08:00 - 08:55Registration and Match & Meet

08:55 - 09:00Welcome Remarks from the Organizer
Speaker:● Gloria Wong, Executive Director

Data Talks

09:00 - 09:20(KEYNOTE) Hotel Market Trend for Malaysia
Speaker: ● Kim Ong, Regional Director, SEA at STR

Property Owners' Track

09:20 - 10:10(PANEL) Malaysia's Rising Investment Opportunities: Navigating Inflation and Mastering Smart Investment during crisis
Moderator:● Mimi Renati Zainol, Head of Resorts at MK Land Holdings Berhad
Panelists:● Adrian Ee, Director at Pavilion Hospitality● Joanne Kua, Managing Director at KSK Land● Harriet Hoong, Director Development, Malaysia at Accor

10:10 - 10:20(KEYNOTE) Hidden Gems of Sabah: Discover the Potential Investment Opportunities
Speaker:● Kevin George Ukang, Chief Investment Officer at Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA)

10:20 - 11:00Morning Tea Break + 1-1 Business Matching

11:00 - 11:50(PANEL) Unlocking Hidden Value: The Art of Conversions
Panel Discussion:Commercial property conversion is a key strategy for unlocking the hidden potential of underutilized properties in Malaysia's hospitality landscape. This approach involves converting commercial properties into profitable ventures that cater to the changing needs and preferences of modern consumers. However, it is essential to strike a fair balance between property owners, developers, and investors to ensure the success of these ventures. This article explores the intricacies of commercial property conversion in Malaysia's hospitality landscape, offering insights into the key factors that contribute to success. By providing practical advice on how to navigate the complex world of commercial property conversion while ensuring fairness for all stakeholders, this article will be invaluable for anyone looking to unlock the full potential of their commercial properties in Malaysia's dynamic hospitality market
Moderator:● Previndran Singhe, Managing Director and CEO at Zerin Properties
Panelists:● Shireen Iqbal, CEO at Alpha REIT Managers Sdn Bhd● Zhe Wen Law, Director, Business Development & Asset Management ID & MY at The Ascott Limited● Bryan Chan, Senior Director, Development, Southeast Asia & Korea at InterContinental Hotels Group● Matt Holmes, Vice President Development, South East Asia & Pacific Rim at Wyndham Hotels and Resorts● Steve Tjen, Director of Development at Radisson Hotel Group

11:50 - 12:30(FIRESIDE CHAT) The Future and Challenges of White Label Hotel Management and Softbranding
Panel Discussion:In this discussion, we explore the future and challenges of white label hotel management and soft branding. These innovative approaches are disrupting the hospitality industry, offering new opportunities. We examine the dynamic nature of this landscape, considering how hotels and brands adapt to changing consumer demands. We address the competitive nature of white label hotel management and soft branding, highlighting the advantages and challenges they present. Additionally, we emphasize collaboration, sustainability, and the role of technology in enabling seamless operations. Join us as we uncover the transformative potential of white label hotel management and soft branding for the industry.
Speakers:● Norbert Vas, COO at Archipelago Indochina● David Roberts, Assistant Vice President at Dusit International● Yasin Munshi, Associate Vice President Development, Asia at Minor Hotels● Sayu Shankar Sreekumar, Head of South & South-East Asia at La Vie Hotels & Resorts (Thailand) Co., Ltd

12:30 - 14:00Lunch Break + 1-1 Business Matching

Brand DNA Track

14:00-14:50(PANEL) Local Brand Differentiation Strategies: How to Stand Out in the Market
Moderator:● Deborah Bottreau, Founder & CEO at Sienna Design
Panelists:● Murray L. Aitken, General Manager at Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast● Kingston Khoo, Group Head of Marketing and E-commerce at Tradewinds Corporation & President at Eco-STEPS Malaysia ● Chaw Soong Meng, Director of Sales at Amari● Akshay Rathod, Country Head at OYO Malaysia● Sebastien Favre, Senior Development Director at Club Med 

