Wisky Wing Yi Lai: Gold Coast woman's stunning rise to top
A Gold Coaster has become the first woman in Queensland to be accepted into a highly exclusive and global concierge program. HOW SHE DID IT >>>
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WISKY Wing Yi Lai has become the first woman in Queensland to be accepted into a highly exclusive and global concierge program.
The concierge supervisor at The Star Gold Coast joins just one other woman nationwide in joining Les Clef d’Or Australia.
The program, which originated in Paris, has welcomed just seven Queenslanders in 40 years. It currently has only 60 members.
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“While it’s known for being quite a male-dominated field, perceptions are always changing and I think women have great, natural qualities that come hand-in-hand with the role,” Ms Lai said.
Ms Lai, who started at the Broadbeach casino in 2015 as a food and beverage attendant, said her inclusion in Les Clef d’Or Australia would also benefit The Star, as it allows her access to the group’s 4000 international members.
“Without connections like this, it can be hard to provide guests with that extra special touch.”
Regarded as the highest honour in her profession, Ms Lai will soon be awarded her “golden keys” – a token provided to members to commemorate their success.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to make this incredibly prestigious group – it was a huge honour to be invited to apply, let alone be successful in securing a place in the group,” Ms Lai said.
Les Clef d’Or Australia president Rhett Constantine said a stringent process was undertaken to find the perfect applicants.
“There are strong reputational and exceptional ties that are associated with wearing the crossed golden keys,” he said.
Her acceptance now means The Star is the only venue in Queensland to have two members in the program, alongside chief concierge Christian Espino.
Originally published as Wisky Wing Yi Lai: Gold Coast woman's stunning rise to top