by Dato’ Dr Ooi Kee Beng

Dato’ Dr Ooi Kee Beng

Executive Director of Penang Institute
Founding Editor of Penang Monthly
Festival Director for George Town Literary Festival

“When is the hardest time to be positive? When you are in a personal crisis, of course. But that is also the time when you can learn things that are the most life-changing for you. So, don’t waste your crises, crises don’t come every day.”

My self-image is that of a writer. That had always been the case. More precisely, I love to learn, and then digest facts into exciting big pictures that I can then put into words. I realised, however, that truths come in layers and in different shades, and you have to peel, peel and peel, and view, view, view, to experience successive epiphanies.

I began working life in Penang as a reporter, and then a sub-editor, a giver of newspaper headings. That was Chapter 1 of my adult life.

Chapter 2 was when I left Malaysia for Sweden, where I worked as a restaurant janitor, floor sweeper, bus-boy and dish washer for a couple of years before entering Stockholm University. My deepest interests were in language philosophy, history, Chinese culture in various forms, and modern geopolitics including Asian post-colonial studies. Big pictures subjects. Meanwhile, I supported myself working three-day weekends at Ericsson Electronics, and raising a daughter.

“Life is simply the period between Birth and Death; it is not the opposite of Death. Birth and Death are bookends, precise points in time. Meaning is found in the space between them”

Chapter 3 involved raising a second family—a son and another daughter—and moving to Singapore to work at the think tank which we now know as ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. I blossomed with this switch from academic lecturing to think tank work. I learned to think through writing. The more I wrote, the more I realised that A-Ha moments can be a frequent experience. Writing is the best way to weave together “the big picture”, about all things, really. That intense period made me an award-winning author. Doors opened even more, and in many directions. Biographies about leaders became my thing, alongside commentaries in regional newspapers. I helped to found the Penang Monthly in 2009, for which I have always written the editorial. That has been a fruitful column for me, along with my regular column in The Edge, “Picking on the Present”.

It is true that you make your own luck; but it takes a lot of hard work to get lucky. Singapore offered me much, and I was smart enough to make full use of it.

In 2017, Chapter 4 began. I was now ready to return to Penang. By then, I must have written 20 books. There is so much left undone in Malaysia, so much to do, so much to be exasperated about. My return synced nicely with the Reformasi Movement. Undeniably, change is generational. What my generation couldn’t do, this new one was trying hard to do. And in that sense, they became my muse.

“The phenomenon of international trade has been costly to build,
and we should now make full use of it to help humanity accept its diversity and recognise the need for peoples and governments to be tolerant, mutualistic and humble.”

Running Penang Institute is the best job possible for a returning son of the island. I believe I have made some lasting impact—on Penang’s public discourse and its policymaking ecosystem, and on the young.

Chapter 5, The Epilogue, remains to be lived—and to be written about. I look forward to it.

Chef Whan Srintip Ruangraigomen

Head Chef of as i am by chef ton

“Authenticity in Thai cuisine has no shortcuts. Respect begins with the ingredients”

Chef Whan Srintip Ruangraigomen’s culinary journey is a masterclass in discipline, evolution, and the pursuit of authentic flavor. Her foundation was built at Suan Dusit University, Thailand’s premier culinary school, where she balanced her degree with a role as a Teacher Assistant, a precursor to her future as a leader.

In 2017, Whan joined the kitchen of the renowned Bo.lan. For two and a half years, she immersed herself in the rigors of Thai fine dining. It was here she learned the “no shortcuts” philosophy, mastering the art of crafting traditional Thai ingredients entirely from scratch. Seeking to broaden her technical horizon, she moved to Gaa in 2019. Immersed in a multicultural environment (60% international staff), she refined her European techniques and emerged as a confident communicator.

“I left David Thompson’s kitchen not just as a cook, but as a student of gastronomy ready to find my own direction.”

Whan’s perspective on Thai cuisine reached new heights at Aksorn, under the mentorship of David Thompson. She regards Thompson as her greatest influence, credited with teaching her the scientific precision and “heart” behind Thai gastronomy. Under his guidance, she moved beyond recipes to master the troubleshooting of complex flavour profiles.

Driven by a desire for career growth, Whan’s path led her to Chef Ton. Connected through Chef Nhat of Sood Penang, Whan recognised an opportunity to master the PR and management skills that define world-class restaurateurs.

