Sixty lucky consultants from executive recruitment company Monroe Consulting Group Asia converged on the five-star Datai Langkawi on the resort island of Langkawi in Malaysia on Friday for a three-day weekend of fine food, entertainment, socialising and relaxation.
Andrew Hairs, the group managing director of Monroe, which has Asian operations in China, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia, said the international award-winning hotel, which was set in the middle of an ancient rainforest with breath-taking views over the Andaman Sea, was chosen not only for the beauty of the natural environment but for its expansive facilities and restaurants.
“Monroe has had a record year in a number of key areas and this is a small thank you for the efforts of the individual recruitment consultants and management in each of our offices in emerging markets throughout Southeast Asia, as well as China.”
Mr Hairs said the reward weekend was enjoyed by all. “I am always left impressed by the quality of people in our company and proud of how sociable they are so thank you for attending and I really hope you can make it again next year,” he said.
The weekend involved a number of highlights, including a five-star beach-side seafood barbeque and an abundance of fine wine, mocktails or fruit juices. While plenty of time was set aside for indulgence or relaxation in the resort’s plush grounds, Saturday featured an Amazing Race where teams of consultants went head to head in a series of events, including a rainforest run, kayak race and mango pack-off.
Kelly Liu, the country head of Monroe Consulting Group China, said the most rewarding Amazing Race event, however, was the opportunity to paint a mural for underprivileged children at a school that does not receive financial aid from the government. “I never thought that I would fly all the way from Shanghai and end up helping paint a school for poor mainly Chinese students in Langkawi,” Kelly said. “This is something special that I will always remember.
The famed National Geographic Magazine has rated Datai Bay as one of the top 10 beaches in the world, while the resort’s jungle hosts abundant wildlife. On Sunday morning, a number of consultants took the opportunity for a wildlife tour, taking in dusky leaf monkeys and a host of bird-life.
Though Mr Hairs would not be drawn on where next year’s event would be held, he said “there seems to be a buzz about ‘glamping’ somewhere in Asia,” referring to the increasingly popular form of luxury or glamour camping. “We appreciate the efforts of our teams and the success of our recruitment operations, and we will reward these efforts accordingly,” he said. “But again, thanks to all involved in making this weekend a rewarding one.”