Lena Thong is a leading provider of serviced offices in Indonesia, founding executive offices Marquee 10 years ago in Jakarta. His company now has 11 office locations offers its customers - with a Bali - Small business start-up service and looking for a convenient, all-in-one desktop solution. At York University, Toronto, Canada old, this business administration graduate began his career in the Salim Group before embarking on his own journey as the founder of Marquee nine years later.
What sparked the idea for the executive offices Marquee?
Gaining experience in the property market and the service sector has given me the perfect experience opened my eyes to how much opportunity we could create. With a huge population in Indonesia, and rich in natural resources that attract many foreigners to invest, I saw a huge market potential. All business men and women looking to start their businesses here need flexible terms of office and conditions with a cost-effective concept.
What is your Serviced Offices offer your tenants? How is it different from renting your own office?
We offer fully furnished and comprehensive services. It only takes five minutes to set up and our tenants can immediately start their business. office infrastructure such as broadband Internet access, telephone lines, video conferencing and meeting room facilities are also ready for use. Tenants must bring their computers / laptops to start working.
With conventional office or renting your own office, customers need to spend on additional capital investment to provide office and build infrastructure and office equipment. Moreover, customers need to spend more on variable costs such as hiring staff as receptionists, office assistants, security, the more the additional cost of electricity bills, spending households, etc.
The office concept is equipped indeed ideal for a maximum of 20 workstations for effective and efficient costs. If your company has more than 20 employees, it will be too expensive to hire an office equipped for a period of more than three years.
Some say that serviced offices are expensive. What would you say to that?
I would say it is quite relative and depends on how people see the value we provide to our customers. In fact, it is not necessarily more expensive.
The use of a serviced office is more efficient, which means that the tenant does not have to rent additional space that is not used effectively as a lobby, pantry , service area or meeting rooms. This could take up about 30 percent of your gross office space if the choice of a traditional office.
We are definitely seeing a trend in Jakarta, Indonesia, more and more spaces coworking and virtual offices equipped and open market. Why do you think that is?
When I started this business in 2006, I predicted the business would be booming and it is happening now. Due to an oversupply in the market, many operators cite unrealistic rate, creating unnecessary price wars among competitors. It has been a difficult year for our company, especially given the current economic conditions.
Marquee is the pioneer local serviced office that has earned the recognition of having international standards. We must continue to maintain these standards and provide value to our customers, including product innovation.
Most people ask this question before renting a serviced office: there are hidden costs
I am proud to say that there no hidden charges at all with Marquee [?
What interested to open an office in Bali Marquee?
Bali has been known as a tourist destination and is becoming a destination holiday. I saw an opportunity when we look at the growing number of residents. Our concept is more to Bali as a space for co-working.
What types of customers make use of your Bali office?
Business Customers in Bali are mainly consultation, as IT consultants or construction consultants.
What is the smallest office space you offer and at what price, and what is the biggest space you have and at what price?
We provide a workstation office of a person to 25 people and our rates desktop workstation are quite relative, depending on the location and the building. In general, prices vary from 5 million to 100 million rupees per month. The minimum work stations we have the location of the center is 220.
What do you think will be the future of the office? Are more and more people work remotely?
Yes, certainly. With the advancement of technology today, we can work remotely from anywhere. All we need is an Internet connection.
You had an event on December 12 to discuss land ownership for foreigners. Can you tell us more about this?
We work with some consultants to give knowledge to many expatriates who wish to own land in Bali.
Your first office was opened in Mayapada Tower in Sudirman, but since then you seem to be growing more and more to the south, with several locations on Jl. TB Simatupang. Are you planning more offices move their headquarters outside the capital in the future?
Perhaps because the movement of the center would be more effective in terms of time management, and especially with the heavy traffic, which can be one of the main factors involved.
through your 11 branches, how many employees do you have? What aspects of the most important training they undergo?
We have 108 employees. Our company gives a lot of training to improve the skills of our employees, covering leadership, negotiation, customer service and more. For me, all the training we offer is extremely important for us to be able to give a standard service above.
When you first open the Marquee ago 10 years, which was the biggest challenge you have faced? And is it an obstacle that you still have today?
Human resources management is always the most difficult for us. Yes, there is an endless challenge. Staff must be happy to work with the company in order for them to give the best service to our customers.
What is your vision for Marquee Offices?
My vision is that we are the leader in the serviced office industry, internationally recognized for its excellent service and integrated business solutions.
And finally, what traits Do you or have you developed to be a successful business woman you are today?
I consider myself to have a strong will, persistent and consistent in everything I do. I think I work hard with dedication to the company. In the end, I always aim to be number one, as I think everyone can do it. To continue to succeed, we must continue to update the market trends and be flexible to adapt to today's changing world.
Thank you, Lena. For more information, please visit: www.marqueeoffices.com