all times !
22 Dec 2020
Yak Yakky Dee Duck
For our November meet, the Exquisitz Team came full force in bright yellow in line with our fun theme Yak Yakky Dee Duck.
Aileen, our fun mistress quizzed us “Do you know how many words we speak in a day?” Most of us were clueless. Cheng amazed us for having the closest answer (16,000 words). Thomas was most animated and participative. Both got rewarded with a free Soundwave assessment each with personal diagnosis.
November is a great month. Our HR consulting project for a social enterprise has been approved. We also closed 3 challenging searches for exclusive roles for exclusive roles from clients who trusted us. Certainly search has spiked up notably from the food manufacturing industry.
Grateful that we have 3 Awesomeness; awesome consultants, awesome clients and awesome candidates.
Hurray to “Giving value without limit!”
24 Nov 2020
Decked in orange, yellow & brown, we joined in the autumn fun to discover halloween personality – fear of zombies, vampires, ghosts & trolls … ummm… what is the difference? Well, at least we have a SCARY zoom portrait unlike the usual pretty face shot.
As usual, we have a heavy agenda. Glad to have opportunity to work with E2i on a special ‘Project. Coach. Place’ programme for the Covid unemployed PMETS.
We must admit Covid is painfully brutal for many globally. Full year of extreme draught in revenue for most businesses. Yet in terms of creative opportunities and alliances – we are rich in these.
Truly, this is the season to :
- stay alert, watchful, nimble
- ‘farm’ talents & clients – care & give
- build partnerships & global network
- hone strategic consulting strength
- create strong value differentiation
- evolve a NEW masterplan
‘In diversity, we create opportunities’. Never say never. Never give up.
Oct 2020
FruitVeggie Power
Came dressed in the colour of our favourite fruit/veggie, we were ready to share a tear jerky story. That’s our August 2020 fun theme. Team was fully colour-coordinated complete with our favourite fruits on hand.
We did struggle with a grey shirted Cheng Huang trying to convince us that a ripe kiwi is grey and how his bionic arm story was linked to kiwi. Rita won our hearts with her tearful doting dad cum avocado story.
It was a heartwarming kick-off before our usual serious Exquisitz Asia meeting for August:
- We were pleased to have Wai Kong, our business collaborator to share on ‘Digital Power’.
- We launched I.Excite with respect as our core values; Innovation. Excellence. Commitment. Integrity. Teamwork. Respect.
- Focus North Asia is the way to go. A key market not to be ignored.
“The day you plant the seed is the day you eat the fruit.”
Let’s think and dream BIG. Start planting your seeds today. It will eventually led to fruition some day somehow. Covid or no Covid.
Aug 2020
Rainbow Pictionary
Come dressed colourful! Be ready to soak into ‘guesswok’ from 2 artists.
This is the instruction for our July Fun Theme at Exquisitz Asia. We dug our wardrobes and put on our glorious colours. Lydia stole the limelight with a shiny super big ribbon scarf bigger than her face. Jason ‘tortured’ the two artists; Sheryl and Erica to draw words like ‘expire’ and ‘infectious’ in picture form making it extremely challenging for us to guess.
Hilarious great July fun – a kick off prior to our serious Meeting. Despite the pandemic disruption, Exquisitz Asia is blessed to have customers using us exclusively and we achieved three mile stones this month:
- Part of IPTER International Power Team of Executive Recruiters instantly connecting us to 40+ countries globally
- Hot in pursuit of a mega Consulting project covering Digital Transformation (e-commerce and ERP) and People Transformation (Talent Acquisition and Development)
- Embarking on our journey Paradigm Big Five Profiling Tool
A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of branch breaking because her trust is not on the branch but on her wings. Always believe in yourself.
Let’s stay strong because this pandemic storm will pass and rainbow will emerge eventually.
July 2020
23 Jun 2020
Red Rose for Dads
For June fun theme, Lydia led us to wear red to remember dads and to celebrate father’s day.
It is no surprise that our dad experiences are diverse – from kind gentleman type to hardworking, or ego centric my way-no-other way type. Every dad tried their best to be a good dad displaying the 5 languages of love differently. Often influenced by differing generation, family and cultural backgrounds. So well analysed by Sheryl.
Carol won the top Dad’s story because of a transformational twist. She was never close to her dad because of her step-mum. Relationship was distanced, conflictual and love was purely acts of service. Two years prior to dad’s passing on, after step-mum had passed away, their relationship warmed to be fun, caring, nurturing and enjoyable. Carol felt so happy and blessed that she could celebrate her dad’s end life with only positive memories.
After these moving sharings, we turned to serious business discussion for the rest of Exquisitz meeting. We realised that Covid 19 had massively disrupted businesses with job losses and wage cuts. It looks dark and uncertain. Yet, like her dad’s transformation twist story, we remain confident that human ingenuity will eventually overcome all odds and a stronger, better business landscape will emerge eventually.