HotelTech Track

14:50 - 15:10(KEYNOTE) HPE Aruba Networking's Vision for Hospitality
Speaker:● Yong Chee Kuan, Regional Mobility Consulting Systems Engineer, Hospitality | SEATH at HPE Aruba Networking

Alternative Accommodation Track

15:00 - 15:40(PANEL) Flexible Living - What, Why & How?
Panel Discussion:Flexible living offers residents more freedom and flexibility by renting fully-furnished units on a short-term basis, with different models including co-living spaces and rental of full apartment units. The discussion will cover the concept of flexible living, its different models, and how it differs from traditional serviced apartments.
Moderator:● Shi’Ai Liang, Vice President, Head of Development at Blueground
Panelists:● Sandeep Grewal, CEO at SubHome

15:40 - 16:10Afternoon Tea Break + 1-1 Business Matching

Design Track

16:10 - 17:10(PANEL) Embracing Sustainable Luxury: Incorporating Nature into the Future of High-End Designs in Malaysia's Hospitality Industry
Moderator:● Kirk Ellis, Director of Hospitality at Gensler
Panelists:● Adj.Prof Anthony Wong, Managing Director at Tapak Pelangi Sdn Bhd● Dorian Landers, Executive Director at Hostasia Hospitality● Diyana Mohd Amin, Head of Sustainability & ESG at Iskandar Investment Berhad

17:10 - 17:20(KEYNOTE) Ecotourism and the Sustainable Development of Resorts and Hotels in Malaysia: Challenges and Potentialities
Speaker:● Marcus Stephenson, Dean - School of Hospitality and Service Management at Sunway University

17:20 - 17:50Lucky Draws + Group Photo

08:00 - 08:55
Registration and Match & Meet

08:55 - 09:00Welcome Remarks
Conference Chairman:● Ricky Ang, Founder & Director at Sepia Hotels & Resorts

Data Talks

09:00 - 09:20(KEYNOTE) Hotel Profit Levels in Malaysia vs Neighbour Countries
Speaker:● Bousserind Comson, Business Development Manager at HotStats

Operations Optimization Track

09:20 - 09:40(KEYNOTE) Unlocking Operational Excellence: How to Optimize with Grab For Business
Speaker:● Jacyntha Foo, Regional Key Account Manager at GrabCar Sdn. Bhd.

09:40 - 10:20(PANEL) Keys to Power through the Hotel Operational Challenges
Panel Discussion:Experienced General Managers from both chain and boutique hotels will share their insights and experiences in overcoming operational challenges that are commonly faced in the hospitality industry. These challenges include employment turnover, high operating costs, supply chain issues, and the constantly evolving needs and expectations of customers. The session will focus on discussing notable changes and successful strategies that have been implemented to optimize operations and achieve success in recent times.
Moderator:● Ricky Ang, Founder & Director at Sepia Hotels & Resorts
Panelists:● Mondi Mecja, Country General Manager at Ascott International Management, Malaysia● Jean-Pierre Muller, Director of Operations at Else Retreats●  Yogendran Devarajan, General Manager at Elysium Resorts Sdn Bhd

10:20 - 11:00Morning Tea Break + 1-1 Business Matching

11:00 - 11:40(PANEL) Uncovering the Hospitality Industry's Labor and Skill Shortage to Fuel Growth
Panel Discussion:The hospitality industry is facing a serious shortage of skilled labor, which is impeding its growth potential. In this session, industry experts will discuss the impact of the shortage and strategies that how to create a dynamic workface to over come the HR challanges.
Moderator:● Dennis Tan, Managing Director at The Everly Group
Panelists:● Jon Teoh, Head, Cluster Director of Learning & Development at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur● Vivek Viven, Head of Human Resources, Group - Hotel Division at SKS Group● Anita Selvaraju, Director of Human Resources at Ascott Kuala Lumpur● Sophia Goh, Cluster Director of Human Resources at Miri Marriott & Mulu Marriott

