Richard Wong Chin Mun

Founder, Vistage Malaysia Sdn Bhd

“Art of living: A master in the art of living draws no sharp line of distinction between his work and his play. He simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. To him, he always appears to be doing both.”

Richard Wong Chin Mun is a distinguished figure in Malaysia’s business community, best known for founding Vistage Malaysia in 1994. After serving as Managing Director and Group CEO of Nylex Malaysia Bhd for 18 years, Richard launched Vistage Malaysia (formerly TEC Asia Centre), establishing it as a leading platform for CEO development. During his tenure at Nylex, he introduced the Adizes collaborative leadership methodology and achieved the ISO 9001 certification, positioning Nylex as the first company in Malaysia to earn this recognition. Under his leadership, Nylex was also ranked among the top five best-managed companies in Malaysia by Asia Money in 1991/1992.

Vistage Malaysia, under Richard’s stewardship, has grown into a thriving community of over 1,400 members with combined annual revenue of over RM90 billion and 60 Chairs as of August 2024.  The organisation offers confidential peer advisory groups and personalised coaching for CEOs and business leaders, helping them steer through critical decisions and attain superior results. Serving as Master Chair and “Chief Listener,” Richard has been instrumental in Vistage Malaysia’s expansion across Southeast Asia. Notably, Vistage recently received the Excellence Award at the CHT International Awards 2024, hosted in Kuala Lumpur by CHTNetwork.

In collaboration with MIER, Vistage Malaysia has been publishing the quarterly CEO Confidence Index since 2003, providing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within Malaysia’s business community.

Beyond Vistage, Richard holds several influential roles. He is the Independent Non-Executive Director and Audit Committee Chairman for Scientex Berhad and Khind Holdings Berhad. His contributions extend to various non-profit organisations, including Transparency International Malaysia, the Malaysian Rubber Export Promotion Council, Cancer Research Malaysia, and Rise Against Hunger.

“Personal transformation needs courage and the ardent belief that it is possible.”

Jimmy Foo Kok Keong

Director and Chief Executive Officer, Areõma Wellness Sdn Bhd

“Never Limit Your Challenges, Challenge Your Limits.”

Jimmy Foo Kok Keong embodies passion, perseverance, and purpose-driven endeavours. His journey, marked by a relentless pursuit of personal growth and societal impact, spans education, business, and wellness.

Jimmy’s academic prowess shone early on, earning him an honours degree in Science with Education from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in 2006. He continued his scholarly pursuits with a Master’s in Educational Technology and a Ph.D. in Education, all while working as a Research Officer at USM.

In 2011, Jimmy’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to transition from academia to business. He founded an education centre offering tuition and alternative educational services for young students, while also excelling as a certified HRDF corporate trainer and facilitator. By 2015, he expanded into tourism, creating popular attractions such as the Dark Mansion – 3D Glow in the Dark Museum, Made in Penang 3D Interactive Museum, and The Wizherd Magic Museum. As a committee member of the Association of Tourism Attractions Penang (ATAP), his insights are highly valued in advancing Penang’s tourism industry.

Jimmy has been recognised for his dedication and success. He was named one of the “Faces of Penang 2019 – Top 50 Below 50” and featured in “Successful People in Malaysia 2019” by Britishpedia. In 2020, he achieved the prestigious Doterra Diamond Rank and Essential Oils Specialist title within just ten months. During the pandemic, he pivoted to wellness, spearheading initiatives through online platforms. In 2022, he founded Areõma Boutique Spa, promoting aromatherapy as a globally recognised healing therapy. In 2023, he was awarded the “Pingat Jasa Masyarakat (P.J.M)” by the Penang State Governor for his significant contributions to the local economy. Jimmy’s latest accolade came in the form of the ‘Emerging Entrepreneur Award’ at the CHT International Awards 2024, presented by CHTNetwork, held in Kuala Lumpur, in recognition of his visionary leadership and drive for excellence. He was also in Jakarta, Indonesia, to receive two awards for Areõma Boutique Spa, Penang – “No. 1 Favourite Spa & Wellness Award 2024 in the ASEAN Winner Class” and “The Best Spa & Wellness Centre” at the ASEAN Awards 2024, presented by Asia Award Media, Indonesia.

Jimmy’s latest accolade came in the form of the ‘Emerging Entrepreneur at the CHT International Awards 2024, presented by CHTNetwork, held in Kuala Lumpur, in recognition of his visionary leadership and drive for excellence.

Looking towards 2030, Jimmy envisions making a significant impact in the wellness industry by expanding Areõma Boutique Spa and wellness enterprises both nationally and globally, creating more healing spaces, and nurturing leaders to support global well-being.

