His airline empire began, Tony Fernandes likes to say, with the purchase of a bankrupt company for less than a dollar. Now, after years of growth that made him the king of Asian budget travel, the flamboyant Malaysian businessman is facing the horror of the disappearance of an AirAsia jet with 162 people on board.
AirAsia has raised P97 million ($2.17 million) from its “To Philippines with Love” campaign (#toPHwithlove) to help fund reconstruction efforts in Supertyphoon “Yolanda”-affected areas.
Malaysia, Truly Asia. One can’t help but suffer from last song syndrome whenever that line is said. LSS notwithstanding, we can learn a lot from our Asean neighbor on how to promote tourism.
To the victors belongs the toil—at least when it comes to winning “The Apprentice.” Asian fans of the show were delighted when AXN released an Asian version of the episodic, cutthroat job application dressed up as a reality show. After the show’s CEO Tony Fernandes put 12 contestants—two of them Filipinos—through their paces, a victor finally emerged, and he’s Pinoy.
Inside a function room at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur, aviation magnate and “The Apprentice Asia” host Tan Sri Tony Fernandes is regaling a small group of regional journalists with his collection of success stories—some funny, others heartwarming, and each one wholly inspiring.
The longer you talk to AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes, the stronger the urge to hand in your resume and beg to work for him. His sharp mind, charisma and encouraging attitude towards his management team and staff make him the inevitable choice to assume Donald Trump’s big boss role in Asia’s version of “The Apprentice.”
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