Jun 2020
Pivot Gracefully into Consulting
Decked in green, Exquisitz team zoomed into our second Post-Covid virtual meeting busy as ever. Grateful to clients whom we are now exploring consulting in Integrated ERP Finance/HR, Brand Business Strategy, Retail Omni channel, Transformation and Talent Roadmap. With God’s grace, we have pivoted. EA team truly rocks !
True to our tradition, no meeting begins without a fun theme. At this meeting Exquisitz team unexpectedly spent the first 30 mins in peaceful meditation led by Agata from HappyNow. It was so relaxing that some almost doze off. Very often, we forgot to self-care, to be emotionally full and happy. All battles outside selves will ultimately be resolved one way or another. If we do not take care of selves, nothing moves in the right direction. Thank you very much Agata.
May 2020
PINK Immunity Day
Decked in Pink💖we kicked off our first Zoom Monthly Meet on 21 Apr 2020 sharing one new habit we adopted to boost our immunity against COVID 19. Half of us are more rigorous in keeping fit – 4.30am walk, 3 mile home walk, Salsa dancing, Family TV exercise, 2 walks a day. Half of us work on eating healthy, reading, painting, cooking & being happy. Heartening to know that everyone is thriving well as we brace ourselves to stay home till 1 June. Healthy Body, Happy Mind. All set to support our clients on consulting beyond executive search. Exquisitz Asia 2020 Strategy, here we go !
* 3C – Focus to FARM -Candidates, Clients, Collaborations
* 3O – Season to RETOOL- Offer Support, Offload Consulting & Online Go Full
* 3E – Pushing SELF – Enrich Mind, Extend connections, Expand network
April 2020
Opportunities In ADVERSITY
24 Mar 2020 marks the launch of Exquisitz Asia (EA) Consulting Service – new portfolio on top of Executive Search.
We broke new milestone. 13 consultants plus invited friends of EA (practicing valued partners). On 3Ps – Promise, Proposition, Process, discussions were fast and furious, injected with case study, role play, strategies etc. How can EA support our clients in the midst & aftermath of COVID 19?
“In adversity, we create opportunities”. 2020 is a memorable year for all businesses globally. It is in such times that companies need even more help in turnaround. I realise our Consulting launch can’t be more timely. Exquisitz Asia exists for our clients to tap on our rich resource of seasoned practitioners who have ridden past multiple disruptive cycles.
We can make a significant impact by partnering our clients to design holistic and measurable solutions in Manpower Optimisation, Leadership/Talent Agility, FutureReady HR and Shared Values Engagement.
Excellence is our obsession. While all consultants did well, 3 consultants stole the limelight and walked away with :
Steve Jobs Award – Rita (Entrepreneur)
Mad Hatter Award – Sheryl (Joker)
BNI Champ Award – Erica (Networker)
Mar 2020
It is always awesome to see what the next consultant has come up for each month’s fun theme. Unsurprisingly, this month is Lunar New Year theme. Decked in our new year outfits, we were least expected to be tested on our short term memory by Jason. Two pairs of 12 zodiac animal pictures in black and red making a total of 24 animal cards. All cards placed down and we go round opening one card at a time to match similar zodiac animal. Avelyn shone through with her elephant memory to win the big prize. We have our signature story telling segment, getting more inspiring each time. Eric beats us all. A memorable team as always ! Keep it up !
Jan 2020
At Exquisitz Asia, we have an incredibly bonded & fun team🌲It was not like that one year ago. Not easy to get team to dress up🌲 and have fun. Now, no serious meeting commences before serious fun🌲 This month is “Christmas Cheer” with Christmassy outfit🌲Best dressed goes to Erica who unashamedly wore a baby bib “My first Christmas” with 🌲Christmas trees eyeglasses. Our serious game master Cheng managed to get all ladies to do a dance. Boy! 🌲We sway, swing, sashay to the tune vigorously. Unfortunately can’t release our dance Videos🌲RA censored. What a great way to end 2019! Thanks to 3 Cs 🌲our beloved Clients, Candidates & Consultants who have supported us. Looking forward to 2020🌲
Dec 2019
Purple🔮 Day
“ We do not need an occasion
to create an occasion”
Who on earth will think of having a purple🔮day ? Well at Exquisitz Asia, we are getting more and more exotic in our monthly meets🔮We do not need an occasion to create an occasion. Most of us struggled to find purple🔮in our wardrobe and to have a touching purple story. Well…we managed to look like a🔮Barney gang … thanks to Erica, our fun theme designer. Guess who got the purple storyteller🔮award?
November 2019
“In play, children learn to explore, create, improvise and imagine” At Exquisitz Asia, we are serious about play. No meeting commences before play. Today we had a fun time playing charades guessing child’s play in the olden days before digital invades the world. Who remembers? Pick the Sticks? Zero Point? Paper Doll? Catch Spider? Scissors Paper Stone? Certainly made us happily nostalgic as evidenced by our jolly photo pose as👼angels👼
October 2019
Fancy telling a story centred around Mid Autumn🏮love, present and memorable. Individually our team at Exquisitz Asia tell their emotional🏮story in style, comes complete with props🏮photos, snacks, necklace, lantern…. Sheryl Tan🏮stole the limelight with her Cantonese song book and even🏮 sang. So the big prize goes to her of course. Everyone rocks at Exquisitz Asia!