In April 2025, Chef Whan took a bold leap, moving from Bangkok to Malaysia to become the Head Chef of as i am by chef ton, which officially opened in February 2026. Transitioning to a new country has been her greatest challenge yet. While she admits she wasn’t “born a leader,” she is proving her mettle by navigating cultural nuances and managing a diverse team with grace. Her mission is clear: to bring uncompromising, authentic Thai soul to the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

“I wasn’t born a leader, but I am becoming one through the challenges in
as i am by chef ton“

Professor Dr. Tan Yen Wooi, PJK

President of the Association of Certified Accountants, Malaysia

“Strong governance is not a cost to business—it is the foundation that protects every success the business will ever achieve.”

“Tax planning is not about paying less; it is about paying right—so that businesses grow with confidence, clarity, and compliance.”

In today’s fast-moving business world, trust is rare — and invaluable. For Professor Dr. Tan Yen Wooi — auditor, tax agent, company secretary, and business consultant — trust is more than part of his work. It is the foundation of a career built on integrity, clarity, and a resolute commitment to doing things right.

With over two decades of experience, Professor Dr. Tan has earned a reputation as a steady and reliable guide through the often complex worlds of compliance, governance, and financial accountability. His clients — from SMEs to family-owned enterprises and high-growth companies — see him as more than an advisor. He is a partner who anticipates risks, simplifies complexity, and brings clarity to even the most turbulent situations. Today, he leads his own practice, offering integrated audit, tax, corporate secretarial, and advisory services, all delivered with professionalism, discipline, and forward-looking vision.

Professor Dr. Tan’s life is a careful balance between personal fulfillment and professional excellence. Travel inspires him, while exploring historic sites and local traditions sharpens his perspective and informs his professional judgment. Friends know him as a true foodie, from sampling Penang’s heritage hawker stalls to discovering hidden culinary gems worldwide. Many of his most meaningful conversations, he laughs, begin over a shared meal. Books on leadership and strategy offer another source of reflection, but it is time with family that keeps him grounded. These quiet moments are a reminder of what truly matters.

Education and mentorship are central to his philosophy. As current President of the Association of Certified Accountants, Malaysia, and an approved tax agent and auditor, Professor Dr. Tan encourages young professionals to cultivate discipline, resilience, and a love of learning. “When your values and your career move together, success becomes far more meaningful,” he often says.

His dedication to community and culture is equally impressive. He actively contributes to 14 organisations, including the Penang Chinese Town Hall, Malaysia Corruption Watch, Penang Masters Athletic Association, and numerous educational and charitable bodies. Through these roles, he champions education, youth development, and cultural preservation, viewing his efforts as vital investments in the next generation.

Professor Dr. Tan’s professional accomplishments are widely recognised. He holds a PhD and is an Adjunct Professor, and has received honorary fellowships and an Honorary Doctorate in DBA. He is a fellow or member of over a dozen professional associations in accounting, taxation, corporate governance, and financial planning. In 2022, he was awarded the prestigious Pingat Jasa Kebaktian (PJK) medal by the Penang State Governor for his community contributions, alongside numerous international accolades including the Regal British Award, awarded by World Humanitarian Drive and the World Distinguished Digital Entrepreneur Lifetime Achievement Award and the International CSR Icon Leadership Award, awarded by KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific & World Digital Chamber.

“In every challenge, a business sees risk; a consultant sees potential. The future belongs to those who turn insights into action.”

While awards mark milestones, Professor Dr. Tan regards the trust of clients, the growth of young professionals, and the strengthening of communities as the true rewards of a life well led.

Professor Dr. Tan Yen Wooi’s journey is shaped not by headlines, but by purpose — and by a lifelong belief that integrity, service, and community always matter.

Bryan Lim

The Art-Tech Alchemist, Co-Founder of Rawmind,
Chief Creative Officer of Monokoily and Veteran Creative Educator

“AI provides the speed of execution, but the clarity of vision is defined by the human mind.”

“When Hollywood heavyweight James Cameron declared that generative AI and CGI represent the “next wave” of filmmaking, and the Russo Brothers began embracing artificial intelligence to amplify human vision, the creative world took notice.“

In Malaysia, that wave has found one of its most compelling champions in Bryan Lim — a veteran visual storyteller redefining what is possible.

