 |
Last year’s Alpha Asia Hero Ravi (centre) met some of the industry’s biggest names in Singapore, including MasterFoods International Travel Retail Consultant Stuart Bull (left with loud tie) and Dubai Duty Free Managing Director Colm McLoughlin (right with louder tie) |
SRI LANKA. Alpha Heroes, a programme devised to reward and recognise outstanding individual and team staff contributions, was rolled out for the second year running by Alpha Orient Lanka this week.
The entire 375-strong permanent staff of Alpha Orient Lanka, with the exception of the Managing Director and the General Manager, are eligible to participate in this event.
Last year’s inaugural competition attracted 834 nominations. Some 103 employees were eventually chosen as “˜Alpha Heroes’, winning cash prizes. (For the story and images of last year’s awards, click here.)
Alpha Orient Lanka used May’s TFWA Singapore show last month to launch the scheme to the travel retail industry. Last year’s overall Alpha Asia Hero, Arrivals Shop Manager Ravidharshana (Ravi), received the opportunity to fly to the show (see interview below). He said: “This was my first trip out of Sri Lanka and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience, especially meeting lots of very interesting people at the show.”
Many top companies in travel retail have already pledged support for this year’s event plus confirmed participation at the gala finals event to be held at the Colombo Hilton Hotel on 16 September.
For more details of Alpha Heroes, including sponsorship information, please contact Alpha Asia Regional Communication & Marketing Manager, Chethika Hapugalle at chapugalle@alpha-group.com
A HERO’S WELCOME
At the Singapore show last year’s winner Ravi, along with Chethika Hapugalle, spoke to Martin Moodie.
Tell our readers about your job please, Ravi.
Ravi: It’s to see the shops’ standard maintained and customer service done properly. I always try to make the place exciting for everyone. We have [internal] competitions around sales targets and a briefing every morning. I always tell the team to look at the basics – such as cleanliness, neatness and the way they groom themselves, the way they dress, the way they smile and the way they look.
Chethika Hapugalle: One of the most fantastic things about Ravi is that he comes up continually with internal schemes. Paul [Topping, Managing Director] gives him 100% backing. Ravi is one of those people who always comes up with things – for colleagues and for commercial activities.
What was your reaction to being named the ultimate Alpha Hero?
Ravi: It was marvellous and of course I was surprised. With so many experienced people in our company, when my name was called I was so happy.
Chethika Hapugalle: Remember that he was chosen from 834 nominations.
So what is your role here at the Singapore show?
Ravi: Everyone is so enthusiastic about the scheme. I’m here in Singapore to promote the Heroes for 2006.
I would say to any supplier who supports the awards that they will benefit. The employees will get right behind those products and are very loyal to our supporters.
I understand you had never been out of Sri Lanka before?
Ravi: That’s right. When I got on the plane and it was taking off I could not takes my eyes off the ground. It was so nice to see all the lights of Sri Lanka. It was such a nice feeling.
Chethika Hapugalle: Ravi is also a musician and he’s always organising parties for the employees.
Ravi: That’s right. Even on the shop floor I keep singing to myself.
How much did being named Alpha Asia Hero mean to you?
Ravi: I would say to be the hero of one person is fantastic. To be the hero of so many people is exhilarating. They lift me up. As a result I feel a little more responsible for everyone.
And you won US$2,000 – that must have been nice?
Ravi: Yes it was. I used it primarily to pay a home loan. And I had a party for all my [team] buddies. I never forgot them.
MORE STORIES ON ALPHA HEROES
Alpha brings established and new faces to TFWA Asia Pacific in Singapore – 15/05/06
Picture Gallery: Alpha celebrates its 2006 Heroes – 30/03/06
Picture Gallery: Alpha Heroes 2006 winners – 29/03/06
Supply chain IT team receives top accolade as Alpha Group recognises its Heroes – 29/03/06
Picture Gallery: Alpha Heroes 2006 cocktail reception – 29/03/06
Picture Gallery: Alpha Heroes 2006 gala dinner – 29/03/06
Alpha celebrates its American Heroes – 08/03/06
Alpha pays timely tribute to its own Asian heroes in night of recognition and remembrance – 25/04/05
