The renovation work began at the start of 2012. Over the following 17 months, all 300 guest rooms located on the 17th to 27th floors of the Tower Wing and the 2nd to 6th floors of the Main Building were completely refurbished. It was a major project involving the entire hotel, so the day of our successful reopening in May was filled with immense joy and emotion.

A highlight is the cutting-edge technology introduced in the Tower Wing guest rooms, such as the "Interactive Digital Tablet." Guests can now control room lighting, curtains, and air conditioning from a single tablet. The room service menu and facility information are also accessible through it. I believe this significantly reduces search time. It supports five languages; for instance, selecting Japanese will change not only the tablet's display but also all in-room signage, such as for the "bathroom" and "toilet," to Japanese.

The Peninsula Hong Kong is filled with a celebratory mood this year. Various events are being held throughout the year. The concept is "Tradition Well Served." As the longest-standing hotel in Hong Kong, what we can offer is to convey not only the hotel's history and traditions but also the splendor of Hong Kong's traditional culture.

Specifically, we have designated every Sunday as an "Event Day" to host 85th-anniversary celebrations. First, we revived the traditional "Afternoon Tea Dance." This event was immensely popular in the 1930s and is now held on the first Sunday of each month. Back then, The Peninsula Hong Kong opened its lobby on the first floor as a venue for tea dances. As no other hotels offered such events, the lobby would be crowded with people. We held it for a limited time during our 80th anniversary, but the response was so overwhelming that we decided to revive it for our 85th.

On the second Sunday, we offer a special menu evoking the "fine dining" experience of yesteryear. This takes place at "Gaddi's," our French restaurant celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. It's a historic establishment, being the first in Hong Kong to serve French cuisine. In homage to its legacy, we've reintroduced wonderful traditions like "tableside service," where dishes are finished in front of the guest.

On the third Sunday, a Peninsula-branded "MINI Cooper" will tour the streets of Hong Kong. This event was conceived with the desire to spread a festive atmosphere throughout the city. This MINI Cooper has another role: pageboys in white uniforms distribute nostalgic sweets and snacks to people on the street. Our first stop was Stanley Market, where we delivered "Air Plane Olives" (※), a popular licorice-flavored snack familiar to Hongkongers. We announce our next destination every week on Facebook, so if you have the chance to visit Hong Kong, please check it out. On the fourth Sunday, we host "Art of Celebration," inviting local young dancers and performers who represent the future.

Indeed. I personally value tradition, and I believe it is The Peninsula Hong Kong's greatest strength. Not only are we the oldest hotel in Hong Kong, but The Peninsula Hotels group is also the oldest hotel group in Asia. No matter how well-capitalized a company is, history and tradition cannot be bought. In that sense, I believe it is one of our important roles to reflect on our history and traditions from time to time.

We always discuss and decide together as a team. Team building is essential in the hotel industry. When an idea strikes, we gather the team members around a table for a meeting where we brainstorm ideas one after another. It's less of a meeting and more like a "brain exercise" class. Hoteliers love to dream, so we always come up with surprising ideas. Regardless of whether they are feasible, we brainstorm various ideas and then refine them into something achievable. The first step is always to "dream."

—You mentioned team building. As a manager, what do you focus on when interacting with your subordinates?

I try to have as many opportunities for interaction as possible. I've been at The Peninsula Hong Kong for a long time, so I have many colleagues I know well. With 920 employees now, it's difficult to build deep relationships with each individual, but I make an effort to visit the floors and be a manager who is "seen and known" whenever possible.

Communication never ends. That's why it's important to create spaces for frank discussions and casual conversations. For example, we utilize internal communication tools, host tea gatherings with junior staff from various departments, or organize overnight workshops for all managers. Sometimes I go to the office to chat, or I might visit the staff cafeteria—my favorite restaurant in the hotel (laughs)—for more casual conversations. Just asking "How are things lately?" or engaging in simple small talk can be crucial for building trust. I believe these moments are truly the most important.

In 2011, we also launched "Open House Day," where employees can bring their families to the hotel. Many employees are so busy working that they don't get to see their families often. On this day, they can focus on spending time with their loved ones. They give tours of the hotel and introduce their supervisors and colleagues. There are also prize draws for helicopter rides, Rolls-Royce tours, and restaurant vouchers, making it a very lively event every year. We hope it provides families with an opportunity to better understand the work of a hotelier.

I don't have one specific person in mind, but I aspire to be someone approachable. After all, people are the greatest asset in a hotel. My ideal manager is someone whom employees can immediately turn to for advice when something comes up.

I want to be someone who not only works with passion but also inspires and motivates the team. Furthermore, I aim to be a manager who makes fair decisions. Although I sometimes face difficult choices, I want to be someone who can make equitable judgments in any situation.

It would be ideal if I could achieve all of that (laughs). This job involves a lot of stress, and problems arise from various places daily. It's not easy to keep the flame of passion burning. However, I believe that if you enjoy your work, the results will naturally follow. For me, my employees are my source of energy. Seeing them work with joy naturally fills me with motivation. In that sense, the relationship between a manager and subordinates is always reciprocal. It's not just about what a manager can offer to their subordinates, but also about what subordinates can offer to their managers that defines the relationship.

I always say that if you truly enjoy what you do, work no longer feels like work. Of course, there are times when work extends late into the night or when I face stress, but in those moments, I step outside. I engage in volunteer activities or attend gatherings with people from different industries. Looking out at the wider world, I'm reminded that "I'm not the only one facing challenges." The key is to maintain a broad perspective and make an effort to find small joys. When you can appreciate the little happiness around you, the stress significantly diminishes. It also gives you the power to face any problem without faltering.

