Catwalks to Cargo

From fashion and film to fitness, Allstar Honey has been on a journey of self-exploration and career discovery. These days, she’s rocking the role of Marketing Operations Planner for Teleport – our top air logistics provider in Southeast Asia. Tag along as we put Honey in the Hot Seat and get the scoop on how she navigates her career path through obstacles.

1. Hey Honey! Before we fly, tell us 3 fun facts about you.

• I’m a proud Penangite through and through!

• I’ve dabbled in a few pretty surprising industries over the years – fashion, film (Crazy Rich Asians!!!), TV, and advertising.

• One life motto I live by is: Try everything twice. It’s a great reminder to keep pushing forward, no matter how things turn out the first time around.

2. What does a Marketing Operations Planner for Teleport do?

I like to think of us as the glue that holds the marketing team together. We manage budgets, coordinate projects, and develop processes to keep everything flowing seamlessly. Our goal is to ensure that everything runs smoothly and efficiently, making sure all the pieces fit perfectly.

3. You’ve got an interesting career background, mind running us through it?

I started my journey in Fashion Design in France, then ventured into Film and TV, and even dabbled in the fitness industry as a part-time instructor. Now, I’m at Teleport, bringing all those experiences together.

Believe it or not, it all started when I flew off to France to study Fashion Design. While there’s a stereotype that Asian parents aren’t very supportive of creative careers, my folks were actually all in on my fashion dreams.

I had an amazing time in France — designing my own pieces and attending Paris Fashion Week; it was a blast. But reality hit hard, and being an international student made things even tougher. It was a make-or-break situation: either I find a sponsor to stay and work or head back to Penang.

So, I packed my bags and returned home. It was a tough blow, especially since the fashion scene in Penang was pretty minimal at the time. Just when I was feeling lost, a miracle came my way — an opportunity to join a film’s costume department as an assistant. That role led to working on some well-known projects like Crazy Rich Asians, Indian Summers, The Singapore Grip, and Garden of Evening Mists. It was an interesting learning experience, and a hectic one too!

Then, of course, COVID-19 hit, and everything changed. With travel restrictions in place, it became a challenge to get around. Remember that fitness phase everyone had during the pandemic? I took on the role of a fitness instructor to make ends meet. It was a tough period, but I made it work.

And then, just when I needed it most, there was miracle number two — this time with Teleport. So here I am, blending all those experiences into my role as a Marketing Operations Planner. It’s been quite a wild ride, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

4. How has your experience in your previous fields prepared you for your role now, in Teleport?

You know, having worked in the fashion and film industries has been like looking through different lenses, teaching me to think creatively and see things from different perspectives. I’ve learned to sharpen my ability to stay on top of things and manage big projects with lots of moving parts. That’s crucial in my current role, where everything is fast-paced and we’re always on the go.

I didn’t expect that being a fitness instructor would have such a big impact on me, but it has. It’s taught me the importance of balance in everyday life — reminding me to hit the pause button, take care of myself, and recharge so I can get back in the game and give my best.

5. What has been the most challenging part about discovering your career path, and how did you overcome it?

It’s no surprise that my career path has been a bit unconventional. There have been times when I’ve felt like I was falling behind because of the twists and turns in my journey.

But over time, I’ve learned that my career doesn’t need to fit anyone else’s expectations — it just needs to make sense to me. 

I live by the motto of trying everything twice because you never know what might come from that second attempt. Just trust yourself and believe that, eventually, it’ll all come together.

6. Tell us about a project you’ve done that pushed your skills to the max, in Teleport!

The launch of our first freighter, Awan, was quite the rollercoaster! I was new to Teleport and still getting to know the team, but I dove right into organising an event where His Majesty The King would be attending the ceremony!

There were countless logistical details and hurdles to tackle, but it turned out to be an incredible learning experience. I got to apply all the knowledge I had and navigate through the challenges. Despite the chaos, it was a solid start to grow and contribute to something truly special.

7. What’s your favourite part about being in Marketing Operations for Teleport?

What makes my job so enjoyable, hands down, is the people I work with. Spending so many hours at work each day and week, it’s important for me to find comfort in my colleagues. The marketing team here at Teleport truly makes work feel less like a job. We’ve got each other’s backs and we still have fun. It’s this sense of togetherness that makes all the difference.

8. Do you have any hobbies or activities that help you relax and recharge?

I’d definitely call myself a fitness junkie — spin and pilates are my go-to workouts. Lately, I’ve jumped on the bandwagon of padel and pickleball, and it’s been a blast. Being on the move helps me stay grounded and keeps my mind and body in balance. It’s refreshing to focus on myself amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life.

I’ve also realised that I don’t need to be a pro to enjoy something. My hand-eye coordination isn’t the best, and I’m far from being a pickleball champion, but I still have a great time playing the sport. It’s a great stress reliever, allowing me to enjoy the game without any pressure or expectations. I’m in it for the fun, not to make it to the world stage.