As Jimmy and his team prepare for the opening of the new Areõma Boutique Spa at the Wyndham Grand Ion Majestic Hotel in Genting Highlands, they are set to make history. At 1,865 metres above sea level, it will be the highest altitude spa in Malaysia, and likely in Southeast Asia, opening in November 2024.

His life motto, “Never Limit Your Challenges, Challenge Your Limits,” indeed encapsulates Jimmy’s resilient spirit and drive for excellence perfectly.

“Do the right things, and do things right!”

For further information, please visit linktr.ee/AreomaBoutiqueSpa or scan the QR code

Thitid Tassanakajohn

Michelin Chef

“To start in Malaysia, I want to start in Penang.”

Born and raised in a Thai-Chinese household, Thitid Tassanakajohn (Chef Ton) was initially destined to thrive in a stable banking career after graduating from one of Thailand’s best universities – Chulalongkorn University with a bachelor’s degree in economics.

Interestingly, instead of becoming a high-flyer banking professional, he is now internationally-acclaimed as the rising young chef who owns and runs one of Thailand’s most successful culinary empires, consisting of more than 10 restaurants globally – including “Le Du” and “Nusara” which was ranked No.1 and No. 3 in the 2023’s edition of “Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants”.

Chef Ton defied familial expectations when he traded his investment banking career to pursue culinary in New York, training at the Culinary Institute of America and graduating top of his class. He then went on to work in several Michelin-starred establishments to hone his culinary skills, including Eleven Madison Park, The Modern and Jean Georges.

After returning to Thailand in 2013, Chef Ton challenged public perception towards Thai food and Thai ingredients, breaking the stereotype and conventional understanding as “cheap street food”. He elevated the Thai culinary landscape by sharing and highlighting Thailand’s rich medley of cultures and flavours through fine dining.

By combining the inspiration from his grandparent’s cooking and his years of culinary experience, he started “Le Du” (Thai word for “season”) – a fine-dine restaurant offering a four or six-course tasting menu with an emphasis on culinary creations made from locally sourced seasonal produce. These ingredients are weaved with modern culinary techniques to creatively accentuate the Thai flavours, leaving guests an unforgettable dining impression.

Meanwhile, to add-on to his current portfolio of restaurants in Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Philippines, Chef Ton will soon debut his fourth international restaurant in Penang, a destination affectionately known as Malaysia’s food paradise. This venture – “Sood by Chef Ton’’ will be housed in Farquhar Mansion that is nestled in the heart of George Town.

According to Chef Ton, this restaurant is designed to be unique with a “fun dining” concept and will be reflected across its dishes, ambience and service. It will serve Thai cuisine with a twist, particularly localized to suit the likings and palette of the locals.

“To start in Malaysia, I want to start in Penang. It is very close to my heart, and I have been travelling back and forth to Penang for the past 9 years. I enjoy the food, the people, and I also have many friends here,” he said.

Under the stewardship of Chef Ton, this restaurant will also see close collaboration with local culinary talents, adding more flavours into Penang’s illustrious gastronomy scene. Nonetheless, “Sood by Chef Ton” targets to welcome patrons in October 2024 with more than 30 dishes, harbouring hope to write another success story and make it a hallmark of culinary excellence.

Dato’ Yeoh Soon Hin

Deputy Chairman of Tourism Malaysia

Dato’ Yeoh Soon Hin sits down with EZ Magazine to discuss his ambitions in his newly minted capacity as the Deputy Chairman of Tourism Malaysia, the country’s primary tourism promotion agency under the purview of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

A lawyer-turned-politician, Dato’ Yeoh Soon Hin, strides into Putrajaya to steer the future of Malaysia’s tourism and to popularise Malaysia in the fiercely competitive global tourism landscape.

Prior to this appointment, Yeoh served as the Penang State Minister for Tourism and Creative Economy from 2018 to 2023, where he led and accomplished a myriad of key initiatives, amongst which is coining Penang’s inaugural Tourism Master Plan. Under his dynamic stewardship, Penang has secured investments from renowned airline companies and international hospitality chains and has even marked diplomatic relationships with South American counterparts and dignitaries.

Throughout his illustrious career, Yeoh has also scooped a string of awards, including the “Golden Horse Award” presented by the Malaysian Association of Theme Park & Family Attractions (MATFA) and the “Most Innovation Tourism Leader of the Year 2022” awarded by the Asian Tourism & Hospitality Awards 2022. Yeoh was also named the “JCI Ten Outstanding Young Malaysian Award 2014 (Political, Legal and/or Governmental Affairs)” and the “2004 Top Ten Outstanding Youth of Penang.”

Despite anticipating challenges and difficulties in the path ahead, this tourism stalwart is positive that his wealth of experience in public service and administration will add value and propel Malaysia’s tourism performance.

