You’re fired! Asia gets its own ‘The Apprentice’

MANILA, Philippines - It might be a case of schadenfreude, but the words “You’re fired!” never brought us more pleasure than when Donald Trump said them at the end of every episode of The Apprentice. Sure, the show can be entertaining — from its colorful contestants to the heartstopping challenges, but watching someone fail, then get “fired” after a heated deliberation, is stuff that reality television is made of.

But there is a disconnect when watching The Apprentice. Trump’s brash way of handling his contestants does not sit well with Asians, who practice business with finesse and discretion. We are a race that values pride and honor. And that is where The Apprentice Asia enters.

But first, a primer. The Apprentice is a reality game show where contestants compete to become Donald Trump’s apprentice and to be given the chance to run one of his companies for one year. The candidates face weekly challenges that range from selling items and holding auctions to creating campaigns and advertisements.

The Apprentice Asia will deliver just that, except with an Asian flavor. It will be hosted by AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes, along with his advisors Mark Lankester and Kathleen Tan. Unlike the direct approach that Trump favors, Fernandes will handle the boardroom with sensitivity, focusing on inspiration. In fact, there is still question as to whether he will use “You’re fired” as his catchphrase. The first season will see 12 contestants from around the region out to win a one-year contract at one of Fernandes’ companies, with a $100,000 salary.

And it’s a prize worth fighting for. Fernandes is Forbes Asia’s Businessman of the Year for 2010 and is credited with reviving the ailing AirAsia, winning World’s Best Low-Cost Airline from Skytrax four years in a row. AirAsia is known as the world’s best value airline, and on top of that, Fernandes runs the Tune Group — a cluster of companies including hotels, mobile services, sports teams, insurance, and media — and Epsom College in Malaysia. The man has dozens of citations and awards, but he still has time to keep a sense of humor. In 2008, he made a cameo in the award-winning Malaysian comedy Cuci.

Supreme got a chance to interview the aviation tycoon and his advisers on their thoughts on Filipinos, the kind of apprentice they’re looking for, and what it’s like to work with Fernandes.

SUPREME: What makes The Apprentice Asia different from The Apprentice?

TONY FERNANDES: If you’re watching an American show, no kid in Asia could think he could be on that show and aim to achieve what those apprentices have done. Now, we’re giving the billions in Asia, the young population, the chance. I think this show will inspire a lot of young people in Asia to go out there and to dream and be able to achieve and say “I can do that as well.”

What qualities are you looking for in the next apprentice?

I’m looking for that je ne sais quoi (I don’t know what). I’m looking for someone who has the ability to think on their feet. I’m looking for a fiercely determined person. I want people who go out there and deliver what they say they’re going to do. I need people that can adapt and think out of the box. Definitely, we have to be non-conservative, I’m not a traditionalist.

Are there Filipinos? What can you expect from them?

Yes, there are. And they’re very good. I have to say they’re very impressive. I can’t talk too much about the candidates, but just to tease you a little bit, I’ve been very impressed with the Filipinos.

What is it like to work with Tony?

KATHLEEN TAN: He brings out the best in you, the (part) you never knew existed. It is not easy working for Tony because he does not take no for an answer. You’re constantly being challenged, you pull your hair out all the time, but when you finally do it, you (realize) you can actually do it.

MARK LANKESTER: Tony gives people great opportunities, but you’ve got to go out and do it yourself.

What does the show have in store for the viewers?

TONY: It will show the diversity of Asia. But the most important thing is that Asia has a lot of talent and that we have a lot of fiercely determined people that want to go out there at all costs and be the best. I think it will inspire a lot of young kids to dream the impossible.

What tips do you have for budding entrepreneurs?

Failure is good. Never give up. I failed hundreds of times, but at least I tried. If I gave up the first time, we would never have been the airline that we are. It is bloody hard being an entrepreneur, but I’d rather you fail than not try at all, and if you fail, keep going. Keep trying.

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The Apprentice Asia will be filmed primarily in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, and will air on AXN beginning this May.

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