AirAsia RedQ: One of the Coolest Workspaces in the World

For nine years now, I've considered the classroom as my work area; a relatively small space where dreams are nurtured and envisioned. Two weeks ago, I have been given a chance to visit a workplace where passionate people converge, connecting people and culture. It was enlivening. The moment I entered AirAsia's new corporate hub, the RedQuarters or RedQ, I felt a silent fulfillment of wishes and realized dreams.

Together with eight media people, I was invited for a tour of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to check out the new corporate base of the world's best low-cost airline (Skytrax World Airline Awards for nine straight years). KL is my second home in Asia since it became a hub for affordable flights around the Southeast Asian Region. My dreams of exploring Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Laos, and more were realized with AirAsia's lowest fares.

Move over Pantone Greenery. AirAsia Red & Black are the colors of the year. I do blend well eh? #AirAsiaInKualaLumpur #ASEAN50 Photo by @pinoyadventurista

A post shared by blissfulguro (@blissfulguro) on Aug 3, 2017 at 11:18pm PDT

At four o'clock in the afternoon, NAIA Terminal 3 was very quiet. I then realized that it's the middle of a workweek, hence, the almost empty terminal. Our AirAsia flight Z2940 left Manila at around sundown, commencing our four-day jaunt.

I tried working on my writing backlog whilst on the plane but got engrossed on the featured travel stories of Travel3Sixty magazine. It was not until the aroma of inflight meals which started to fill the plane that I started to put down the magazine; dinnertime.

I then grabbed the Hot Meals menu and scanned their selection. Santan, AirAsia's award-winning inflight menu, features eight delicious dishes across its networks, highlighting the unique and distinct flavor of the region. A wide array of choices for small eaters and belly busters are available, complete with nutrition information, perfect for calorie-conscious folks.

Trying out the newest inflght menu of AirAsia

I had Chicken Lasagne with Philippine-made Lemongrass Pandan brewed tea, plus some chips to complete the meal. The tomato and cream sauce complemented the oozing melted cheese on top. The crunchy steamed broccoli and carrots also added a layer of texture into it. My local brewed tea was also quite good. I actually wanted to get another meal but restrained myself from doing so.

By the way, it will save you a few bucks if you purchase your meal while booking your flight online. Also, there are more options for pre-booked meals.

After the filling meal, I effortlessly snoozed afterwards.

Arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 at ten in the evening, the group swiftly passed through the efficient immigration counter and went to Gateway@KLIA2 Mall for the routine travel errands; my companions exchanged money (I have a stash of Malaysian Ringgit with me) while I bought a sim card for MYR20 (US$ 4.65) to attend to my social media needs while on the road.

Tune Hotel KLIA2

We had dinner somewhere in the mall and were ready to call it a day (or night). Good thing our home for three nights is just a mere eight-minute walk away from the airport. It was just good to finally rest after our four-hour flight.

TuneHotels.Com has a limited service hotel concept. Operated by Tune Hotels, their famous “5-star sleeping experience at a 1-star price” accommodation provides lowers hotel fees by eliminating costly extras that you don’t sometimes use. Adapting the same concept of its sister company, AirAsia, you actually have the freedom to choose add-ons that are offered on a pay-as-you-go basis including toiletries, AC, breakfast, internet access, and so on.

Instagrammable chill spot

Tune Hotel KLIA2’s location is perfect for layovers as it offers a premium accommodation right across the entrance gate of the airport. Going to Kuala Lumpur from the airport would be too much of an effort for transit passengers as the one-hour one way ride to the city is very time-consuming; might as well use that time to book at Tune for proper rest.

Funky lounge area

AirAsia’s famous red and black color theme was utilized on the reception area. The funky dome-shaped light fixtures against the high ceiling adorned the whole space.

The room was basic yet hip; there’s an open clothes rack, two single beds with cool bedsteads, fluffy pillow and warm duvet, ceiling fan, individually-powered AC, flat screen TV with satellite channels, work table with lamp and chair, drinking water, and a full-length mirror.

Our home for four days

The room was also furnished with an en suite toilet and bath with hot and cold shower, toiletries, hair dryer, and bath towels. The room is simple yet functional; very tastefully designed.

Modern retro feel

My roommate and I chatted a bit before falling into a coma at around midnight. I thought that having our accommodation right across the airport would bother us because of the noise coming from the aircrafts. But no, soundproofing provided us a lovely sleep that felt like we're at the comforts of our very own room.

Classic AirAsia red and black color theme

Breakfast doesn't always come with the room rate but at MYR28 (US$6.52) per person, it’s definitely a better option for guests rather than looking for something to eat at the airport on the wee hours of the morning (breakfast is served daily from 4:00 am to 10:00 am).

All-day casual dining restaurant

The buffet spread is a mix of continental and Malaysian breakfast dishes. I enjoyed the fried noodles section and the nasi lemak. I just wished they would pump up the choices more and have a different spread each day. Nonetheless, our meals were very filling.

A fun weekend indeed. Thank you AirAsia for bringing us to Kuala Lumpur and showing us how everyone really can fly! #AirAsiaInKualaLumpur #ASEAN50 Photo by @pinoyadventurista

A post shared by blissfulguro (@blissfulguro) on Aug 7, 2017 at 4:43am PDT

Honestly, after having been to Kuala Lumpur countless of times, it was only the exclusive access to the AirAsia RedQuarters that made me sign up for this trip. I was too excited to finally see firsthand the soul of my all-time favorite airline.

One of AirAsia's Mantra

RedQ, short for RedQuarters, is AirAsia’s new corporate hub which covers an area of 18,000 square meters and houses 2,000 Allstars (AirAsia staff). The new headquarter's cool name was conceived by an AirAsia X cabin crew member, January Ann Baysa from the Philippines through a contest. Since then, RedQ became synonymous to the ideal workspace. As they say, it is where dreams are fulfilled.

Bosses' workspace

It took us around five minutes on foot from Tune Hotels to finally reach the highlight of the trip that day.

We entered the secured receiving area and went inside a huge playground, well, a playground for adults.

Open-plan office space layout

The atrium layout provided a relaxed environment. People in their most casual outfit (some in their gym attire 'coz they have an in-house gym) roamed around the open space.

RedQ also employs an open plan, there are no enclosed space as workspaces except for themed meeting rooms, which still uses glass walls for an open feel. You could literally see and feel the dynamic flow of each work area without removing each cubicle its own individual style. You’d truly feel at home with this kind of environment.

Cantilevered themed meeting rooms

Notable features were also highlighted such as transparent glass elevators, a bamboo bicycle (that can actually be used inside), pastel-colored bean bags scattered on faux grass, indoor steel bridges, and more. AirAsia’s Allstars in its RedQ home really know how to work hard and play harder.

Where the coolest minds meet

I've been constantly traveling for seven years now and AirAsia truly helped me to fulfill my dreams of seeing the world even with my meager means. And as I went back to the classroom after the trip to accomplish my desire to change the world as a public school teacher, it dawned on me that having a fun spirit and cool environment could definitely enhance my student's learning. And just like AirAsia’s RedQ, I know that even with this tiny space, my students and I could foster an atmosphere where Everyone Can Fly.