Dato Suleiman Tunku Abdul Rahman
By V. Sivaji
Being one of the veterans in the hospitality industry in Penang, Suleiman Tunku Abdul Rahman has been awarded the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN) which carries the title of “Dato” in conjunction with the 74th birthday celebrations of the Governor of Penang Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak.
The investiture ceremony was postponed due to the recent state elections.
The honour is long overdue as Suleiman has been in the tourism industry for more than 35 years and has contributed immensely over the years.
He is still currently attached at the Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort which is also his first job. He has seen many general managers come and go but he has been always consistent as the Director of Communications.
He is also active in community and charitable programs and organisations.
Suleiman is also known among his friends as STAR (initial of his name) is also a dedicated individual involved in charity and community activities. Not only is he an experience hotelier but he also holds the honorary position of Secretary of the Penang State Consultative Goodwill Council (PSCG) were he collaborates closely with his mentor, Chairman of PCGC, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri (Dr.) Haji Mohd Yussof Latiff.
The PSCG is a non-governmental and non-political organisation established to uphold and protect the vision of Unity set by our forefather, Tunku Abdul Rahman. The council was formed through the initiative of the Penang Malay Association (PEMENANG) with the support of 20 ethnic groups and associations in the state of Penang.
Suleiman’s mission and it’s PSCGC’s members is to foster unity among diverse communities and promote understanding among all ethnic groups. With his extensive background in the tourism and hospitality industry spanning almost 40 years, he plays a pivotal role in organising various sport and recreational activities with the objective of bringing people to and working towards peace and harmony in the community. In addition to his in Penang State Consultative Goodwill Council, Suleiman is also a proud member of the Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang (Penang Malay).
He was recently appointed as an adviser to Yayasan Dato Malaysia-Penang State (YDM), an elite organisation established in 2016 by its founder, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Syed Mohd Yusof Syed Nasir with objective to serve the business community through his various endeavours and contributions.
Dato Yeoh Soon Hin
Meanwhile, another tourism industry player receiving his Dato award is former State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, Mr Yeoh Soon Hin.
Yeoh was instrumental in sustaining and promoting the tourism industry even through the Covid-19 pandemic time frame and other relief aid measures for the stakeholders.
Also given recognition is Tony Goh Nai Heng better known as Tony Goh, the chairman of the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH Penang Chapter) for his contribution and services in the hospitality industry.
The seasoned hotelier is currently the general manager of the St Giles Wembley Hotel here. MAH Penang chapter secretary John Kim has been awarded the PJM award. Kim is also the hotel manager for Mei Hotel in Georgetown.
Dato Tony Goh
In the media fraternity, the “Pingat Kelakuan Terpuji” award or PKT has been awarded to Star senior journalist Rajasekaran A/L M. Rajamoorthy.
Penang Hyperlocal congratulates Suleiman, Yeoh, Goh, Kim and Rajasekaran on the well deserved recognition from the Penang state government.
R. Rajasekaran from The Star