A chat with John Wee

24 July 2025 - John Wee being presented his Newcomer Award from STB CE Melissa Ow

Passion Over Profession: How TATGIF’s Best Newcomer Is Redefining Tour Guiding in Singapore

When the Singapore Tourism Board announced the winners of the TATGIF 2025 Awards, one story stood out: a mid-career professional who left behind a corporate director’s desk to don the badge of a licensed tourist guide. In just nine months, he has not only carved out a place for himself in Singapore’s competitive tourism landscape but also earned the title of Best Newcomer.

The Society of Tourist Guides (Singapore) sat down with him to talk about the passion that drives his work, the lessons he has learned, and his vision for the future of guiding.

Passion as the North Star

STGS: What’s your secret recipe for success?

Winner: Passion. I always say, “Serve with the heart.” Guests can sense sincerity, and that sincerity is what makes a tour experience meaningful.

Recognition as Motivation

STGS: What does winning this award mean to you?

Winner: Recognition. To me, recognition means that both guests and the industry value my way of working. That’s the greatest motivation to continue improving. On a personal level, this award also validates my family’s support when I made the leap from being a director to pursuing tour guiding full-time.

Role Models and Inspirations

STGS: If you could have dinner with anyone in the tourism industry, who would it be?

Winner: Three people come to mind. First, Melissa Ow, Chief Executive of the Singapore Tourism Board. She’s instrumental in shaping tourism strategy, and I’d love to learn about the future directions for Singapore.

Then there’s TY Suen, the founder of Monster Day Tours. His passion and creativity in designing unique experiences is inspiring, and I’d like to learn how he curates such distinctive tours.

Finally, Ana Fong, General Manager of Tong Heng. Preserving heritage while appealing to younger audiences is no easy feat. My family loves Tong Heng’s egg tarts, so it would be wonderful to learn how she balances tradition with innovation.

Learning on the Go

STGS: What’s one thing you wish you knew before starting?

Winner: That every tour is unique. Even if the itinerary is similar, every guest profile changes the dynamic. I now treat every tour like an ongoing project — learning and improvising along the way. I also wish I had a sharper grasp of real-time conditions — weather, traffic, or events — that can affect the guest experience.

When Work Becomes Play

STGS: How do you balance work and play?

Winner: I blur the line. I treat my guests as friends, and we share laughter along the way. Of course, professionalism in commentary and delivery is essential, but the joy of guiding comes from enjoying the journey together.

Advice That Endures

STGS: What’s the best advice you’ve received?

Winner: Pride at work. Years ago, I attended the Excellence Service Star Awards. A road sweeper was among the honorees, and some people questioned why she was there. But when she took the stage, she said simply: “It’s because of people like us that Singapore is one of the cleanest countries in the world.”

That short sentence carried immense weight. Everyone stood and bowed. It reminded me that no matter your role, if you take pride in your work, you elevate not only yourself but also your industry.

Empathy in Action

STGS: What’s your most memorable experience on the job?

Winner: A private tour for a disabled elderly couple. They had been rejected before because of their electric wheelchair, and they were fearful when booking. I assured them I would take care of them, and together, we made it work. Seeing their joy was humbling — it reinforced why I do this job.

Hard Work Over Superstition

STGS: Do you have any rituals before awards?

Winner: None. Success doesn’t come from rituals. It comes from hard work and preparation — checking itineraries, reconfirming restaurants, ensuring dietary restrictions are met, mapping routes, understanding guest demographics, and tailoring commentary. Every detail matters.

The Road Ahead

STGS: What’s next for you?

Winner: As a newcomer with just nine months of experience, my priority is growth. I want to expand my knowledge of sites and continue to serve with humility, pride, and passion.

In an industry often defined by competition and performance, his journey is a reminder that passion, sincerity, and pride in one’s work remain timeless differentiators. From corporate boardrooms to tour buses, his story shows that reinvention is possible — and that the heart of tourism is, and always will be, service.