THE ART OF HOSPITALITY 41 Years of Experience, One Vision for the Future A FAVSTYLE conversation with Suresh, General Manager of Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu & Chairman of MAH Sabah & Labuan Chapter

-

 

THE ART OF HOSPITALITY

41 Years of Experience, One Vision for the Future

A FAVSTYLE conversation with Suresh, General Manager of Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu & Chairman of MAH Sabah & Labuan Chapter

In hospitality, experience is measured not only by the number of years spent behind a hotel desk, but by the people led, guests welcomed, challenges navigated and standards continuously raised.

With 41 years in the hotel industry and three years at the helm of Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu, Suresh brings a wealth of experience to one of Sabah's most dynamic hospitality landscapes. Beyond his role as General Manager, his appointment as Chairman of the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Sabah & Labuan Chapter in 2026 places him at the forefront of conversations shaping the state's hotel and tourism industry.

For FAVSTYLE, he shares his journey, achievements, vision for Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu and priorities for the wider hospitality community.

FAVSTYLE: You have spent four decades in the hospitality industry. Tell us about your journey and your time with Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu.

Suresh:
I have been in the hotel industry for 41 years in total. I have also been serving as the General Manager of Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu for the past three years, since September 2022.

Over the years, the industry has given me the opportunity to experience different challenges, work with different teams and understand what it takes to consistently deliver quality hospitality.

FAVSTYLE: Looking back at your tenure at Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu, what are some of the achievements that stand out for you?

Suresh:
There are several achievements that I am particularly proud of.

These include our performance in the Associate Engagement Survey KPI and Guest Satisfaction Survey, as well as achieving the Marriott International 2022 APEC General Manager & Hotel Awards.

We have also continued to focus on our year-on-year revenue performance, which is an important indicator of the hotel's overall business performance.

For me, these achievements are not simply about numbers or awards. They reflect the collective effort of the team and the commitment of our associates to delivering a positive experience for our guests.

FAVSTYLE: Looking ahead, what is your vision for Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu over the next five years?

Suresh:
Our vision is clear. We want Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu to become a preferred city hotel in Kota Kinabalu and a leading international hotel in the city.

At the same time, we want to strengthen our position as a preferred hotel for families coming to Sabah for their holidays.

Another important area is the MICE and corporate market. We aim to be a preferred MICE and corporate meeting venue, providing a strong platform for business events, meetings and gatherings in Kota Kinabalu.

LEADING BEYOND THE HOTEL

Suresh's responsibilities extend beyond the walls of Le Méridien. As Chairman of the MAH Sabah & Labuan Chapter, his focus is also on strengthening collaboration within the hospitality industry and creating greater engagement between hotels, government agencies and local communities.

FAVSTYLE: As Chairman of MAH Sabah & Labuan Chapter, what are your key priorities for 2026 and beyond?

Suresh:
As Chairman of MAH Sabah & Labuan Chapter, I would like to drive the Executive Committee towards achieving several key initiatives.

These include quarterly Executive Committee meetings and quarterly CSR activities, as well as stronger engagement between MAH member hotels and local authorities and agencies such as the Sabah Tourism Board, Sabah Cultural Board, KEPKAS, DBKK, MOF and JKR.

We also want to encourage our MAH hotel members to adopt Community-Based Tourism initiatives and further develop training needs for hotel associates through MAHTEC Learning & Development.

Another important responsibility is representing our members and voicing industry challenges to the relevant agencies, including issues such as water supply, which is an important concern for the hospitality sector.

We will also participate in organising the Sabah Hospitality Fiesta and Exhibition 2026, while serving as a communication channel between our Sabah members and MAH National in Kuala Lumpur.

Beyond industry matters, we also plan to organise sporting activities such as badminton, bowling, pickleball and futsal, creating opportunities for networking, teamwork and engagement among our members.

A BROADER VISION FOR SABAH HOSPITALITY

For Suresh, leadership within the hospitality industry is not confined to hotel performance. It also involves collaboration, communication, training, community engagement and ensuring that the industry's concerns are heard.

His approach reflects an increasingly interconnected hospitality landscape, where hotels are part of a much larger tourism ecosystem involving government agencies, local communities, businesses and destination stakeholders.

As Sabah continues to strengthen its position as a tourism destination, the role of experienced hospitality leaders will remain an important part of that journey.

FAVSTYLE | THE FINAL WORD

After 41 years in hospitality, Suresh's story is one of longevity, leadership and continued evolution.

From driving hotel performance at Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu to representing the interests of the wider hospitality community through MAH, his current chapter is less about looking back and more about building what comes next.

For Suresh, the future of hospitality is not simply about running hotels. It is about building stronger teams, stronger industry connections and a stronger tourism ecosystem for Sabah.

