By V. Sivaji
Penang Hyperlocal sat down to talk to the chairman of the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Kedah/Perlis chapter chairman and the general manager for three hotels (StarCity Alor Star, Fuller Alor Star and Fuller Kulim), Eugene Dass recently in view of the re-opening of the international borders from today (April 1, 2022).
Question 1) – What is the order of business for MAH Kedah /Perlis Chapter after your election to office recently ? We will be looking into three areas – 1-Assisting our members through more direct engagement with the markets to speed up business recovery 2-To continue to seek ways to resolve the manpower issues in member hotels.3-Members wellbeing by working closely with MAH National eg: in terms of licensing, permits etc
Question 2) – With International borders reopening today, how will MAH Kedah / Perlis benefit from this move ?We welcome this move, we are ready as we have always been since Covid-19 affected us. It made us more resilient and more creative in the way we operate our hotels. With this decision to open the borders I see a more steady flow of direct business to the hotels and indirectly help boost the economy of the state.
Question 3) – Being a fulltime GM and now chapter chairman, how do you balance and delegate your duties?
Priorities are always with my core responsibilities as a GM. Once we set that in place we must look for the fine line that marries the best of these both worlds in terms of experience, networking and business development. It’s a learning curve that makes us who we are.
Question 4) – Where would you like to travel out of the country after border reopening?
Actually I had already made plans pre-covid to visit Japan and Scotland. I am looking forward to those destinations
Question 5) – Do you have any hobbies or favourite pastime ?I try to read when I have the time. I prefer books written by local authors and autobiographies
Question 6) – What is your dream car ?I don’t really have one, safety, power and fun driving has been on my checklist when looking for a car. I see the Mercedes C Saloon as a great choice .
Question 7) – Do you follow any sporting events?I used to follow soccer in my younger days. Used to support English Premier League’s Tottenham Hotspurs and am an ardent fan of the Brazilian football team. Of late, Chelsea, when I have the time to watch their matches on TV too. I still follow the World Cup when it’s the season again.
To unwind, Dass also enjoys hiking and trekking occasionally with a group of friends and not forgetting music. He is a strong believer of human development and honest work .
Meanwhile, his committee is made up by the as vice chairman Razmi Rahmat (General manager Adya Hotel Langkawi)
The Hon Secretary is Reginald T Pereira (CEO Tanjung Rhu Resort Langkawi) with Treasurer Hafez Mohd Hashim (General Manager Rebak Island Resort & Marina).
The committee members comprise of Clement Paul (GM Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa Langkawi), Johan Eusoffe Abdullah (GM The Datai Langkawi), Leslie Pereira (GM Holiday Villa Beach Resort & Spa Langkawi), Karen Singh Khurana (GM The Danna) and Effendi Mohd Ramley (GM Dash Resort Langkawi).
Finally, the Internal auditor is Ahmad Fauzi Romli (Casa Del Mar Langkawi).
Penang Hyperlocal wishes congratulates Dass on his appointment and conveys all the best in his undertakings.
