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KUALA LUMPUR: American multinational hospitality company Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc has appointed Maria Ariizumi as vice president, development, South East Asia. Maria joins Hilton from Swire Hotels where she led efforts to set up Swire’s third party hotel development platform, with her responsibilities spanning hotel development, planning and projects across Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. During her tenure, Swire Hotels saw a doubling of the group’s hotel portfolio. She joined Hilton on March 4, 2024, based out of the Hilton corporate office in Singapore. “South East Asia holds great potential for the travel and tourism sector, and we are incredibly upbeat about the healthy momentum in travel demand and hotel development. “I am thrilled to welcome Maria to the Hilton family at this critical inflexion point and am confident that she will lead the team to new heights as we write our next growth chapter together,” Hilton senior vice president, development, Asia Pacific Clarence Tan said in a statement. Maria’s hospitality career also spans stints with Galaxy Entertainment Group, Marriott International and Deloitte Tohmatsu Consulting in hotel development, feasibility and corporate finance roles. A native of Japan, Maria will partner closely with Hilton’s existing owners and new partners to drive the company’s development strategy in Southeast Asia. This newly created role testifies to the growing importance of this dynamic region, and Maria’s time-tested track record will support Hilton’s ambition to double its portfolio here in the next three years. “It is an amazing opportunity to steer the expansion of an iconic brand like Hilton in the vibrant South East Asia region. “Hilton has established a stellar foundation here and is well respected by owners and industry watchers for its market-leading performance. “With the support of a best-in-class team, I look forward to leading and delivering on our growth ambitions in this market,” said Maria. Hilton has 57 trading properties across seven distinct brands and a pipeline of 44 properties. In recent months, Hilton celebrated highly anticipated hotel openings, such as Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts, La Festa Phu Quoc, and Hilton Saigon, each representing in-market brand debuts.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) has forged a strategic partnership with an international travel agent, ACMAR Marketing Xiamen, a subsidiary of the ACMAR Group. This collaboration was formalised by signing a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) between MyCEB chief executive officer Azman Tambi Chik and ACMAR Group managing director, JP, Datuk Steven Tee. “The collaboration bolsters Malaysia and MyCEB’s presence in the promising Chinese market, specifically catering to the Xiamen business community. “The MoC signed not only signifies national pride between two Malaysian entities but also a significant step towards fostering bilateral cooperation and enhancing business events opportunities in the region,” Azman said in a statement. ACMAR Group is renowned for its projects such as hotels, the Xiamen International Culture Building and more. The group also owns investment stakes in fixed assets such as commercial, residential, and other properties. With its strong foothold in Xiamen, ACMAR Group brings invaluable expertise and resources to synergise with MyCEB’s vision of promoting Malaysia as a premier and preferred destination for business events. The MoC outlines a series of joint marketing activities aimed at capturing the attention of the Chinese market, sharing market intelligence, facilitating knowledge exchange, co-developing business leads and fostering collaboration opportunities for the private sector. ACMAR Marketing Xiamen will connect MyCEB with China’s business events counterparts, streamlining communication and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships. “The MoC leverages the extensive network and insights of both organisations, with MyCEB being able to showcase Malaysia’s world-class facilities, unique culture and unparalleled hospitality. “ACMAR is excited to be part of this venture by supporting the bureau through our footprint and aiming to drive mutual growth and prosperity between Malaysia and China,” said Steven Tee. Both parties are committed to implementing innovative marketing strategies and fostering long-term partnerships to achieve their shared objectives. The collaborative efforts are expected to boost tourism and investment and strengthen cultural exchange and bilateral relations between Malaysia and China. Besides the MoC, MyCEB discussed with the Xiamen International Conference & Exhibition Centre, Chairman of Xiamen Welleast Smart City Technology Co Ltd, C&D Global Tourism Group Co Ltd and President of Xiamen Tourism Association. From these meetings, Malaysia can look forward to fostering stronger collaborations, expanding market reach, and enhancing bilateral relationships, thereby elevating business events, tourism and private sector opportunities between Malaysia and Xiamen.

KUALA LUMPUR: Integrated steel manufacturer Malaysia Steel Works (KL) Bhd has appointed Datuk Syed Mohamed Syed Ibrahim, as the independent and non-executive chairman, effective March 1, 2024. Syed Mohamed brings over 40 years of experience leading prominent organisations across various industries, driving sustainable growth globally and in Malaysia. His expertise spans banking, real estate development, technology, and business strategy. He currently serves as the president and chief executive of Johor Corporation and chairman of JLand Group. Masteel, in a statement, said Syed Mohamed’s proven track record of driving profitability, fostering strategic partnerships, and spearheading transformational corporate enterprises positions him as an ideal leader to guide Masteel in its next growth phase. Furthermore, his emphasis on strong business fundamentals and far-sighted leadership are expected to herald a new era of dynamism for Masteel. Syed Mohamed’s commitment to sustainable business growth will be reflected positively in Masteel’s future operations and strategies as the company reinforces its position as the country’s leading ultra-low-carbon steel manufacturer, championing sustainable and environmentally responsible business practices.

