KOTA KINABALU: Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu General Manager Suresh Ramasamy has been named as the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Sabah/Labuan Chapter chairman.
He takes over from Promenade Hotel General Manager, Hafizan Wong, who stepped down on completion of his term to focus on his hotel ventures. The organisation expressed appreciation for Hafizan’s tenure, describing his leadership as having been pivotal in the strengthening of cooperation in the hospitality sector.
The decision was made in the exco meeting of the chapter on Aug 26, when new faces were also included in the leadership team. Martin Kong of Sabah Tea Resort was elected vice-chairman 1, and Krishnan Mogan of Shangri-La Kota Kinabalu was given the responsibility as vice-chairman 2. Michael Tan of Grandis Hotel Kota Kinabalu and Natalia Nadirah Saiman of Ibis Styles Kota Kinabalu continue to be honorary treasurer and honorary secretary, respectively.
The chapter indicated the new management team will continue to drive projects to stimulate growth and position Sabah as a leading hospitality and tourism hub.
One of the top agenda points was the preparations for Sabah Hospitality Expo 2025, which will take place from November 21 to 23 at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).
Itself marking its 25th year this year, the expo is being organised in collaboration with ATI College and SICC. The event is set to have hotel and tourism players, suppliers, and service providers showcase the newest hospitality innovations, as it offers avenues for networking among industry players.
The biennial extravaganza is one of the hospitality industry’s main events in Sabah for decades, with contestants flying in from across Malaysia and Southeast Asia. This record-breaking edition this year is expected to further champion the growing role of Sabah in the tourism economy.
