Karen Kang was born in the small town of Wakefield in Yorkshire but at a young age moved back to her father’s home state of Sarawak in Malaysia. Growing up, she discovered she had wide-ranging interests and wanted to dip her toe in everything. Karen studied the sciences but indulged in more artistic and creative endeavours in her spare time. Returning from studies in Melbourne, Australia, her first job was in web development (during the days of dial-up internet!) where she uncovered her inner tech geek! After a few years in creative communication, Karen started her first hotel job almost 11 years ago and has never looked back. Since then, she has headed the Marketing, PR and Communications functions at eight hotels across five brands. She is a sports buff and passionate supporter of Liverpool Football Club.
– What’s your idea of a perfect day?
One that doesn’t begin with the alarm going off! My perfect day starts with a great cup of coffee, ends with the perfect sunset and has a fulfilling meal with good company thrown in somewhere in between.
– If you could go back in time to any event in history, what would it be?
The Roaring Twenties – not just to experience the Jazz Age with its decadent lifestyle and bold fashion, but also to witness the great leap forward made by so many inspirational women during that decade. The likes of Marlene Dietrich, Zelda Fitzgerald, Coco Chanel and Georgia O’Keeffe broke social and cultural barriers and paved the way for women.
– What’s your favorite book?
It’s a toss-up between The Great Gatsby and Great Expectations. Two classics that carry similar themes of social standing, ambition, love and the pursuit of happiness.
– And your favorite singer/ band?
I LOVE U2. In my mind, they are the greatest band to have rocked this planet! Bono is such an inspiration not only for his musical genius but also for his philanthropic contributions and humanitarian work all around the world.
– Who is your hero?
My Dad. I grew up wanting to follow in his footsteps and to take on his intellect, wisdom, integrity, wit, moral conscience and sense of compassion. I still aspire to be like him.
– What can always cheer you up when you are having a bad day?
Bad jokes and witty conversation with a good friend over drinks.
– What’s your worst habit?
Over-thinking.
– If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
My Mum’s homemade sesame and ginger chicken with rice and lots of chilli padi (bird’s eye chilli)!
– If you could retire tomorrow what would you do?
I would start an online project, one I could build upon in my own time without worrying about deadlines!
– What’s your favourite season or festival?
I love Christmas… the traditional kind. There’s something about the sights, scents and sounds that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.
– What’s your favourite place in Macau?
Taipa Village is a real treasure trove of picturesque buildings and quaint side streets. I always discover something new when I go there.