With more than 25 years in the creative industry and currently the Chief Creative Officer of Web3 project Monokoily, Bryan is at the nexus of technology, art and imagination. Years spent working within traditional production pipelines — weighed down by long timelines, cross-department bottlenecks and rising costs — convinced him that the future demanded a smarter, faster and more elegant approach. That belief gave rise to Rawmind, a creative studio named after its slogan, “Prompt Your Imagination”, built on the idea that technology should elevate creative instinct, not overshadow it and the belief that one must never lose that “Raw” original creative intent.

“AI is a super tool, but idea is king,” Bryan shares. “The magic always begins with raw imagination. We’re not feeding commands into a machine — we’re directing possibility.” That philosophy took spectacular form in “Jibao Polar Dream”, a large-scale immersive installation for China’s Shandong Museum. By employing an AI-powered “reverse engineering” workflow, Bryan’s team produced ultra-precise 8K visual content without the traditionally long production cycles. The result was a world-class visual experience delivered in record time — proving that the future of high-end storytelling need not be slow, cumbersome or excessively costly.

Co-founded with Shelin Tan, Rawmind was created to dismantle the long-held myth that premium visuals must come with premium budgets. Today, the studio delivers an impressive spectrum of services — from immersive visual engineering for large-scale venues and ultra-HD dome projections, to IP incubation, world-building, and full “script-to-screen” content production. Its agile “Super Individual + Remote Collaboration” model allows a small, highly specialised team to produce work with the scale and polish of global studios.

Bryan’s journey carries an equally distinguished legacy. He has contributed to the art direction and production of more than six animated feature films for the Chinese market, several surpassing box-office milestones of over 30 million. As the former Deputy Head of the Illustration Department at The One Academy, he spent 15 years shaping the creative futures of more than 500 students— many of whom have since gone on to join leading studios around the world.

His commercial portfolio spans fashion and lifestyle publications including Her World and Female, alongside brand collaborations with names such as Shell, LAC, and Jotun. In the digital frontier, his role at Monokoily continues to push visual narratives into the Web3 era, bridging art, technology and blockchain culture.

Aside accolades and milestones, Bryan’s true ambition lies in reshaping how creativity itself is valued. He envisions a new generation of “Super Individuals” — creators empowered by AI to command full-stack production without being confined to narrow roles.

You don’t need a Hollywood budget to achieve Hollywood results he says with quiet confidence. As Rawmind prepares to collaborate with visionary brands across film, animation and the metaverse, he remains determined to prove that world-class legacies can be built right here, with the right blend of imagination and intelligence.

“I no longer draw lines; I guide the story,” Bryan says. “AI may quicken the pace, but vision is—and will always be—human.”

Sim Polenn

Director of Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers (HBAA)

“Art is Life, Life is Art.”

For Sim Polenn, art has always been more than colours on a canvas. It is passion, discipline, and a calling that has shaped his journey. “It is passion towards art that drives me forward,” he once said — and that passion has carried him from an admirer of paintings to the Director of Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers (HBAA), Malaysia’s pioneering auction house. Since taking the helm in 2016, Sim has transformed the company into a trusted institution, known for its transparency and professionalism. To date, HBAA has sold more than 4,000 works — 90 percent of them by Malaysian artists — recording around RM100 million in sales.

“Passion drives everything I do—it is the thread that connects vision to achievement.”

The milestone year was 2021, when Sim multiplied the company’s auction sales nearly fivefold, setting a record peak and proving that Malaysian art could command serious attention. But what defines him is not just the numbers. Sim has always believed that local art deserves a global audience, and he has worked tirelessly to open those doors. In 2023, he forged collaborations with international powerhouses Sotheby’s and Larasati, achieving new world record prices for works by the late Singaporean masters Liu Kang, Georgette Chen, and Cheong Soo Pieng. These milestones placed Malaysia firmly in the global spotlight and underscored his vision of connecting regional talent with international collectors.

At home, Sim has been equally committed to nurturing local talent and preserving legacies. He has curated exhibitions for celebrated Malaysian artists such as Awang Damit Ahmad, Yusof Ghani, Dr. Jolly Koh, and Rafiee Ghani, and has been entrusted with curating and showcasing the collections of prominent figures including Tan Sri Azman Hashim. For him, every piece of art carries a story — and part of his role is to honour those stories and share them with wider audiences.

