By V. Sivaji
The Dash Resort Langkawi welcomes its new general manager – Ben Irwan Samuel Abdullah.
He hails from Kuala Lumpur and has worked in many premier hotels and resorts across the country.
He comes with over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, equipped with Masters in Business and Higher Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management.
He describes himself as a provider of day to day leadership and direction by development of people, driving and maximizing financial returns, creating, and maintaining unique guest experience, executing on brand standards and building awareness on products and facilities.
Ben Irwan
His stint outside Malaysia was in Doha, Qatar International Convention Centre as Task Force Catering Manager for 6 months in 2014.
He is skilled in Menu, Beverage and Wine Listing, Planning and Development of Menu with vast knowledge in Menu Engineering, Cook Chilled process, Promotion Planning & Marketing Strategies and Cost Control with Inventory Management. Certified Auditor for HACCP, ISO Standards on Quality, Environment, Safety and Halal Standard.
Ben’s previous place of employment was at the Di Vine Cellars (M) Sdn Bhd as their country manager, Director of Operations at the Berjaya Times Square Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Director of Food and Beverage at Hard Rock Hotel Penang, Catering Operation / Banquet Manager – Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Beverage Manager – Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Restaurant and Bar Manager – Sunway Lagoon Resort Hotel, Novotel Century Hotel Kuala Lumpur as the Food and Beverage Operation Manager, Renaissance Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Novotel Century Hotel Kuala Lumpur as the Food and Beverage Operation Manager, Hotel Nikko, Hotel Istana Kuala Lumpur City Centre and the Pan Pacific Hotel.
“I have come to take a liking to Langkawi as it offers a serene atmosphere and clean air without the hassle and bustle of the big cities. The people are also friendly and accommodating.
“The resort has a lot of potential and offers first class accommodation for our local and international guests.
“We get guests from all corners of the world and we also cater for their dining requirements with dishes from all corners of the world”, said Ben to Penang Hyperlocal.
In his spare time, Ben likes to catch up on his reading and also goes on occasional trips to travel to new destinations around the globe with his family.
Another new face at the resort is the executive chef Zainuddin Daud who is a specialist in local and international cuisine. He too comes with many years of working in international chain hotels and resorts.
Being a native of Langkawi, he spent the last 8 years in a popular resort on the island before moving to the Dash Resort Langkawi.
“We get a mixed group of customers from China, Europe, United kingdom, Australia, Middle East and India. We offer a wide choice of local and international dishes on our breakfast spread to cater for these clientele”, said Zainuddin.
In the meantime, in view of the up-coming 67th Merdeka celebrations, the resort has lined up an interesting array of programmes to usher in the celebration. Among them is the DJ from Indonesia – DJ Indah Jonasson to entertain at the “Libre Groove” (state of being free) session on Aug 30, 2024.
Action starts from 4pm with the highlight of a fireworks display on the beach too.
Penang Hyperlocal wishes Ben and Zainuddin all the best at Dash Resort Langkawi.
Executive chef Zainuddin Daud
