Interview with Michael Ang, General Manager of WorldVentures Malaysia
1. Could you briefly share with us on what WorldVentures is all about? How does it operate?
WorldVentures is an award-winning international lifestyle and travel membership company based in Texas, United States. Founded in 2005, WorldVentures offers memberships with perks to a diverse set of lifestyle products such as unique customisable vacations known as DreamTrips, value-added dining experiences and deals at members’ only prices.
With nearly half a million members globally and still counting, WorldVentures has presence in 29 markets across North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. In Asia, offices are established in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore. In Malaysia, WorldVentures is wholly-owned by WV Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd.
With a robust online platform, becoming as a member is easy. Upon signing up, members pay a one-time fee and a monthly subscription to gain access. As members, one can simply login online to get exclusive members’ only access via the local DreamTrips website to purchase unique and customisable itinerated travel deals to over 100 destinations around the globe. In addition, members will also be able to enjoy privileged services and/or earn loyalty points by patronising local lifestyle brands in the entertainment and food & beverage industry who had partnered as our preferred vendors. The concept is fresh and intriguing, as users will be able to utilise the loyalty points earned to purchase their next DreamTrips.
2. How did you get involve with the company and become the General Manager of WorldVentures Malaysia?
I started my role as a consultant for WorldVentures, providing the company with many areas of improvements in business development and regulatory affairs within Asia, including Malaysia. Equipped with vast experiences and knowledge in international business studies with prior experience in regional business development, I fit in as the candidate that WorldVentures is looking for as they are planning expansion within Asia.
As someone who understands that business and gained trust from the management for the consultancy work done, I was offered the role of General Manager for WorldVentures Malaysia upon assisting them with the application of the direct selling license from our Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism. For me, it was natural to take up this offer since this position is based in Kuala Lumpur, my hometown.
3. What does WorldVentures want to achieve with the opening of the WorldVentures Malaysia office? In what way can the WorldVentures Malaysia office help the country’s tourism sector?
The opening of Malaysia office is truly an affirmation of WorldVentures’ commitment towards the Malaysia market. Other than introducing more people to this concept to access amazing getaways so as to enrich their lives, the establishment is also in place to provide prompt local support for Malaysia members. Naturally, this also translates to creation of job opportunities for locals too.
As a global lifestyle and travel membership company, WorldVentures partners with establishments in each local market that fit into its lifestyle and travel concept such as renowned local food & beverage outlets, in-destination tour operators and agencies, resorts and hotels. Here in Malaysia, we partner with Skyzone Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd to provide travel related services for our members. At the same time, we also collaborate to launch a localised DreamTrips website via www.dreamtrips.my for our Malaysian Members. Such partnership with local vendors across the globe ensures that our members are provided with the best support along with unique and exceptional experiences.
With nearly 100 DreamTrips coming into Malaysia in last year alone, these trips have brought businesses to local Malaysian tourism related establishments, at the same time creating spillover effects among retail and F&B outlets. Additionally, by bringing in quarterly mega event such as “The View” in Malaysia last year, WorldVentures aided to boost inbound travellers amounting to over 10,000, (therefore) benefiting hotels, retails and F&B outlets within the conference premises as well.
Last but not least, the lifestyle programme that benefitted members through value-added dining experiences and entertainment deals at members’ only prices directs local and overseas members who visit Malaysia to patronise local vendors, creating a constant business stream for them.
4. What do you think makes Malaysia appealing to WorldVentures international members?
Malaysia, winner of Asia’s Leading Destination in 2016’s World Travel Award definitely has many charms to our international members. It is one of the few destinations that offers truly well-rounded Asian experiences from its rich traditions, proud heritage, flavourful delicacies, and untouched nature to gorgeous beaches all within close proximity.
5. Which destinations are popular among WorldVentures members? Do you have any favourite destination of your own?
Some of the popular destinations among WorldVentures include the ever-popular Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia and Dubai. In recent years, many have travelled to Norway and Finland too in the hope to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. However, with more and more likely to take off the beaten path, exotic trips to Africa and unique itinerated trips to Eastern Europe such as Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania are increasing in popularity.
For me, when I travel, other than immersing in local tradition and culture, I also love to witness untouched nature and scenic attractions, thus one of the destinations that fulfilled those criteria and also my favourite is none other than Sabah, known as “The Land Below the Wind”.
Encompassing mountainous terrain, stunning beaches and crystal clear water along the coast all within a place, I sincerely believe that Sabah has much to offer for vacationers, including myself. The vivid fond memories I had previously in a town called Kundasang in Sabah truly made me want to revisit Sabah every once in a while. I guess for me, nothing beats the scenic, tropical backyard of our own home. Although less developed than Kuala Lumpur, Sabah serves well as a great getaway for people of all ages with Mount Kinabalu for the adventurous and crystal clear waters for the beach-goers.
For more information on WorldVentures Malaysia, browse http://www.worldventures.com/.
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