Equally close to his heart is the belief that art should give back. His conviction that creativity can serve the community has touched countless lives and turned auctions into meaningful platforms for change. Over the years, Sim has organised numerous charity auctions and fundraising projects, from cancer and autism awareness to flood relief and food aid during the pandemic. He is also a sought-after speaker for various art talks across the education, gallery, and corporate sectors.

Sim’s accolades include The Brand Laureate ArtPreneur of the Year Award in 2023 and a Certificate of Recognition from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in 2024. Yet, he remains humble and grounded, seeing his role not as one of personal glory, but as part of a larger mission — to build bridges, tell stories, and shape the future of Malaysia’s art market.

Dr. Mark Leong

Author, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Farmz Asia Group

“If it cannot be measured, it is not medicine. You can’t fix what you can’t see – that’s why precise diagnostics are the non-negotiable foundation of true health transformation.”

“We’re not just another healthcare company — we’re building a future where preventive health, powered by food and science, belongs to everyone.”

Forget fleeting wellness trends. Dr. Mark Leong is on a mission to transform health across Asia by replacing guesswork with precision, science, and measurable results. Recognised by Forbes as one of Asia’s Top 100 Global Healthcare Leaders, this award-winning entrepreneur made a radical shift after losing loved ones to preventable chronic illnesses. He realised that the answers to better health weren’t just in the pharmacy, they were in accurate measurement, targeted nutrition, and prevention at the cellular level.

His answer was Farmz Asia, the first company in the world to integrate real-time diagnostics of nutritional deficiencies with personalised,  tech-driven nutrition solutions. This innovation uses blood, urine, and stool analysis combined with AI-powered interpretation and evidence-based protocols, giving clients a precise, scientific roadmap to achieve their health goals whether that’s reversing chronic disease, losing weight, or optimising performance.

“It was never about selling supplements or quick fixes,” Dr. Leong says. “We wanted to build a food-as-medicine ecosystem that starts with real measurement, because if it can’t be measured, it’s not medicine.”

From Vision to Global Movement

Farmz Asia didn’t start with big investors or celebrity endorsements, it started with a bold vision to make lab-grade diagnostics and personalised nutrition accessible to the public. Dr. Leong built a multi-brand ecosystem to deliver holistic solutions:

• Dr. Mark Leong – Weight loss, detox, and cellular renewal programmes
• Farmz Academy – Training certified wellness coaches
• Brot and Tee – Functional breads and teas for gut and metabolic health
• Blooma Skin – Clean actives for mature skin

Backed by a team of doctors, scientists, dietitians, nutritionists, and TCM practitioners, the group now operates in Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong, impacting thousands and building a community of over 10,000 members.

Awards, Records & Recognition

• Singapore Quality Class for Service – Enterprise Singapore (2020–2023)
• Best in Food Safety Solutions – Prestige Awards (2022 & 2023)
• Top 100 Global Healthcare Leaders – IFAH
• Singapore Book of Records (2025) – Biggest Weight Loss in 7 Days
• Featured in Forbes, Men’s Journal, USA Today, New York Times
• Honoured in Augustman AMoT24 list for national wellness impact

Impact Over Legacy

For Dr. Leong, the real measure of success is not in titles or press coverage, but in the number of lives transformed. Guided by his belief that “The true mark of greatness isn’t what we leave behind, it’s how many lives we lift while we’re still here”, Farmz Asia launched the Food for Family initiative, aiming to provide clean nutrition, infrastructure, and career opportunities to one million underprivileged children by 2027.

The Future of Precision Wellness

The journey is far from over. Farmz Asia is preparing to expand across Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Hong Kong. Alongside its franchise model, the company is piloting mobile health hubs in transit areas like MRT stations and airports, and developing a 48-hour personalised supplement delivery service based on live diagnostic data.

“We are not just another healthcare company,” Dr. Leong asserts. “We are building a future where preventive health belongs to everyone.” 

“The true mark of greatness isn’t what we leave behind —it’s how many lives we lift while we’re still here.”