September 2019
Steve Gouves dies a billionaire ($7 billion) at the age of 56 shares this: “My🌿life is the essence of success, but aside from work, I have a little joy…all my wealth is meaningless”
Our team at Exquisitz sets aside time to have🌿fun every month. This month theme is “Let’s get🌿herby”. Decked in all shades of herb colours, we did a guessing game on herbs – what herbs are great for eyes, brain, heart❤️lungs…
Do you know that durian leaves are also herbs? So says our beloved director L. We expected him to show up in a🌳durian outfit. He did not la…much to our disappointment
August 2019
All of us have beloved items, some come with touching stories of yesteryears. Well, today our team at Exquisitz Asia had great fun celebrating our beloved CAPS 🧢🧢and TRACK SHOES👟👟. Sharing why they are special.
Unique brands like 361, Urban Outfitters, Armour & Skechers took some limelight from the usual favourites such as Nike, Adidas and New Balance. 🧢🧢👟👟are our constant companions when we go our walks & they are best remembered if given by loved ones or bought at a great sale! What a fun way to get to know each other 🧢🧢👟👟 #exquisitzasia #Monthlymeet #teambonding #creatingmemories
July 2019
Unbelievably we have Citrus🍋🍊Day today ! Decked in shades of bright yellow & orange, each of us brought a citrus🍋🍊fruit in exchange. Put on our thinking caps, we came up with amazing benefits of citrus🍋🍊fruits within a short time. Thanks to Sheryl who is the mastermind including personally hand painted the citrus🍋🍊canvases & bag prizes! #memories #ExquisitzAsia #creativity # limitless
June 2019
🏆30 May 2019 marks another new milestone for Exquisitz Asia. Our family of search professionals has increased from 9 to 15 strong. We held our 2nd Directors’ Meet yesterday – a wonderful time of learning, sharing and co-creating our success of 2 generations – the Pioneer and Merdeka teams. Missing 2 members in our “Retro” photo shoot – one in HK and the other in Beijing.
🎁 Sincere thanks to all our clients who entrusted us to be their business partners in sustainable talent and leadership. Our expanded dream team is again fully energised to serve our growing clientele across diversified industries. #exquisitzasia #milestone #dreamteam #leadership #growing
May 2019
Decked in green🐸, our team at Exquisitz Asia had a good sharing on how to be ‘greener’ in our daily habits in support of Mother Earth🌏 Supporting zero wastage, using recycled bags, recycling coffee/tea as fertiliser, rice water to water plants, clothes, etc. Certainly we can do more. Special award goes to Sheryl who instituted 3 rubbish bins🛢🛢🛢at home, for plastic, paper & food waste.
P.S. Biting into our pears🍐 in symbolic support to “be more green” in our daily habits💪
April 2019
“A person’s greatest emotional need is to feel❤️appreciated”. It is never too early to show appreciation. “If you see something beautiful in someone, just speak it” Ruthie Lindsey
The team at Exquisitz🌏Asia is a wonderful dream team just barely 6 months old ! Today is a special day. We became secret angels😇 & wrote “compliments” to each other on painted🎨cupcake🧁bookmarks!
P.S. Gleefully holding our cupcakes from our secret angels😇
March 2019
Individually, we are a drop💧but together we are an ocean. So true for the team at Exquisitz Asia. We came together in Oct 18 and today, entered into 4th month with great progress. We achieve because we uplift each other through caring, giving and trusting. So proud of this DREAM💎team !
P.S.Each has a painted🎨pebble to mark a personal milestone !
February 2019
Abundant blessings🍊🍊and Best wishes🧧🧧, Avelyn🌸Carol
To our Valued Clients, Candidates and All on Linkedin
🌸🌸Here’s wishing you and your families a very very Joyful, Healthy, Successful and Fulfilling 2019 !
🍊🍊
Warmest Best🧧 Wishes
All of us @ Exquisitz Asia🌏
Https: Www.exquisitz.asia
Jan 2019
19 Oct 2018 marks the birth of Exquisitz Asia’s team. Helmed by 9 professionals, we held our first inaugural Directors’ Meet at The Capri by Frasers. We had a wonderful time learning, sharing and co-creating our first year’s journey together. Exquisitz Asia is blessed by this godsend team. The company was targetted to be ready only on 1 Nov 2018. By God’s grace, we were able to hold our Directors’ Meet 2 weeks in advance.The team is now fully energised to serve our clients in sustainable talent and leadership.
The magnificent 9 (Charles Tee, Erica Chui, Sheryl Tan, Yen Fong-Cheong, Judith Tang, Eeboon-Khoo, Carol Yong, Avelyn Tan, Cheng Huang-Lim)
Our celebration cake for Exquisitz Asia!
Making our first year’s wish for Exquisitz Asia. May God bless us !