Meet Pong, Sustainability Project Supervisor at Conrad Koh Samui.
Pong's love for agriculture and dedication to sustainable farming practices have helped the hotel provide fresh, organic produce to its guests through its onsite farm, Project Iris. Keep reading to discover how his experiences growing up on a farm and his passion for growing fruits and vegetables have helped him grow his career and become a vital part of the Project Iris team at Hilton.
Project Iris began in 2019 after Ruben, the hotel’s General Manager, discovered unused land dating back to when the Conrad Koh Samui was built. He and the owners believed this land could become a farm for the hotel’s restaurants, but they needed someone to bring this belief to life. Pong’s childhood raising animals and growing vegetables on his family’s farm in Thailand made him the perfect candidate.
“Being born into a farming family, I’ve had an interest in agriculture from a young age,” Pong shares.
This interest inspired Ruben to invite Pong, who had been working at Conrad Koh Samui as a Bellman for the last ten years, to join the project. In doing so, Pong has been able to apply his excitement for agriculture to improving farm operations for the hotel.
“There would be no Iris Farm as it is if it was not for Pong,” Ruben says. “He is the soul of the farm. For him, it is not just a job but a way of living. This translates into his love for the animals and care for the plants.”
Four years later, Pong and the Project Iris team are making the Stay for guests by providing 60-70% of the produce used at Conrad Koh Samui - a fact which brings Pong great pride.
“I'm proud to be part of the team that provides our hotel restaurants with fresh organic produce, making meals better for our guests.” It is worth noting that this includes the staff restaurant, too – Team Members also enjoy the farm’s produce.
As the Sustainability Project Supervisor, he also makes the Stay by giving guests a behind-the-scenes look at Project Iris.
"I didn't expect to receive such strong support and interest from guests who visit the farm," he says. These tours give guests a unique opportunity to see where the hotel’s produce is sourced from. At the same time, they also allow Pong to share his passion and expertise.
Reflecting on his transition from Bellman to Farmer, Pong shares that his leaders at Hilton have been supportive in every aspect of the journey. That, and the development opportunities, are two reasons he loves being on #TeamHilton.
“I’m always learning and gaining new knowledge,” he explains.
This new knowledge benefits both Pong and the farm. Ruben adds, “Every moment at the farm is a glimpse into the depth of Pong’s dedication.”
Pong and the Conrad Koh Samui team are helping Hilton drive sustainable travel and preserve the communities where we operate. Learn more about Project Iris and our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy by visiting our website.