Malaysian Business Angel Network (MBAN)

Peter Wee – President of MBAN
Elain Lockman – Vice President of MBAN
Dato’ Patrick Liew – Chairman of Sarawak Business Angel Network (SBAN)
Alan Lim – Immediate Past President of MBAN (Current Council Member)

Malaysia is undergoing a bold transformation in its financial and innovation landscape—led by the Malaysian Business Angel Network (MBAN), the official trade association for angel investors and angel clubs in Malaysia. At the heart of this shift is the MBAN Summit 2025, (scheduled for 24 September in Kuala Lumpur), a flagship event that brings together three powerful forces: family dynasties, corporate giants, and disruptive startups. These once-separate entities are now converging to build a future-driven economy.

As MBAN President Peter Wee notes, “This new economy is not just about capital—it is about courage.” With total startup funding in Malaysia reaching RM4.1 billion in 2024—double that of 2022—the shift is real and rapid. Notably, 42% of early-stage deals now involve non-traditional investors, including family offices and corporations. This is the dawn of a new investment era.

The MBAN Summit is where this revolution takes form. It is a dynamic platform for collaboration, insight, and deal-making—supported by key partners like Cradle and PayNet. With last year’s attendance surpassing 660 delegates, the summit remains Malaysia’s most influential gathering for investors and innovators. This year promises even deeper engagement, featuring topics such as how family offices are quietly building unicorns, how legacy corporations are adopting startup mindsets, and how corporate acquisitions are outpacing internal R&D in driving innovation.

The summit is just the beginning; MBAN is building a nationwide network of visionary investors and founders. New chapters in Penang and Sarawak are strengthening regional links and fostering cross-border opportunities. As Dato’ Patrick, President of the Sarawak Business Angel Network (SBAN), explains, “MBAN is instrumental in giving us curated access to high-potential founders and investment opportunities. Strengthening these channels—both within Malaysia and across the region—is critical to accelerating cross-border investment and unlocking broader opportunities for angel networks like SBAN.”

With over RM100 million invested by the MBAN community to date, this is a network defined by action and impact. Members are backing startups, mentoring, strategising, and helping shape Malaysia’s innovation agenda.

MBAN Immediate Past President Alan Lim and an active angel investor who has invested in over 50 startups, sums it up: “Legacy is not about what you have—it is about what you build.” The MBAN Summit 2025 offers a chance to do just that. 

For details, visit mban.com.my/mbansummit2025

Cheah Chay Tiong

Group Managing Director of Imperium Group Asia
Managing Editor of Inovatif Media Asia (The SmartInvestor Asia)

“Doing years people won’t and spending years later that people can’t.”

“If you are being liked, it means you are not doing business right.”

From humble beginnings, Cheah Chay Tiong’s path to success is a journey of grit, foresight, determination, resilience, and an entrepreneurial spirit that refuses to wane.

Faced with financial hardships growing up and especially so during his self-funded university years, Chay Tiong, fondly known as CT, took on various jobs to support himself, an experience that would unexpectedly open doors to the corporate world. A chance encounter while working at a bar led to an opportunity in an investment firm, marking the start of an illustrious career. Within just three months, he was entrusted with corporate communications policies and strategies for the firm’s Hong Kong office and later expanded his corporate affairs role across Asia. CT’s journey gave him the corporate exposure a youth of his age could never imagine as he acquainted himself and established both professional and personal relationships with high-net-worth individuals and corporate leaders. Under good leadership and as a people-person by nature, he understood that connections aren’t just about the established; engaging with all levels of society is equally important. This early exposure sharpened his business acumen and provided CT with a head start in laying the foundation for his future endeavours.

Armed with drive and ambition, he soon transitioned into business consulting. In 2009, in his first role as a reputation management consultant, he ‘served’ the nation under the Consultancy banner, working on national economic policies where his work contributed to the formation of a regulatory body in Malaysia. His expertise soon caught the attention of a leading UK-based PR firm’s regional office in Singapore, where he was appointed Head of Southeast Asia. In this role, he orchestrated a total of 15 corporate turnarounds across industries, from luxury resorts to influential family offices to banking institutions in the Asian region.

However, the relentless demands of corporate life took their toll. A health scare prompted CT to reassess his path, leading him to take a leap of faith—founding Imperium Brand Consultancy under the Imperium Group Asia (IGA) in 2015. The road to success was anything but smooth; the first business venture opportunity faltered, but it brought valuable lessons. Failing, to him, was the meaningfulness and fulfilment of being a business owner. He soldiered on with his sister, May-huen, and subsequently with his wife, Audrey, to court clients and close deals and ultimately build a brand they can proudly call their own. Despite the global pandemic, IGA consolidated and grew in accordance with its blueprint.

