As an Asia-based tech travel platform, Agoda is committed to developing and empowering the next generation of digital talent in the region through partnerships with governments and educational institutes. This month, our team held a week-long event in Singapore, focusing on early talent. During this event, we connected with over 260 undergraduate, diploma, and MBA students. It was inspiring to hear their perspectives and share insights about our teams, career tips, and opportunities at Agoda.
One highlight was our first Agoda Tech Open House, organized in partnership with Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).
Welcoming Students to the First Agoda Tech Open House
On October 9, we welcomed 33 students for a full day of inspiring discussions and hands-on sessions. Jenny Wong, IMDA’s Deputy Director of Talent Development, gave opening remarks, emphasizing the significance of digital leadership in today’s world.
Firstly, the students participated in an interactive GenAI workshop led by Ankit Tibrewal, Senior Development Manager. They learned GenAI’s transformative power in customer support, from self-service options to agent optimization.
Next, they learned about the exciting career opportunities within Agoda’s Tech department, particularly in full-stack and backend development. Matthew Greenburg, Agoda’s Talent Acquisition Associate Director, talked about Agoda’s DNA as a tech company. Namely, he shared how we’re redefining travel experiences through our core values: doing things the right way, moving fast, and embracing scientific experimentation.
Read the Agoda Campus team’s top career tips.
Vincent Masat, Head of Tech Recruitment, then took everyone through Agoda’s journey from a simple website to a sophisticated travel platform. “A/B testing is central to Agoda’s tech-driven strategy,” he said. “It allows us to fine-tune everything from booking buttons to payment methods, ensuring each user enjoys a personalized and seamless experience. This commitment to optimization sets us apart in the travel industry.”
Of course, an Agoda Open House wouldn’t be complete without networking opportunities. In addition to these talks, our attendees had the chance to connect with Agoda engineers and learn about career development and tips on navigating the tech landscape. They heard from Denyse Tan, an IMDA SG Digital Scholar who transitioned from an intern to a full-time data scientist at Agoda. She shared how the company fosters a diverse team environment and provides access to the latest technology to tackle diverse business challenges in the travel space. For instance, events like the Generative AI Hackathon foster creative problem-solving and support professional development.
Celebrating a New Partnership
This event marks the beginning of our new partnership with IMDA, which will provide opportunities for local students and leaders to accelerate their professional careers in technology.
“We’re honored to partner with IMDA to shape the future of tech careers in Singapore,” said Daniel Wu, Head of Global Affairs at Agoda. “Our team bridges Agoda with governments worldwide to co-create enduring positive impact for economies and societies at all levels. Enabling the next generation of digital talent and leadership is a key policy agenda in many countries. We believe Agoda can play a critical part in this.”
The Future of Digital Talent in Asia
This Agoda Open House is only part of our much broader initiative to foster talent in the region. Additionally, we’ve forged partnerships in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, and there is much more to come. With initiatives including the Agoda Open House events, Tech Camp Day series, and internship and full-time roles available for early careers, we’re excited to welcome the next generation of innovators to join Agoda’s team.