I always carry this jade charm with me. My mother gave it to me when I was young, and I've kept it as a good luck charm ever since. I don't wear it as a necklace every day, but I keep it in my bag for special occasions.

It's shaped like a Chinese bean, which is considered a very auspicious symbol in China, representing "new life" and "hope." Jade itself has a special meaning; it's believed to help overcome fear when worn.

A keychainandan iPadare indispensable. As the General Manager of a hotel, I carry a master key. Since I don't have pockets like men do for keys, I use a keychain that holds my business cards, keys, and everything else I need. The iPad is also an essential tool when I'm out and about.

First, I head to the long-established department storeLane Crawford.They have excellent buyers, and their selection of fashion items and shoes is superb. When I have a day for leisurely shopping, I always choose Lane Crawford.

When I want to experience the sensibilities of young designers, I visit the SOHO area in Central. Hong Kong designers are currently very active. This area allows me to feel that energy up close. Among them, my favorite brand is "Ranee K." The dresses created by designer Ranee are modern, sexy interpretations of traditional Chinese dresses, and they are exquisite.

Lane Crawford
Podium 3, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong
Tel. +852-2118-3388
http://www.lanecrawford.com

Ranee K
14B, Yally Industrial Bldg, 6 Yip Fat Street, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong
Tel. +852-2108-4068
http://www.raneek.com

I have three main ways of relaxing. First is exercise. I go to the gym five times a week to stay active, even if I only have 45 minutes. Through my consistent gym routine, I've realized it not only helps maintain my physique and health but also has a positive impact on my mental state. When I properly care for my body and mind, I feel they respond in kind.

Second is massage. When I'm getting a massage, I truly feel "glad to be a woman" (laughs). While exercise is about self-management, going to a spa for a massage is about indulging myself luxuriously.

Third, I go to the movies with friends. The prerequisite is that the cinema must have popcorn (laughs). Going to the cinema, buying popcorn, and eating junk food—only when all three are present do I feel truly happy. During these times, I allow myself to indulge completely.

For exercise, I go to a gym called "Pure Fitness," usually the studio in Central. I have several favorite spas and choose one based on my needs. I also visit The Peninsula Hong Kong's spa several times a month, partly for inspection. When new therapists join, I sometimes act as a test subject. Weekends are busy, so I try to go on weekday evenings when it's less crowded.

Pure Fitness
3/f ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong
Tel. +852-8129-8000
http://www.pure-fitness.com/en/hongkong

The Peninsula Spa
Hours | 8:00–23:00
Tel. +852-2696-6682

Ten Feet Tall
20/f & 21/f, L Place, 139 Queen's Road, Central, Hong Kong
Tel. +852-2971-1010
http://www.tenfeettall.com.hk

Outside the hotel, I'm fond of a foot massage place called "Ten Feet Tall." It's interesting because they even have Japanese-style toilets, which are rare. When friends visit Hong Kong, our usual routine is to get a foot massage here after shopping, before lunch or dinner.

For me, the quality of a cinema is determined by the taste of its popcorn. Currently, the caramel popcorn at "Palace IFC Cinema" in Central is the best. Among the movies I've seen recently, the comedy "The Internship" was excellent. The protagonists are two middle-aged salesmen, around my age. One day, they suddenly lose their jobs. While looking for new work, they end up doing an internship at Google. Since they can barely use a computer, the young Google employees are bewildered, wondering "What are these old guys doing here?" But as the story unfolds, it shows how wonderful results can be achieved when two different generations find common ground and respect each other. It's a story about that.

Although it's a comedy, I found it to be a wonderful film with lessons applicable to the hotel industry. At The Peninsula Hong Kong, four generations currently work together. Once, a veteran employee consulted me, expressing doubts about the work style of a younger colleague. Upon listening carefully, I understood that the younger employee's approach and methods differed from what the veteran had learned as a young hotelier, causing discomfort. I told him, "They might be different from us, but the new generation has their own way of thinking, and there's much we can learn from them."

Karmakamet
http://www.karmakametjapan.co.jp/

Once a week, I invite a female therapist to my home for a massage. I usually schedule it for Sunday mornings. I've been seeing her for about six years, since returning to Hong Kong after finishing my assignment in Thailand. I'm particularly fond of massage oils from the Thai manufacturer "Karmakamet." I actually have a fragrance allergy, so I can't use most products. However, about seven years ago, while searching for something I could use, I finally discovered Karmakamet.

One is a peppermint-scented room diffuser (a spray-type air freshener). The other is a massage oil named "Joy," with scents of peppermint and lavender. It's a fitting name, isn't it? (laughs) It perfectly describes the feeling after a massage. Caring for myself allows me to find the motivation to work hard again the next day. It's a very important time, essential for working with a good spirit every day.

Ms. Chan shared her thoughts with remarkable openness. It's likely her unpretentious, human warmth that captivates those around her. The role of General Manager carries the full responsibility of a hotel, undoubtedly involving significant daily stress. Yet, when she speaks of her work, her eyes sparkle, making it hard to believe she's discussing her job. Now that the major project of the renovation is complete, where will she head next? We eagerly anticipate the future of her "human-centric" management style.

Rainy Chan
Born in Hong Kong. Began her career as a hotelier in 1989 at a hotel front desk in Hawaii. Joined The Peninsula Hong Kong as Front Office Manager in 1994. Promoted to Resident Manager at The Peninsula New York in 2000. Returned to The Peninsula Hong Kong as Resident Manager in December 2001. Became Hotel Manager in August 2002, overseeing hotel and shop management. Appointed General Manager of The Peninsula Bangkok in 2004, where she contributed to performance by developing various programs with a unique female perspective. Assumed her current role in April 2007. Since February 2010, she has also served as Vice President for Hong Kong and Thailand.