A pivotal moment came in 2023 when an unexpected lunch conversation led to the acquisition of Inovatif Media Asia, a long-standing publishing house and home to The SmartInvestor Asia (formerly known as Smart Investor) magazine. With his characteristic enthusiasm, CT returned and declared to his partners, “We’re in the NEWS business!”—signalling a new chapter for IGA. Under his leadership as its Managing Editor, the media house has undergone a strategic revamp, transforming The SmartInvestor from a niche trade magazine into Malaysia’s first and only trilingual business magazine, with a target of turning the business from red to black by the end of 2025.

Establishing a ‘House of Intellect’ is in the pipeline, offering services for contract publishing and journals, and setting up a think tank to spearhead initiatives and business events such as the SmartInvestor Seminars (T.SIS) brand. “We drive knowledge and content-driven intellect as part of our brand DNA,” CT shared. “Our recent win in obtaining approval for a site domain, thesmartinvestor.cn, is an achievement like no other in the industry,” he added.

Today, CT continues to expand IGA’s reach, overseeing businesses in consulting, media and publications, investment and capital wealth, manufacturing, hospitality, learning and development, and food and beverage. With over 24 years of experience, he has advised governments, corporations, and family enterprises across Asia. Despite his impressive track record, he remains active and committed to mentoring the next generation, coaching young successors in corporate diplomacy and reputation management.

“A fall into the pit, a gain in your wit.”

Chng Tian Ying

Sports Scientist & Sports Chiropractor

Chng Tian Ying’s journey is a blend of sports, dance, and a deep commitment to helping others move better and perform at their best. Growing up surrounded by sports and discovering a passion for dance and performing arts in her teens, Tian Ying found a way to bring these worlds together through a career in Sports Chiropractic.

Chng Tian Ying pursued her education in Australia, earning a Double Bachelor degree in Health Science and Applied Science (Chiropractic) from RMIT University, followed by a Master of Sport and Exercise Science (Strength and Conditioning) at Victoria University. She also holds the International Certificate in Sports Chiropractic (ICSC) from the International Federation of Sports Chiropractic (FICS).

After graduating, Tian Ying was honoured with the Sports Chiropractic Graduate Award and soon took on the role of Head Sports Trainer and Chiropractor for RMIT University’s Basketball Teams and elite sports teams competing at UniSport Nationals. She also served as Assistant Supervising Clinician at the RMIT Sports Academy’s student placement clinic, supporting both athletes and students in their development.

Her experience includes working at major events like the University Basketball League (UBL), UniSport Nationals, and Derby Day (RMIT University vs University of Technology Sydney), often traveling with teams to provide sports chiropractic and first aid support. On the international stage, she has worked at the Elite 16 International Beach Pro Tour 2022 in Australia and was Head Chiropractor for the Australian UACK Wah Chin Teams at the 40th World Chinese Basketball Invitational Tournament 2024 in Malaysia to name a few. She is also set to represent her profession at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China, as one of 53 sports chiropractors selected worldwide in August 2025.

Beyond Sports Chiropractic, Tian Ying is deeply involved in the performing arts as a dancer, instructor, and choreographer. She has been part of Melbourne’s Street Dance scene and has expanded her skills internationally, attending events like the SummerJam Dance Camp 2023 in Vietnam and training with instructors across Spain, Thailand, Singapore, Australia and more. She places strong emphasis on merging technical skills with emotional execution in dance and performance, believing that true artistry comes from connecting movement with feeling. Drawing from her background in Sports Chiropractic, she is passionate about educating athletes, dancers, and performers on how to care for their bodies to sustain healthy, long-lasting careers.

After eight and a half years in Australia, Tian Ying has returned to her hometown, Penang, Malaysia. With the knowledge and experience she has gained abroad, she hopes to give back to her community and inspire the next generation.

Tian Ying’s story shows how combining different passions can lead to a unique and rewarding career; one that is built on expertise, empathy, and a genuine love for movement in all its forms. Her journey is a reminder that little dreams, when nurtured with dedication and hard work, can grow into bigger realities that open doors to new opportunities and possibilities.

Tamara Salha

Area General Manager for Premium, Essentials & Suites—UAE Hotel Division, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and General Manager of voco Dubai

“To drive is to be independent. To be driven is to be successful.”

