Hear about how tour itineraries have changed over time due to redevelopment and ever-changing tastes of visitors over the years from the guiding experiences of four veteran guides (English-speaking, Japanese-speaking and Chinese-speaking).

About the Speakers

Jean Wang is licensed by Singapore Tourism Board to guide tourists in English and Spanish and has over 40 years’ experience in the tourism industry. Over the years she has led groups and individuals from various countries including Australia, Britain, USA, India, Israel, Netherlands, Switzerland, and Spanish-speaking countries. Profiles of her clients vary from families, honeymooners, corporate travellers, government officials, incentive groups and cruise passengers. She has also been a trainer for tourist guides and tourism related courses for more than 20 years. She is also a certified International Trainer of World Federation of Tourist Guides Association and has trained in Khiva, Uzbekistan and Isfahan, Iran. Jean is a founder member of the Society of Tourist Guides (Singapore). Over the past 18 years, she has taken an active role in organising activities such as the International Tourist Guide Day Event.

Lim Eng Hua (Howard) is a licensed tourist guide since 1988. Together with a group of trainers, he formed the Society of Tourist Guides (Singapore) 18 years ago. He guides in English as well as Mandarin, catering to the requirements of different tourist types (e.g. MICE, Family, Couples, Individuals, Elderly, etc.). His clients mainly come from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, India, and Southeast Asia. Apart from providing guiding services, he also trained potential tourist guides and have since overseen many batches of graduates carrying out the same profession.

Jimmy Sim studied Computer Science after his high school but could not find a job as he was ahead of his time.  After his national service stint, he joined a tour company and became their resident guide. Here he found that he enjoyed tourism business, welcoming tourist at Paya Lebar airport and taking them on excursions. Slowly, he got involved with shore excursions planning for cruise ships visiting Singapore. This year, Jimmy is celebrating 50 years as a tourist guide.

May Hui has 42 years of experience in various aspects of guiding for schools, corporate clients and ministries and foreign guests. She teaches tourism related courses and creates Professional Development Courses for existing tourist guides. Her passion in heritage led her to attend more specialised programmes. As a docent with Friends of the Museums, she started guiding at three museums.