At Agoda, we know that career journeys aren’t always linear. Sometimes, the best way forward is to return to a place that feels like home, where you can make an even greater impact with new skills and a fresh perspective. Our boomerang employees, like Amanda Kaur and Asami Yamanaka, show that coming back with a new perspective can be a powerful step for both personal and professional growth.
Read on to learn how their journeys unfolded, and why Agoda remains the place where they choose to grow.
Rediscovering purpose and momentum
Amanda Kaur
Team Manager
Customer Service & Support Team
“I first joined Agoda at 20, eager to make a difference. Starting as a Customer Experience Specialist just before the pandemic, I was struck by the genuine support from my leaders and colleagues. That sense of care and resilience shaped my early career.
After a period in risk management outside Agoda, I realized how much I missed the sense of purpose and momentum here. Returning in 2023, I brought new skills and a fresh appreciation for how every interaction can make travel simpler for our customers and partners. Now, as part of the B2B Specialized Support team, I handle partner escalations, resolve operational issues, and lead engagement initiatives that help both our partners and my colleagues thrive.
What drew me back was the unique blend of data-driven decision-making and a people-first culture. At Agoda, I’m encouraged to experiment, learn from outcomes, and grow, supported by leaders who value both results and development. My proudest moment since returning was being named MVP in Q4 2024, a recognition that reflected not perfection, but resilience and continuous learning.”
Finding belonging in a multicultural team
Asami Yamanaka
Language Expert
Product Team
“My Agoda journey began in 2018, when I moved from Malaysia to Bangkok to join as a Customer Experience Specialist. Drawn by Thailand’s welcoming atmosphere and Agoda’s multicultural environment, I quickly found a sense of belonging. In the Customer Support team, I learned all about helping travelers solve problems before jumping into a new role in Fraud Prevention.
After leaving Agoda for a time to pursue a new path in online sales, I realized how much I missed the creative challenges and the open, collaborative culture where everyone’s voice is valued.
Today, I’m a Japanese Language Expert, responsible for translating and localizing Agoda’s content for Japanese customers. Our Languages team is a microcosm of diversity, where we collaborate to ensure every message resonates locally.
Returning to Agoda allowed me to use my experience in new ways and continue growing. What makes Agoda unique is its people, role models who inspire, and a culture where empathy and collaboration are the norm. One of my most memorable moments was being welcomed back by the visa support team at the immigration office, a small gesture that made me feel truly valued.”
The learnings that we’ll keep
Both of us have learned that growth isn’t always a straight line. Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to return, bringing new skills, fresh perspectives, and a renewed sense of purpose. At Agoda, we’ve found an environment where it’s safe to learn, make mistakes, and keep iterating. The culture here values both results and personal development, making it a place where we can do our best work.
Our stories are just two examples of how Agoda supports growth, belonging, and opportunity in a truly multicultural environment. If you’re thinking about returning to Agoda or starting your own journey, we encourage you to explore our open roles and discover what makes Agoda a place where you can grow, learn, and make a real impact.
Ready to start your own Agoda journey? We’re hiring! Explore job opportunities with our global team today.