Tamara Salha, formerly General Manager of Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina, was appointed Area General Manager for Premium, Essentials & Suites—UAE Hotel Division, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and General Manager of voco Dubai in October 2023. Her journey with voco began in 2019 when she relocated from Lebanon to Dubai as hotel manager. She was instrumental in rebranding the independently managed Nassima Royal Hotel into the first voco property in the Middle East under IHG. Ensuring the success of this flagship hotel was a milestone for IHG’s regional presence. Here, she shares her insights and aspirations with Editor-in-Chief Dato’ Chng Huck Theng on location in Dubai.

Born and raised in Lebanon, Tamara moved to London at age 8 during the civil war. She spent most of her childhood in London, attending the only French school in the UK, driven by her father’s determination to preserve her family’s connection to the French language. Tamara and her family returned to Lebanon as the country began to stabilise. She studied children’s education and child psychology at the American University of Beirut—a field she ultimately did not pursue professionally but one that continues to be valuable in her current role, shaping her approach to leadership. 

“My family is in hotels. We own the InterContinental Phoenicia Beirut, founded and built by my grandfather. It’s a landmark hotel—opened in the 1960s, closed after the civil war, restored and reopened in 2000.” Despite her initial hesitation to join the family business and the inevitable comparisons to her sibling and relatives, she took an internship in the Housekeeping Department. “I believe that when you fall in love with something and discover your passion, you realise your potential. I realised I am capable, and I loved it. I persevered. I excelled and worked my way up.”

Over the next 18 years, Tamara built her career primarily in Lebanon, taking on short international task force duties in Kuala Lumpur and Dubai. Her first major move came in 2019 when she left Lebanon to become a hotel manager. After a year, she joined a task force at Yas Island, expecting to stay for a month, but COVID extended her assignment to six. “It was a valuable learning experience. We were one of the first hotels to handle a COVID case. We managed quarantines, created a bubble for the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC), and kept our team engaged and motivated.”

Tamara has never felt that being a woman influenced her opportunities in the Middle East. “When you’re working, you’re working. IHG operates with strong values and a code of conduct. Whether I’m in London, Dubai, or Lebanon, I’m treated the same way. My focus is on empowering the next generation, and I’m proud to mentor aspiring female leaders through the IHG Academy. As a female area manager overseeing male general managers, I lead by influencing upwards and downwards. Gender has never been an obstacle.”

She highlights the industry’s evolving dynamics, emphasising the importance of mentorship. Through IHG’s RISE program, Tamara mentors young female managers, helping them navigate leadership challenges. The programme provides tools for growth while emphasising commitment and sacrifice—qualities essential to success. “Ultimately, a GM’s role cannot be fulfilled virtually; it demands presence, sacrifice and dedication.”

Tamara believes that adapting to new talent is key to the hospitality industry’s future. The next generation brings creativity and resourcefulness, but they require communication, clear career paths, and recognition. “Mentorship is a two-way street. We learn from them as they learn from us. Traditional work-life balance can be difficult, but companies must align with the values of today’s workforce, who prioritise diversity, inclusion, equality, mental well-being and balance.”

Her journey has taught her two critical lessons: resilience and the ability to let go. Working in Lebanon during political instability and crises, including the 2020 port explosion, tested her ability to adapt and maintain focus. “These experiences taught me to handle crises calmly, think long-term, and keep my team going strong.” Moving to Dubai, she carried these lessons forward, proving her agility and leadership.

“Stepping out of routine is essential. I explore hotels, restaurants, and new experiences to stay inspired and current and encourage my team to do the same.“

Tamara’s management style is rooted in trust and collaboration. “Success doesn’t happen in isolation. I’ve learned to step back, trust my team, and share in our collective achievements.” Her curiosity drives her success, as she constantly questions and challenges norms. Having said that, she also advises against overworking, as long hours can lead to burnout and reduced creativity.

Looking ahead, Tamara envisions returning to Lebanon in 10 years to contribute to her family’s business while continuing to grow in her current role. “I left to prove myself and gain experience. I want to bring back the knowledge and expertise I’ve obtained.”

Tamara describes herself as curious, disruptive, and natural. Her curiosity fuels her drive for understanding, while her disruptive mindset challenges the status quo. Above all, she prides herself on authenticity, leading with integrity and transparency. 

“To drive is to be independent. To be driven is to be successful.”