“My vision is to gradually reform and strengthen Malaysia’s tourism supply chain over the next two years, from flight arrivals, airport amenities, connectivity, accommodation options, and transportation choices to tourism products. A full-suite and holistic ecosystem will boost foreign tourist arrivals and enhance travellers’ experiences, all of which will contribute to returning visits and a sustainable tourism economy,” Yeoh said.

Meanwhile, in anticipation of Visit Malaysia Year 2026, Yeoh sees it as a campaign to which he can greatly contribute, especially with the insights and learning he has obtained through his brainchild—the Penang Tourism Master Plan and the #ExperiencePenang campaign.

“For Malaysia to catapult our tourist arrivals in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, we must first ensure that our offerings are catered to all markets and regions. This means making our destination and products hospitable, accessible, and friendly for all to enjoy,” Yeoh shared.

He explained that enhancing Malaysia’s branding as a Muslim-friendly destination is one of the many avenues to attract foreign tourists, especially the Middle Eastern market, which comprises high-net-worth travellers, eventually resulting in higher per capita spending and greater economic impact.

On a different note, Yeoh also continues to anchor his hope in the Asian market, citing that his warm connection with Chinese counterparts and government officials will be helpful in building Malaysia’s connectivity with the world’s second-largest economy.

Yeoh believes that Malaysia’s multicultural and diverse communities, juxtaposed against the range of urban cityscapes, are strong magnets to attract Chinese travellers, especially with a fair share of the Chinese-speaking population in major cities in Malaysia.

Part of Yeoh’s proposal is mass advertising and promotion to increase visibility and familiarity among Chinese travellers, such as trade shows, ambassadorship and endorsement, bus wraps, billboards, and social media advertisements.

With his new appointment in place, this former three-term State Assemblyman of Penang’s largest state constituency with over 45,000 voters, Paya Terubong, is determined to learn the ropes and framework of federal policymaking, aspiring to work closely with the Federal Ministries in setting new benchmarks for Malaysia’s tourism industry.

Yeoh essentially hopes to bring his success stories from his home ground, Penang, to the doors of Putrajaya, to value-add and assist Malaysia’s tourism leaders in creating new opportunities and writing new chapters in our tourism history.

Nonetheless, Yeoh also wishes to extend his deepest gratitude to the incumbent Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dato’ Sri Tiong King Sing, for his trust and appointment in naming Yeoh as the Deputy Chairman of Tourism Malaysia.

Ramakrishna Karunagaran

Chief Executive Officer, Filmflix

“In every frame, there’s a story waiting to be told, and as a filmmaker, it’s my job to bring that story to life. Whether it’s a fleeting moment or a grand narrative, the goal is to make each one count and resonate deeply with the audience”

Ramakrishna Karunagaran is a multifaceted professional in the film industry, known for his versatility as a film director, editor, and colourist. His diverse body of work spans television projects, international music videos, and movies, showcasing his robust set of skills that include directing, cinematography, editing, and colour grading.

As one of the directors of Filmflix, a local homegrown video production company, Ramakrishna is focused on delivering top-quality videos that tell captivating stories.

At Filmflix, Ramakrishna’s directorial acumen shines through as he seamlessly transitions between different roles in the filmmaking process. Whether behind the camera as a director of photography or in the post-production suite as an editor and colourist, he consistently delivers visually compelling narratives that enhance brand identity and connect with audiences on an emotional level.

“Directing and cinematography are not just about controlling where the camera points or what it captures, but about orchestrating a visual symphony that speaks to the soul. Each shot is a brushstroke in a larger painting that tells a story beyond words”

Aside from commercial projects, Ramakrishna has also made notable contributions to state cultural events such as the George Town Festival in Penang. His involvement in this annual event displays his ability to manage large-scale projects and his keen eye for cultural, artistic and historical elements that represent Penang’s diverse community.

Internationally, Ramakrishna has crafted music videos that have resonated with audiences globally, proving his skill in creating visually appealing and culturally relevant compositions. His film work exemplifies his versatility and dedication to perfection, leaving a lasting impression with his visual sensibilities and technical ability.

Overall, Ramakrishna Karunagaran is a visionary of visual narrative and cultural representation. His extensive experience and adaptability allow him to continue influencing various aspects of media and culture, enriching projects, and paving the way for innovative practices in filmmaking and the visual arts. Through his work at Filmflix and beyond, Ramakrishna continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

“Editing is where the scattered pieces of a puzzle find their rightful place, and colour grading is where these pieces get their soul. It’s a meticulous process of enhancing the mood and tone, ensuring that the visual impact aligns with the narrative’s emotional journey”