Yeoh Siew Hoon

Founder and Managing Director, WiT (Web in Travel)

Yeoh Siew Hoon is a trailblazer in the travel industry, renowned for her ability to spot and explore the intersections of travel, technology, and Asia. With decades of experience as a journalist and media leader, Siew Hoon has played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of travel in the Asia Pacific region.

 

In 2005, she founded WiT (Web in Travel) to explore the transformative impact of technology on the travel industry. What began as a niche media and events platform in Asia Pacific has since expanded globally, with editions in Tokyo, Seoul, the Middle East, and Europe. These efforts have established WiT as a key player in highlighting innovation and change in the travel sector.

 

Siew Hoon’s vision led to WiT’s acquisition by Northstar Travel Group in 2014, after which she spearheaded the launch of Travel Weekly Asia and M&C Asia, building Northstar’s editorial presence in the region. Her leadership has earned her numerous accolades, including the Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Singapore Tourism Board in 2014. WiT Singapore, her flagship event, has received multiple awards, such as Most Innovative Marketing Initiative and Trade Conference of the Year. In 2020, WiT Singapore became the first travel conference to adopt a fully hybrid format, setting a new benchmark for events in a post-pandemic world.

 

Beyond WiT, Siew Hoon is a published author, sharing her love for travel through books like “Around Asia in One Hour: Tales of Condoms, Chillies & Curries” and children’s stories such as “Adventures of Habibie the Turtle” and “The Story of Baitong and Boon.” She also hosts the “A Life in Travel” podcast, where she delves into the journeys of people shaping the travel industry.

 

Siew Hoon’s passion for storytelling and innovation continues to inspire the travel community, driving forward conversations about the future of travel in Asia and beyond.

Sessions

March 13, Thursday
Venue: Innovation City Cape Town  

 

9.00AM – 9.15AM

Opening & Kick-Off

 

Yeoh Siew Hoon, Founder, WiT

Stephan Ekbergh, CEO, Travelstart

10.55AM – 11.25PM

Spotlight: Rwanda

 

One of the most up-and-coming destinations in Africa, Rwanda is making strides in its tourism development. Its population of more than 13 million is also young, with about two-fifths under age 15 and another one-third between ages 15 and 29, creating a groundswell of change in consumption and aspiration. We peel back the curtains to reveal the real Rwanda in this panel and get to the heart of changes taking place in this iconic African destination.

 

Speakers:

Belise Cariza, Country Director, Africa Wildlife Foundation
Fouad Caunhye, CEO, Rwandair

 

Moderator:

Yeoh Siew Hoon, Founder, WiT

11.55AM – 12.25PM

Global OTAs And Their Playbook For The Future

 

Global OTAs are expanding their reach and looking for fresh opportunities in new markets. As they expand, what’s their playbook and what innovations in AI and product, customer acquisition and customer service are they bringing to local markets to capture the hearts and minds of local consumers? What are the lessons learnt from different regions?

 

Speakers:

Alberto Yates, Regional Director, EMEA, Booking

Ross Veitch, CEO & Co-founder, Wego

Tara Colpitts, Senior Director, Expedia Group 

Moderator: Yeoh Siew Hoon, Founder, WiT

2.30PM – 3.00PM

Next Generation Luxury

 

Is it return on time? Is it about space? Is it about value? Is it about decadence and indulgence? Or is it about health? We speak to different players catering to high end travellers to reveal the different shades of luxury in the new world.

 

Philippe Kjellgren, Founder, PK’s List
Pieter Brundyn, In Residence

Maija de Rijk-Uys, Managing Director, Go2Africa

Moderator: Yeoh Siew Hoon, Founder, WiT