The city's most eligible bachelor

Singaporean Darren Cher first set foot in Beijing 6 years ago during the SARS epidemic.

"I went to the Forbidden City, and it was empty," recalls Cher, 33. "I took a picture in the square in front of the palace, and there was no one in the photo. It felt awesome as this is something you can almost never experience since this is one of the most visited attractions in Beijing. I was not afraid to be out, as I figured that since everybody else was taking precautions and staying home, it was definitely safe for me to be out!"

The affable Cher started his career in the hospitality industry in Beijing as an intern with Ascott International. Established in 2001, Ascott International has expanded from six properties across China's Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin to a portfolio of 27 properties across 12 cities, in a short span of six years. Cher's rapid rise in the company follows a similar pattern.

After taking on numerous challenging assignments with Ascott International in Shanghai, Xi'an and Tianjin, Cher recently returned as Area Manager of Beijing.

"I look back in amazement," he says. "I've been developing along with the company, and the country. I feel so privileged to be part of this exciting development in China."

He feels that 24 hours in a day is not enough. Although his working hours are from 9 am-6 pm, he often meets guests at Ascott for dinners and an occasional cocktail.

"You meet a lot of friends in this line of business," he says, "In my spare time, I like to catch up with my friends. I make it a point to set aside time for them. We either catch up over a simple home-cooked dinner at somebody's apartment or unwind by singing karaoke or simply chilling out in the many wonderful cafes one can find in Beijing."

While Sanlitun, Houhai and the west gate of Chaoyang Park are some of the places he frequents, Cher's all-time favorite spot in Beijing is the Great Wall. He has visited almost every famous section of the Great Wall around Beijing, and says they have never failed to take his breath away. In summer, he loves to go to the sprawling outskirts of Beijing for a long hike or horse riding.

"One great thing about Beijing is that you can arrive at the countryside in an hour-and-a-half by car," he says. "[You can end up] in an entirely different place which is breathtakingly beautiful, where you can get close to nature, and get a break from the city. Our residents at Ascott feel the same way. Some of the residents have been staying with us for more than three years, and they still find something new about this majestic city that keeps them fascinated."

Ascott's spacious apartments typically range from 100 to 380 sq m. Catering to the extended-stay segment means that the rooms are bigger than those of hotels, and provide more private space.

"We treat them [residents] like family - we know them on a first-name basis, we know their birthdays, and we organize frequent activities that will bring them closer, be it a movie screening or a pot luck party at the Residents' Lounge. We like to put our residents first in everything we do. Because at the end of the day, we want them to experience all the comforts and warmth of home," says Cher.

Since Ascott caters to relatively long-term stays, Cher believes it has suffered less from the impact of the current global financial crisis as compared to hotels. Although he declines to provide actual figures, Cher says "occupancies at Beijing properties have fallen but we are still doing much better than most hotels. Our short-stay travelers are also extremely excited about the current promotions Ascott International is offering as part of the Group's 25th anniversary celebrations".

Industry reports show that Beijing is facing an oversupply of hotel rooms after the Olympic Games. Coupled with a global recession in full bloom and threats of the H1N1 flu virus, market conditions seem to have taken a drastic turn for the hospitality sector.

Shrugging away concerns that the hospitality industry is facing unprecedented challenges, Cher says, "Tough times never last. I have seen Ascott International weathering the SARS outbreak. As market leader, we'll continue to improve our services and focus on our core strengths, to make residents feel at home.

"Yes it might be challenging times for all," he adds. "But it is precisely difficult times that will make Ascott International stronger and better."

Cher is also a firm believer of work-life balance. Articulate and impeccably-dressed, the single man said he would definitely get married, but "in two or three years' time".

He is already looking to buy a house in Beijing.

"I feel so comfortable living in Beijing, it's already my home outside of Singapore," he says, flashing a dimpled smile.

"Very possibly, I'll meet someone here, get married, and make my base here."

Story by Ye Jun, photo by Wang Jing

(China Daily 06/27/2009 page8)