Hotel Technology Track

11:40 - 12:20(PANEL) Safeguarding Hotel Data and Capitalizing on the Technological Boom: Cybersecurity & AI in the Hospitality Industry
Discussion:The hospitality industry often comes out on top among the sectors most susceptible to cyber security risks. Hotels, despite being brick-and-mortar businesses designed for the tangible enjoyment of their amenities, have become a data goldmine for hackers. The challenges are increasing with the extensive use of technology in day-to-day operations, such as self-check-in and on-site payments in light of the lack in manpower. This session will look into concrete steps that brands are taking to secure their data and counteract cyberattacks.
Moderator:● Ming Chew Chang, Executive Director at Tricor Axcelasia
Panelists:● Ts. Dr. Suresh Ramasamy, Chief Research Officer & Chief Information Security Officer at Center for Advanced Computing and Telecommunications (CACT)● Ken Tay, Chief Business Development Officer at HostPlatform● Ts. Dr. Muhammad Imran Sarwar, Chief Executive Officer at Datalytica Sdn Bhd

12:20 - 14:00Lunch Break + 1-1 Business Matching

Guest Experience Track

14:00 - 14:40(PANEL) Enhancing Guest Experience: Managing the Digital Journey from Pre-Arrival to Post-Stay
Panel Discussion:A prospective guest searching a hotel will first look at ratings and reviews from previous visitors before browsing websites for pricing and offers. Now that seamless check-in, self-service options, and contactless interaction are regarded as fundamental to all in-stay experiences, digital communication is essential for hotels to better learn and satisfy their guests. The hospitality industry has consistently topped others in crafting personalized guest experiences as a key success indicator. In this session, seasoned hoteliers will discuss how to effectively manage the digital voyage of visitors while maintaining effective communication with them from pre- to post-stay.
Moderator:● Lip Seng Yap, CEO at Riyaz Hotels & Resorts
Panelists:● Spencer Lee, Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing at Genting Malaysia Berhad● Shen Loh-Lim, Executive Director at Cheong Fatt Tze● Jan Wong, Founder & CEO at OpenMinds Group

14:40 - 15:20(PANEL) Luxury Lifestyle: The New Hotel Trends
Panel Discussion:What comes to your mind when you think of "luxury hotels"? A magnificent lobby, a balcony with skyline views, rooms that come with private plunge pools, and phenomenal bathrooms or else. When it comes to luxury travel, guests are still looking for rich fabrics, and astounding designs. Meanwhile, new generations are craving enriched experiences, a unique and personalized touch, healthy foods, a sensual indulgence, and many more. In this session, designers, operators, and consultants will discuss what is truly luxury and how to provide a luxurious experience from design to operations.
Moderator:● Shafar Jamaludin, Director of Operations at Ascott KLPanelists:● Jason S'ng, Cluster General Manager at THE FACE Hotels & Resorts Sdn Bhd● Rita Abdul Rahim, Director of Sales at Amari

Marketing Innovation Track

15:20 - 16:00(FIRESIDE CHAT) The Distribution Mix: Dissecting Trends and Challenges in Omni-channel Distribution
Panel Discussion:Hotels should adopt multi-channel distribution approaches like flash sales, subscription models and loyalty programs, OTAs, GDS, metasearch, wholesalers, influencer marketing and its associated social media campaigns, and many more. In this session, tech disruptors and hotel distribution heads will address the distribution challenges currently faced by the local operators and forecast the best practice to drive future growth.
Panelists:● Calvin Lim, Director of Sales at Capri by Fraser Bukit Bintang● Bharath Satyavolu, Vice President Revenue at ONYX Hospitality● Patricia Brennan, Vice President Strategic Accounts - Distribution at Shiji Group● Zee Annuar, General Manager Sales & Marketing at UJ Hotels & Resorts Management Services Sdn Bhd

16:00 - 17:30 Post-event Tea Break + 1-1 Business Matching