Dalilawati: From Hustle to Heart Work

For Dalilawati, working at Sentosa isn’t just a job – it’s a place where passion meets people, and where every day brings purpose, pride, and possibility.

Story first appeared on Sentosa

“The best thing about working on Sentosa Island? I’m not stuck in an office with four walls. UltraGolf is located at Palawan Beach, so I get to enjoy the sea breeze and greenery. Whenever I need a break from the screen, I look up and enjoy the view and fresh air.

UltraGolf is one of the family-friendly attractions you’ll find at The Palawan @ Sentosa. It’s an 18-hole miniature golf course designed for people of all ages and skill levels. Since we opened two years ago, we’ve welcomed everyone from beginners to professional players.

We get all kinds of visitors dating couples, corporate groups on their day off, and parents out for a day of fun with their kids. Just yesterday, we had a two-year-old with his own putter. How cute is that? He might be the future of Singapore golf, who knows?

Before I started working at UltraGolf, I was juggling 10 part-time jobs. I was let go from my previous job at the start of COVID-19 in Singapore. That was such an uncertain time for me. I struggled to find a full-time job, so I had to do what I could to survive.

For two and a half years, I juggled a variety of part-time jobs – I worked as a GrabFood rider, assisted at a barbecue stall, facilitated team-building exercises for secondary schools, and even conducted educational tours at a local attraction.

What I learnt from that period of my life is the importance of discipline and time management. I was always on top of my schedule. I never double-booked myself because I never wanted my work calendar to clash with other people’s work calendar.

I learnt from that period of my life the importance of discipline and time management. I was always on top of my schedule. I never double-booked myself to avoid conflicts with others’ calendars.

I also learnt that I’m drawn to jobs in customer service because I enjoy meeting new people. It doesn’t matter how old you are or where you come from, as long as we can connect and communicate, that’s all that matters.

That’s why working at UltraGolf has been a good fit for me. Not only do I get to meet and interact with visitors from all walks of life, I also get to be part of a team. I have learnt that I do much better working in a team. I found it hard to work alone, like I did when I was doing food delivery.

To be honest, when my former boss from my previous company invited me to join UltraGolf, it took me two weeks to make a decision. As a freelancer, I enjoyed managing my own time, and I was unsure if I could adjust to full-time work again.

Ultimately, I took the opportunity because I wanted the stability of a full-time salary. I was also persuaded by the fact that it was a pre-opening role which is something I have always enjoyed. There’s something special about working at an attraction before it officially opens to the public.

When you join an already established company, it can be hard for your voice to be heard. You can’t really influence change because the company culture has been set – you just have to fit in.

But in a new company, you get the satisfaction of laying the foundation and seeing the brand grow from ground zero. At UltraGolf, where I now work as the Assistant Manager, Operation Services.

I’ve had the chance to be involved in everything from designing shelving layouts to setting up the SOP. And there are still many things to do and look forward to. There’s always something new to learn and different ways to improve.

I recently became a certified tour guide because I knew it would help me in my profession. I was inspired by a tour guide I met years ago during a camp I ran. I’ll never forget her charisma and how she connected with people.

She was so knowledgeable – like a walking encyclopedia! At UltraGolf, we often have visitors asking for help and directions. I want to be able to help them with the same level of professionalism.

What am I most proud of in my growth as a person? That’s a good question. I’ve never really thought about that. Maybe it’s because I’ve never stopped growing. Even though life can be challenging, I know I’m constantly adapting, learning and evolving.

I know stepping out of your comfort zone can make you feel uneasy, but sometimes, life leaves you with no other option. I embrace challenges because I don’t think I’ll ever be satisfied knowing I’ve reached my limit. I hope to always push my boundaries.” – Dalilawati, Assistant Manager, Operation Services at UltraGolf

Interview by Arman Shah

---

READ: HUMANS OF SENTOSA

VISIT: OFFICIAL SENTOSA WEBSITE