Community-building is an important role – and for Keppel Land, that job falls in the hands of Jessica Leong, Marketing & Community Manager of KLOUD at Keppel Bay Tower. She oversees the conceptualisation and planning of all activities and events to promote tenant engagement.
"Community-building is not about organising events but delivering engagement programmes that will spark conversations and form lasting social bonds. At Keppel Land, we strive to show that we are not just a landlord, but also add value by creating a joyful workplace culture. Through this, we hope to encourage and foster stronger collaboration among tenants."
So far, Jessica has organised about 60 events for the KLOUD and Keppel Bay Tower community. These include the highly successful Oktoberfest 2018, which was such a hit that all 100 litres of beer was guzzled down in less than an hour! Another successful event was a school holiday activity in March 2019 where tenants were encouraged to bring their children to work. During this half-day programme, children aged seven to twelve were rewarded with “wages” for participating in a role-play activity that taught them skills including money management and creative thinking.
Other milestones include inviting a world-renowned lion dance champion, Kun Seng Keng, to perform a high-pole lion dance performance at Keppel Bay Tower earlier this year during the Chinese New Year celebrations; an Urban Food Fest in July 2018; and even a Foosball Challenge, where tenants played against one another in 16 teams during lunch time.
Jessica is also on the Keppel Volunteers’ Main Committee. Last year, she organised a sustainable moss art activity for beneficiaries of the President’s Challenge in conjunction with the Keppel 50 Charity Run event, which was graced by President Halimah Yacob as the event’s guest-of-honour. She also helps to rally volunteers to become Keppel Green ambassadors, who serve as tour guides and crafts leaders at the Keppel Discovery Wetlands. She also looks forward to her additional role in Keppel’s placemaking team, where she will be involved in the Marina Bay Pilot Business Improvement District to enhance vibrancy to the precinct.
While it all sounds like fun and games, perseverance and endurance are required, said Jessica. Creating a vibrant community can sometimes be challenging when unexpected issues crop up.
Examples include vendors not showing up, challenges over event spaces, keeping costs low, constant looming deadlines and the constant search for the right partners. She added, “A big part of my job is to deal with ambiguity despite planning ahead as sometimes, plans can change overnight. I have to be flexible and ready for surprises. Hence, I always have various back-up solutions.”
Still, it’s a job that brings Jessica, who became a mother only a few years ago, a lot of professional satisfaction. She especially feels this when the building tenants acknowledge her when they walk past each other and ask her when the next event will be held. She added, “Having supportive and satisfied tenants and colleagues who are appreciative of my efforts always brightens my day. That really motivates me.”
As for her takeaway after being with Keppel Land for eight years?
There will always be people who will comment and judge you, and no event will be 100% successful or go exactly as planned, said Jessica. Having a positive mindset is very important. But most of all, never be afraid to admit to failures and ask for help. I’m glad to have supportive colleagues at KLOUD who will have my back to make each event a successful one.
"Make the best you can within your own capacity and capabilities. Every activity is an opportunity to make it right. Be grateful for opportunities and gracious when people share ideas."