KUALA LUMPUR: GrabAds, the advertising arm of Grab, is expecting a surge in customer spending patterns during the upcoming Ramadan. According to its Ramadan-Raya Insights 2023/2024 report, Grab said 84 per cent of respondents surveyed expressed plans to increase their spending during Ramadan, particularly on food and beverage, fashion and apparel, and personal healthcare. Grab Malaysia head of marketing Hassan Alsagoff said as Ramadan approaches, we anticipate a surge in celebration and consumer activity, especially among families in Malaysia. “This presents an opportunity for brands to connect meaningfully online with the right audiences. “By planning early Ramadan campaigns that leverage data insights and tailored strategies, brands can enrich their customers’ celebrations with engaging communication that serves personalised experiences. “This approach not only captures attention but also builds lasting connections with existing and new audiences,” he said in a statement. Findings on the report showed that 76 per cent of Malaysians anticipate amping up their digital activities during the festive season, with 62 per cent planning to rely heavily on Grab services like food deliveries and payments. Further, an 84 per cent of respondents favouring breaking their fast with loved ones and 94 per cent willing to spend more on high-quality products for their families and homes, merchants can consider offering tailor-made for family gatherings with flexible group menus offering add-ons like drinks and desserts. The report also noted that 85 per cent of surveyed users, including car owners, prefer Grab’s convenience during festive periods, leading to a 9 per cent surge in weekly ridership compared to pre-Ramadan. This trend peaks further in the weeks leading up to Hari Raya, with airport trips steadily increasing from week three onwards. Furthermore, families often reunite in their hometowns, so the roads usually get busy. Recognising these behavioural patterns, brands have a golden window to engage early adopters. Grab report noted that by launching strategic in-car or car-wrap campaigns one to three months before Ramadan, they can leverage this captive audience, raise brand awareness, and capture a loyal customer base before the festive fever takes full swing. “We’re committed to helping our merchant partners, especially the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), plan their Ramadan campaigns effectively. “We encourage them to leverage the insights we share in the report so they can foster brand loyalty, drive sales, and establish a strong presence in the hearts and minds of consumers,” Hassan said. GrabAds empowers brands and marketers, including small and medium-sized merchants, to run impactful campaigns through its super-app ecosystem. The platform offer a self-serve ad service, an ad creation tool that empowers merchant partners to build their own ad image banners and search ads and track ad performance in real-time.

KUALA LUMPUR: Main market listed Yong Tai Bhd’s (YTB) wholly-owned subsidiary, PTS Impression Sdn Bhd (PISB), signed a strategic collaboration agreement with 828 Asia Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of the Singapore-based Ebenex Group. This partnership, formed on February 28, 2024, has been established to spotlight the iconic Encore Melaka Theatre, a cornerstone within YTB’s portfolio that showcases innovation and cultural revelry. Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, PISB will provide 828 Asia with periodic access to the Encore Melaka Theatre and the necessary expertise, technical support, and manpower. YTB’s chief executive officer Datuk Wira Boo Kuang Loon said 828 Asia’s expertise in event organisation combined with YTB’s iconic Encore Melaka Theatre will create a platform for delivering exceptional entertainment experiences to visitors from around the world. “This partnership aligns with our vision to be at the forefront of innovative tourism developments and reinforces our commitment to cultural and economic growth in Melaka,” he said in a statement. PISB, the owner and operator of Encore Melaka Theatre, has established itself as a leading landmark attraction in the city’s waterfront area. Recognised as a jewel in the crown of Melaka, the theatre has captivated international and local tourists with its unique offerings and immersive experiences with its 360-degree rotating platform and approximately 2,000 seats. 828 Asia, a prominent event and concert organiser based in Singapore, brings expertise and experience to the collaboration. With a strong presence in the industry, 828 Asia is well-positioned to market, promote, and organise a series of events within the Hatten City @ Melaka and Encore Melaka Theatre. The collaborative efforts between PISB and 828 Asia aim to capitalise on the immense business potential and development opportunities presented by hosting events in the Encore Melaka Theatre. By leveraging the unique features and capabilities of the theatre, the partnership seeks to create unforgettable experiences for audiences and further enhance Melaka’s reputation as a premier destination for world-class entertainment. The first event from this collaboration is expected to occur in April 2024, beginning a series of exciting cultural and entertainment initiatives. This collaboration is expected to contribute positively to YTB by diversifying its portfolio and enhancing its position in the tourism and cultural sectors. “We are excited about the immense potential of this collaboration,” said David Toh, the director of 828 Asia. “Together with PISB, we look forward to delivering exceptional events that will captivate audiences and contribute to Melaka’s cultural and entertainment landscape,” he said.