Welcome to our Ask an Agodan series, where we bring you closer to the people powering our global team. At Agoda, we’re building a community of innovators and problem-solvers to bridge the world through travel. This series will give you an exclusive glimpse into how we make it happen.You can read our first edition all about landing a tech job at Agoda here.
Today, we’re excited to introduce Jakub Siberski, an Engineering Manager on Agoda’s Supply Platform team. Jakub plays a pivotal role in creating and leading successful teams that develop the software at the heart of our operations. Originally hailing from Poland, Jakub spent ten years in Germany before making the bold move to Bangkok in 2023 to join Agoda.
We invited you to send in your questions about moving to Bangkok for a tech job, and now we’re back with Jakub’s answers. Thank you to everyone who sent in questions! Be sure to follow our social media channels to stay in the loop about future editions of Ask an Agodan, where you’ll have more chances to connect with our talented team and get your questions answered.
Living in Bangkok
You asked: What makes Bangkok a great place to work, especially in comparison to Germany?
Bangkok is an incredibly international city, which makes it a fantastic place to work. The city attracts talent from all over the world, so you’ll find yourself surrounded by a diverse and dynamic group of professionals. Compared to Germany, the work culture here is more relaxed but still very productive. The tech scene is growing rapidly, and there’s a strong focus on innovation and collaboration. All of this, combined with the rich history and welcoming people, makes Bangkok an exciting place to grow your career.
You asked: Can you tell us about the quality of life in Bangkok, including travel, cost of living, and transportation?
Quality of life is really personal and depends on what you prioritize. For me, it’s all about making friendships and social connections, and Bangkok has a lot to offer in that regard. The cost of living here is lower than in Europe, which means you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. While salaries might be lower compared to some Western countries, the lower expenses allow for a good balance.
Transportation is pretty convenient too, with a variety of options like the BTS Skytrain, MRT, and affordable taxis or ride-hailing services. Plus, Bangkok is a fantastic hub for travel—whether you’re exploring the rest of Thailand or hopping over to neighboring countries, it’s easy and affordable to get around.
You asked: What’s your outlook on the future of the tech industry in Bangkok?
Having lived in Berlin, which boasts one of Europe’s largest startup scenes—second only to London—I’ve seen how vibrant and dynamic tech hubs can be. While Bangkok’s tech scene might currently be smaller in comparison, it’s definitely on the rise. The momentum here is undeniable, and with tech expanding globally, I have no doubt that Bangkok will continue to grow as a significant player in the industry.
You asked: What are some fun things to do in Bangkok?
Bangkok is a big, bustling city with something for everyone, especially when it comes to vibrant nightlife. Personally, I’m big on sports, and Agoda has lots of company-sponsored employee sports groups, where you can train and compete with other Agodans for free. I was pleasantly surprised to find ice skating rinks in some of the shopping malls here—something you wouldn’t expect in such a hot climate! There’s even one right next to the Agoda office. And when you’re ready for a change of scenery, Bangkok is a fantastic base for exploring the rest of Southeast Asia, as well as places like Japan and Australia.
Getting to know Agoda
You asked: Why did you choose Agoda?
When I was considering new opportunities, I had several offers from companies across Europe, but Agoda really stood out. It wasn’t just the role that excited me—it was the whole package, both professionally and personally. A former coworker of mine had worked at Agoda and shared their positive experiences, which piqued my interest even more. Although moving to Bangkok initially seemed far-fetched, the more I learned about the role and the city, the more intrigued and excited I became. Ultimately, it felt like the perfect next step for my career.
You asked: With five years of experience, I’m considering a move to Bangkok to join Agoda. Could you share your insights on working at the company, especially in terms of career growth, compensation, and work-life balance?
One thing that really stands out is the career opportunities. Many of my colleagues have been with Agoda for several years, and it’s common to see them moving up to higher levels or even transitioning to different roles within the company. Agoda actively supports internal mobility, which means you can carve out a unique career path that aligns with your goals and interests. No matter what you’re looking for, the company offers something for everyone. I joined Agoda with over ten years of experience, and the offer and opportunities made sense for me to make the move.
The work environment is another highlight. It’s very motivating, with a culture that encourages innovation and collaboration. You’re always surrounded by talented, supportive colleagues who also want you to excel. Plus, there are always new challenges to tackle and learn from! Though we work hard, there’s a strong emphasis on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Bangkok itself plays a big role in this—you have easy access to fun city life, incredible food, and plenty of opportunities to unwind. This allows you to stay motivated and engaged in the long run.
You asked: What is the culture like in the Tech department? What makes Agoda stand out from other companies?
In a word: data driven. In the Tech department, we place a strong emphasis on experimentation, gathering data, and validating our assumptions through A/B testing in production. While this approach can sometimes seem cumbersome, it’s essential for ensuring a great customer experience and building a high-quality product.
Making the move
You asked: Does Agoda provide relocation support?
Yes, Agoda offers comprehensive relocation support to assist with your move to Bangkok and help you settle in during your first weeks in here. The hiring team will outline all the details and address any questions you might have during the interview process. From my experience, the relocation process was easy and stress-free.
You asked: Any advice for people who want to move to Bangkok?
Continue your passions here! Try to keep up your hobbies and meet new friends – it’s easy to feel lonely in the big city if you don’t. Don’t worry about the rainy season; just pack some flip flops for when the rain surprises you—it’s usually warm and won’t last long. To avoid long commutes and getting stuck in traffic, find a place to live near the BTS or MRT lines. Lastly, don’t cling onto Western brands and products. Explore the offerings here: Thai street food is not only delicious, but also much more affordable than most international chains.
Thank you to everyone who shared questions and thank you to Jakub for sharing his expertise with us! Follow us on social media to see who’s next in our Ask an Agodan series.
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