This isn’t a mall nor a campus but rather the headquarters of AirAsia in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. The AirAsia RedQ (RedQuarters) is such a model office one can really look up to specially those who are planning or already have a business of their own. But what I discovered in this place wasn’t just an airline company, it is more than just ‘a company’ and I felt that when I got a chance to visit the HQ even just for a short period of time.
Continue reading and I will tell you more about my experience.
It was a Thursday afternoon when the team did a 3 1/2-hour flight from Manila to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This is not my first time in Malaysia, but I can say that this could be the very first time I would be able to explore the place. It was almost 9 years ago, when the TV show I am hosting (Bread n’ Butter) decided to cross borders from Singapore to Malaysia to do a quick one day shoot. I felt before that Malaysia was just a nicer version of Manila. It made me felt as well that being in this country once would be enough. But those thinking was eradicated on my return and I realise that there are so much things Malaysia could offer. With that said, It is final that I would be back in this lovely country very soon.
With Ate Kit and Ate Arlene a few years ago
We arrived very late in the evening on our Day Zero, good thing Tunes Hotel KLIA2 is located just 5 minutes walk away. After having a quick dinner, we went straight to this famous travellers hotel. And I shared a room with my blogger buddy Ana Gonzales.
Tunes Hotels in KLI2 serves a very good venue for travellers who are going to have a long layover at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). The hotel got a decent room, basic amenities you would be needing and a buffet breakfast in the morning. The best thing about this hotel is its location, which is just across KLIA2.
#NOGNOGWEARS: Zara (button down); AirAsia Shirt; Uniqlo (Pants); Call it Spring (Sneakers)
DAY ONE – AIRASIA REDQ
Tony Fernandez once said “Titles is more nice as a recognition but it doesn’t really make you different between your self and your staff, everyone plays a part in AirAsia. and everyone is important.”
This is just one of the lines i’ve heard from him from my recent campaign with AirAsia. Lucky enough, I believe that It is the same feeling that I felt in the company I’m working with, the reason why up to know (working for more than 10 years), even earning not that much, I still decided to stay from the company – UNTV. In some ways, I see my company to what AirAsia believes in. And it is more of just being an employee but on making each one as a key to work in unison to attain a particular goal.
Yes, you can use this bicycle inside the office.
Early in the morning on our Day One, we geared up, had our breakfast and went straight to AirAsia RedQ. The office was just across Tunes Hotel so we just crossed the street entering at the back of the office. When we arrived, a celebration was being held. It was AirAsia’s commencement for the upcoming 29th SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This I said was a perfect timing to see the culture inside this huge office.
AirAsia RedQ felt like a huge mall, or like a campus with different races walking to and fro. It wasn’t that crowded I guess on a regular day but the event that was being held make it a bit more like a campus celebration of the foundation day. Sticking to their original branding, the whole office is covered in colors Red, White and Black. It is very open, dynamic and promotes transparency. I even see the CEO Tony Fernandes walking and passes by me. Being with the people projects that he is reachable and easy to talk too. If there weren’t anyone talking to him when he pass by, I would probably say hi and (I think) he would reply back.
We explored the ground floor, and saw the wide open space. We then went up and check some of the offices and realises that segmentation isn’t a rule, like if your working on the other side, you can probably stalk the girl or guy on the other end. Cheesy!
Employees were very multi-cultured, a diverse collection of races. They got sound proof areas for meeting, a place for flight attendants coming in, also a gym and oh, do not forget the food stalls that felt like you are eating in a food court inside a mall. We were able to dine in and have a taste of what their day-to-day lunch or dinner looks like. I am not really an explorer when it comes to food, so as usual, I picked a safe choice. I ate salad.
Just like how Tony Fernandes envision the whole AirAsia, the AirAsia RedQ is like an explosion of different culture set to achieve a main goal — to bring people and go to places, creating an airline that is accessible, affordable with top notch style. Just by destroying walls, AirAsia manages to combine culture, openness and transparency with less hierarchy, creating a space for innovation. And as this huge sign that serves a reminder to all their employees, we should all learn to always work hard and stay humble.
“Live your Dream, do not mourn and be positive.” – Tony Fernandes
(To know more about Tony Ferdnades click here)
With the AirAsia Crew; Ana, Ferds, Steph,Ms. Maggie, Harvey, Sir. Marlon, Mervin, Rey and Teacher Carla
The day was still long and we got a lot of places to explore in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Will tell you more about the places we visited on a separate blog post. But if you’re planning to do a trip really soon. AirAsia has daily flights to KL from Manila, Cebu and now Davao. Check the website www.airasia.com or visit https://web.facebook.com/AirAsia/ for more details.
