By V. Sivaji
Penang Hyperlocal sat down with the newly elected chairman of the Malaysian Association of Hotels Perak Chapter and the general manager of the Flemington Hotel Taiping, Vincent Ee to explore his vision and mission under his leadership.
Question 1 – What is the order of business for MAH Perak Chapter after your election to office? – During my term, we aim to forge strategic partnerships with key stakeholders through networking and collaborations, and at the same time come up with innovative and dynamic approaches to overcome the challenges looming over the hotel industry in Perak in terms of balancing threats posed by Covid-19, managing manpower shortages and ensuring hotels in Perak remain profitable and sustainable.
Question 2 – With international borders opening in April, how does MAH Perak benefit from this move ?– We welcome the government’s announcement to reopen Malaysia’s international borders as part of the country’s transition into an endemic phase. With this move, we expect an influx of international travellers into Malaysia and hopefully to come and visit Perak for what the state has to offer. In this regard, we expect to see the number of bookings to gradually increase moving forward and hopefully the hotel industry can return to pre-Covid levels.
Question 3 – Being full time GM and now chapter Chairman, how do you balance your duties?– I’m still focused on my day-to-day responsibilities as the hotel’s GM. That said, I’m relishing the challenge and opportunities that come with my position as Chairperson of MAH Perak. I will do my best to hopefully steer the members out of the challenges posed by Covid while exploring for new opportunities to boost tourism and the hotel industry in Perak.- The only positive thing that has come out of the pandemic is the advent of communication technology such as Zoom, Google Meet and etc. which has allowed myself and the association’s members to regularly stay in touch and update on the issues faced by hoteliers in Perak. – Where my physical attendance as Chairperson is required, l will make every effort to be there. Otherwise, the Vice Chairperson and other chapter board members are always there as representatives of the association.
Question 4 – Where would you like to travel after border reopening?– Bangkok, Thailand.
Question 5 – Do you have any hobbies?• Cycling & badminton.
Question 6 – What is your dream car?– Mercedes-AMG A35.
Question 7 – Do you follow any sporting events?– Yes, badminton & football. I’ve been a Liverpool Football Club supporter for 40 years. It’s great to witness their resurgence for the past number of years.
Ee also shared that while the government’s decision to reopen the country’s international borders has certainly brought some cheers to the hotel industry, we hope that the government would consider removing and temporarily putting on hold tourism tax and to provide subsidies for utilities bills to assist hotels in their road to recovery.
As for outstation and international travellers, I hope that they will consider Perak as their destination of choice and that they will continue to abide by the SOPs implemented by the government to ensure that there is no resurgence of Covid cases in the country so that the economic and healthcare sectors can continue to recover from the pandemic.
Ee will be assisted by his vice chairman, Tony Wong,(1969 Business Suites). The Hon. Secretary is Kenn Chah representing Ipoh French Hotel along with the Hon. Treasurer, Cheong Kee Wang from the Travelodge Ipoh.
The committee members are Sherry Chan (Regalodge Ipoh), Muhamad Hairil Kumaradas ( Symphony Suites), Dini Azima Mohamed Masum (Hotel Taiping Perdana), Philip Choong ( Impiana Hotel Ipoh) and Tharamarajah Thangavelu (Rajah) ( Hotel Excelsior) while Ms Joanne Chee from the MU Hotel is the internal auditor.MyIpoh wishes syabas to Vincent Ee on his appointment and conveys all the best in his undertakings.