— FAVSTYLE Magazine

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

FAVOLA @ Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu: A Fine Dining Gastronomy Experience by The Signature Food Fest 5th Edition Judges

-
Image
Favola at Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu continues to stand as one of the city's premier destinations for authentic Italian dining, offering a refined yet welcoming atmosphere where tradition meets contemporary culinary artistry. Renowned for its warm ambiance and dedication to quality, the restaurant consistently delivers an elevated dining experience inspired by classic Italian flavors and modern techniques. At the helm of the kitchen is Chef Kelvin , whose "Modern Grill" philosophy embraces clean, seasonal ingredients and innovative cooking methods. His culinary vision transforms familiar flavours into memorable gastronomic experiences, bridging timeless traditions with contemporary creativity. For The Signature Food Fest 5th Edition , Chef Kelvin presents the restaurant's featured creation, the Duo of Beef Brisket (RM138) . This thoughtfully crafted dish showcases slow-braised beef brisket paired with smoked bell pepper, sautéed greens, and fragrant garlic risotto, ...
Read more

Tajau and Tradition: The Living Legacy of Siopon in a Murut Engagement

-
Image
It was a very fulfilling and insightful trip to Keningau recently, where the Angin family from Kg. Biah, Sook celebrated an important engagement ceremony. A family member was engaged to someone from outside the Murut community. Shonney Doney, who is of Murut and Dusun heritage, became engaged to a Sino-Kadazan young man from outside the Keningau district. What was truly special is that the Angin family prepared a cultural presentation featuring Siopon, a traditional homemade rice drink kept in jars. The beverage has been passed down for generations and is still practiced today. According to Liza Angin, Shonney’s aunt, the family has been making Siopon for many years, starting with their mother, Villine Lius, who is now 74 years old. Due to health reasons, she can no longer prepare it, so Liza and her siblings made the effort to learn and continue the family tradition. The Angin family According to Liza, long ago the drink was treated like coffee. Whenever visitors came to Murut hom...
Read more

Donggongon: The Heartbeat of Penampang’s Culture, Food and Tamu Tradition by Lorena Binisol

-
Image
Every Wednesday and Thursday, something special happens in Donggongon , the vibrant township at the heart of Penampang . The streets come alive as villagers, vendors and townsfolk gather for the beloved Tamu , a weekly market that has long been part of the community’s rhythm. For generations, the Tamu has been more than just a marketplace. It is a meeting ground where stories are exchanged, traditions are preserved, and the spirit of the community continues to thrive. At the moment, vendors are temporarily operating in the open space between shop lots while the new permanent Tamu building is under construction. The upcoming structure promises a more modern look, but many locals still remember the rustic charm of the old Tamu, where simple stalls created a warm and authentic village atmosphere. Despite the temporary setting, the market remains lively. Visitors can still find baskets filled with fresh vegetables, tropical fruits and produce brought in from nearby villages. Among the u...
Read more

RANDAWI TAVANTANG KAAMATAN (RTK) PAPAR 2026 - A Celebration of Culture, Beauty & Heritage

-
Image
As the spirit of Kaamatan Festival begins to rise across Sabah, all eyes turn to Papar—the proud host district for the official opening of Kaamatan Month on 1 May 2026 . In anticipation of this grand cultural season, Randawi Tavantang Kaamatan (RTK) Papar 2026 takes centre stage as a platform that celebrates not only beauty, but identity, tradition, and the living soul of Kadazan-Dusun heritage. EVENT DETAILS 📅 Final: 28 April 2026 (Tuesday) 📍 Venue: Dewan Masyarakat Papar 🕕 Time: 6:00 PM onwards 🎥 Hosted By: TV Sabah Main Organizer team WHY YOU SHOULD BE THERE This is more than a pageant—it’s a cultural stage where tradition meets the next generation of ambassadors. Each contestant carries a story, a lineage, and a voice that represents the evolving identity of Sabah. ✨ Witness the grace, intellect, and cultural pride of RTK Papar finalists ✨ Support your favourite contestants as they step into the spotlight ✨ Be part of Papar’s historic moment as the Kaamatan celeb...
Read more

Strengthening Connections at the ACCA Sabah Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner 2026

-
Image
The ACCA Sabah Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner held at ITCC Seafood Restaurant brought together members for an evening defined by introductions, renewed connections, and professional camaraderie. The programme centred largely on new members stepping forward to introduce themselves and share their current roles, while several long-standing members also took the opportunity to reconnect and re-establish professional ties in a relaxed setting. From my perspective within the professional and academic landscape, the evening reflected something deeper than a festive gathering; it demonstrated the importance of sustaining a strong professional ecosystem. Each introduction, whether from a new entrant or an experienced practitioner, highlighted how the accountancy field continues to evolve while remaining anchored in shared standards and collective responsibility. A healthy ecosystem is not built overnight; it grows through mentorship, collaboration, and the willingness of members to contribute...
Read more

Lights, Culture, and Celebration: The 8th Chinese New Year MV Wraps Filming in Sandakan

