PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

18 MAY 2024

MAH 50th ANNIVERSARY GALA DINNER & AWARDS NIGHT

“Commemorating a Legacy of Excellence, Cultivating Tomorrow’s Talent”

KUALA LUMPUR - The Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) marked a historic milestone this year as it celebrated its golden jubilee with a grand gala dinner at M Resort & Hotel Kuala Lumpur. The prestigious event brought together over 800 distinguished guests, including General Managers of hotels nationwide, esteemed industry partners, and key stakeholders from the hospitality sector. Gracing the evening as its Guest of Honour was Yang Bahagia Datuk Dr. Yasmin Mahmood, the Chairman of Tourism Malaysia accompanied by Mr Manoharan Periasamy, the Director General of Tourism Malaysia.

The evening was infused with nostalgia as attendees were treated to a special anniversary video detailing MAH's 50-year journey from its inception to the present day, featuring notable Past Presidents of MAH.

In recognition of the significant contributions made by certain Past Presidents of MAH to the association and the broader hospitality industry, the event honoured them with a Lifetime Achievement Awards. These exceptional hoteliers have played instrumental roles in shaping and elevating Malaysia's hospitality landscape throughout the years.

Recipients of MAH Lifetime Achievement Awards

1.     YBhg. Tan Sri Dato’ Azman Shah Dato’ Seri Haron

2.     YBhg. Datuk Haji Mohd Ilyas Zainol Abidin

3.     YBhg. Dato’ N. Subramaniam

4.     Mr. Sam Cheah Swee Hee

MAH Hotel Management Grand Prix 2024 Winning Teams

The gala was then followed with presentation of awards to the MAH Management Grand Prix (MGP), a collaborative effort between MAH, Taylor’s University, and Russel Partnership Technology. The MGP, now in its 2^nd edition, is an exclusive competition designed to cultivate future leaders in the hospitality industry. For 2024, a total of 16 teams from various hotels competed in a simulated environment, managing entire hotel operations for one in-game year. After a rigorous competition, the top 4 winners of the MAH Management Grand Prix 2024 were awarded cash prizes.

1.     Champion (RM 3000)      :           Team Go Getters, from Hilton Kuala Lumpur

2.     1^st Runner Up (RM 2000) :           Team The Sentral Team from Hotel Sentral KL

3.     2^nd Runner up (RM 1000) :           Team Grand Hyatt KL from Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur

4.     3^rd Runner up (RM 500)   :           Team The Kippers from KIP Hotel

MAH Hotel Employee Awards Recipients

The climax of the evening was the 6^th edition of the MAH Hotel Employee Awards. This prestigious accolade first initiated in 2010, recognizes outstanding staff who exemplify the spirit of hospitality through their dedication, commitment, and passion. Nominees, handpicked to represent each MAH Chapter from across the nation, underwent rigorous interviews, with only the most exceptional individuals emerging as National Champions of the Year and awarded the RM1000 cash prize.

However, this year the judges were fortunate to be presented with an exceptionally talented pool of candidates, which made the competition intensely fierce and close. Therefore, in line with MAH’s mission to acknowledge outstanding individuals within the industry, in addition to the National Champion, HEA presented two additional Merit Awards this year. This decision is a testament to the many young talents Malaysia have within the hospitality industry.

1.     Kedah / Perlis Chapter

·       Muhammad Syahir Bin Sobri

·       Senior Re:Fresh Talent Coach

·       Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah

2.     Penang Chapter

·       Norhidayah Binti Kamalludin

·       F&B Captain

·       The Wembley - A St Giles Hotel Penang

3.     Perak Chapter

·       Azieasmanarima A/P Pandak Azian

·       Housekeeping Supervisor

·       Grand Kampar Hotel

4.     Selangor Chapter

·       Asmariyana Binti Bahari

·       Maintenance Supervisor - AV

·       Royale Chulan Damansara

5.     Kuala Lumpur Chapter

·       Monica Binti Malek

·       Housekeeping Supervisor

·       Pavilion Hotel

6.     N. Sembilan

·       Basri Bin Hamid

·       Senior Sport & Recreation Officer

·       Ancasa Residence Port Dickson

7.     Melaka Chapter

·       Muhammad Nazeem Bin Shamsuddin

·       Senior Front Office Assistant (Night Auditor)

·       Rosa Hotel Melaka

8.     Johor Chapter

·       Norfaizah Binti Shahri

·       F&B Supervisor

·       Pulai Spring Resort

9.     Pahang Chapter

·       Muhamad Shahrul Shalikin Bin Mazlan

·       Account Officer

·       Royale Chulan Cherating

10.  Terengganu Chapter

·       YM Tengku Muhamad Nashrudin Bin Tengku Abdul Rahman

·       Technician Supervisor

·       Primula Beach Hotel

11.  Kelantan Chapter

·       Nurul Najihah Binti Shaffie

·       Reservation Assistant

·       Perdana Kota Bharu

12.  Sarawak Chapter

·       Nur Farahzatul Zaharah Binti Mohamad Farizan

·       Senior Reservation

·       Raia Hotel & Convention Centre Kuching

13.  Sabah / Labuan Chapter

·       Priceal Sharon Jamain

·       Resident Naturalist

·       Shangri-La Rasa Ria

HEA Merit Award – Young Rising Star:       Nurul Najihah Binti Shaffie, Kelantan Chapter.

HEA Merit Award – Tourism Ambassador:  Priceal Sharon Jamain, Sabah / Labuan Chapter.

HEA National Champion of the year 2024:   Monica Malek, Kuala Lumpur Chapter.

Malaysian Association of Hotels would like to thank the following sponsors of the event:

About Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH)

Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) is the umbrella body for hotels in Malaysia formed in 1974 and initially established by a group of concerned and dedicated hoteliers to bring about a more dynamic hospitality industry aimed at building a workforce of highly skilled, innovative and disciplined individuals. Its long-term goal was to enhance the efficiency of the hospitality industry, thus, bringing about a more dynamic Malaysian hospitality industry. MAH, as the official national network for the hotel industry, represents more than 1000 hotels throughout Malaysia supplying more than 150, 000 rooms which is over half of the total number of hotel rooms available as guest accommodation in this country. With 13 chapters across the nation, MAH acts as a voice of the industry, working as one body to promote, protect, represent and advance the interests of its members.

About MAHTEC

MAHTEC Sdn Bhd commenced its fiscal year in 1998 to profile MAH as a human resource development provider and to upgrade the skills and knowledge of staff-in-service in the industry. MAHTEC is the training arm of the Association specializing in developing quality human resources in the hospitality industry. Highly specialized in the areas of Hospitality Skills Training and Managerial Development Training, all programs are facilitated by experienced and qualified Trainers through workshops and practical sessions.