-
Image
The festive spirit arrived early this year as the production of our 8th Chinese New Year music video officially wrapped, marking another milestone in a creative journey that grows more ambitious each year. For this latest production, the team travelled to Sandakan , bringing along the largest crew assembled so far. The entire music video was filmed on location, capturing the town’s character, colours, and atmosphere, giving the production a sense of place that feels vivid and authentic on screen. Adding to the energy of the project, local singers and social media personalities joined the production, blending fresh voices and vibrant personalities into the performance. The collaboration reflects a shared celebration of culture, creativity, and community. Behind the scenes, the production was made possible through the generous support of sponsors and partners. Their contributions helped transform ideas into moving images, and the team extends heartfelt appreciation for every form of...
Read more

KK Jazz Festival 2026 Makes a Triumphant Return with Music, Community & Purpose - Event Highlights by FAVSTYLE Editor-In-Chief Mr Alfred Allen Ginsos

-
Image
The 14th edition of the KK Jazz Festival 2026 made a remarkable comeback on 11 April 2026, reigniting the rhythm of Kota Kinabalu after years of anticipation. Held at the KDCA Hall from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, the festival drew an estimated crowd of close to 2,000 attendees. The audience was a vibrant mix of public guests, invited attendees, and members of the Rotary community, all gathered for an evening that celebrated not only music, but unity and purpose. Favstyle Magazine | Favstyle Essentials | MY KKCity | Sabah KOL Media Alliance  Sabah SME Highlight - Admin and Editor Team FAVSTYLE Magazine and FAVSTYLE Essentials , together with My KKCity admin, were honored to attend and be part of this extraordinary experience. The festival’s return, its first since 2019, carried a deeper significance. Organised by the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu and Society of Performing Arts Sabah , the event continues to champion both the arts and community impact. Proceeds from the festival sup...
Read more

Miss Heritage Sarawak 2026: A Crown is Ready to Rise in Miri - FULL STORY BY FAVSTYLE Magazine

-
Image
Last evening in the vibrant city of Miri , anticipation filled the elegant halls of the iconic Meritz Hotel Miri as the Top 8 finalists of Miss Heritage Sarawak 2026 gathered for their final full rehearsal. Every step, every pose, every moment on stage was refined to perfection as the young women prepared for a historic night. Tonight, Sarawak will witness the crowning of its very first Miss Heritage Sarawak Queen . The atmosphere during rehearsal carried a quiet electricity. Under the glow of stage lights and the watchful eyes of the organising team, the finalists moved gracefully across the stage, embodying the spirit of Sarawak’s rich cultural identity. Each rehearsal sequence revealed not only elegance but also the dedication, discipline and confidence that define a modern heritage ambassador. Tonight’s grand coronation promises to be nothing short of spectacular. With all tables officially sold out , the ballroom will welcome an exclusive gathering of invited guests, sponsors, ...
Read more

The Return of the Sabah Tourism Awards A Celebration of Resilience, Renewal, and the Spirit of Sabah Hospitality

-
Image
    Photo courtesy to Sri Pelancongan Sabah After a meaningful pause since 2019, the Sabah Tourism Awards return with renewed significance—ushering in a new chapter for one of Malaysia’s most dynamic tourism destinations. More than an awards ceremony, this highly anticipated comeback is a celebration of resilience, reinvention, and the unwavering spirit that continues to define Sabah’s tourism community. The past few years have reshaped the global travel landscape, and Sabah’s tourism industry has responded with adaptability, creativity, and quiet determination. From reimagined experiences to elevated service standards, industry players have worked tirelessly to ensure Sabah remains not just relevant, but remarkable. The Sabah Tourism Awards shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes—individuals, organisations, and businesses that have gone above and beyond to uphold the essence of Sabah hospitality while embracing change. Their efforts have helped position Sabah once again as a...
Read more

CHEF KOON From Commis to Chef-Owner, Without Ever Leaving the Kitchen - DAMO Italian Restaurant

-
Image
  In the world of professional kitchens, titles may change, but true culinary craftsmanship is built through years of discipline, repetition and an unwavering commitment to the craft. For Chef Koon, the journey from Commis to Chef-Owner has been shaped by almost two decades of professional culinary experience across Singapore, international cruise operations and Malaysia. His career has taken him through hotel kitchens, premium Italian restaurants, high-volume operations and some of Singapore’s most respected Michelin-starred establishments. Today, as the Chef-Owner of Damo Italian Restaurant in Kota Kinabalu , Chef Koon remains firmly rooted where he has always been most comfortable: in the kitchen. “From Commis to Chef-Owner, without ever leaving the kitchen.” A Career Built from the Ground Up Chef Koon began his culinary career at Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa, Singapore , working as a Garde Manger Commis for two years. It was here that he developed the fundamentals of professional ki...
Read more