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”

Datuk Jojie Samuel

Ambassador of Malaysia to the Kingdom of Thailand

“As diplomats, we build bridges that connect people from different corners of the world, fostering understanding and building relationships beyond borders”

“In diplomacy, words are the most powerful tools, and tact is the skillful handling of these tools”

Ambassador Datuk Jojie Samuel, an ostensibly affable figure gracing diplomatic events and overseeing the welfare of Malaysians in Thailand, conceals a remarkable journey within the Malaysian Foreign Service. Born in Johor, Malaysia, to Indian immigrant parents, his deep-rooted patriotic fervour seamlessly translated into his vocation as an Ambassador, with a career spanning diverse global postings from Canada to Cuba, with Iraq, Turkey and Austria in between.

At the helm of Malaysia’s diplomatic mission in Thailand today, Ambassador Datuk Jojie is dedicated to fortifying the crucial relationship between the two nations. Yet, behind the façade of diplomatic glamour lies the challenging reality of his role as a peacekeeping diplomat, dedicated to safeguarding Malaysia’s sovereignty and national interests, regardless of the geopolitical landscape.

Recounting his junior diplomat days in war-torn Baghdad from 1998 to 1999, marked by evacuations and surviving bombings during Operation Desert Fox, he reflects, “It’s the hardship postings that inject an unexpected vibrancy into my career, leaving enduring memories.”

Fondly recalling his time in Havana, Cuba, Datuk Jojie shares an unexpected passion for cigars that emerged during his posting. Besides his ambassadorial duties, he briefly assumed the role of President of the Cigar Club, adding a unique dimension to his diplomatic experience.

In his youth, Datuk Jojie visited Thailand numerous times for personal and professional reasons, never imagining he would one day represent his nation in such a prestigious capacity. He is now well into his fifth year in Bangkok. During his tenure as ambassador, he has coordinated and overseen three visits by Malaysian Prime Ministers, engaged with numerous Thai leaders and officials, and diligently nurtured the warm and cordial relationship between the two nations. With retirement on the horizon in less than a year, Datuk Jojie aims to continue fostering relations between the nations before passing the torch to his successor. 

Alvin Chang

Chief Executive Officer of ACG Media Sdn Bhd

“The collection of print in a library, indicates a brilliant mind behind the person, and a well-placed magazine in the living room adds a touch of class and culture, instead of an iPad”

Alvin Chang is the CEO of ACGMEDIA and an Asia-Pacific Ambassador of the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI) in the design world. He has the Midas-touch in brand building, brand positioning and an influential media authority.

As a media veteran who’s been in the industry for more than 28 years, this is what all marketeers and communications managers spew out whenever we delve into the subject of print, a media option among many others. “Who reads magazines and newspapers nowadays?” they said.

Ever since digital media was introduced in 1986, it revolutionises the market by storm. The music industry was the first to embrace this technology with compact disc and mini disc. Then it evolved into MySpace and Napster. Subsequently, it exploded into other platforms such as Facebook, Hotmail, search engines such as Yahoo, MSN and many others. Today the influence of digital media includes Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, Snapchat, LinkedIn and many more. I believe there will be many more innovations popping up each year as each new generations find their own space to express their own point of views. People generally want to be heard. But there are pros and cons to such media developments.

While the strength of digital media is in its speed of delivery, it may not necessarily carry the ‘authentication’ of the story. Therefore, one can literally twist and drown out the “voice of truth” in a “sea of lies”, given the information to a sinister mind. We all know that “with repetition, even a lie can become truth” as quoted by Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbel. So, while we gain the advantage of better access to information, greater interaction, more engaging content with creative delivery and lower cost production, simultaneously, we sacrificed facts verification and accuracy, and privacy issue. 

However, print does not have the luxury that digital media offers. Print is slow and meticulous. It cost more to produce print media; therefore, contents must be selective, newsworthy, and useful. The sensory experience of picking up a physical book enhances our pleasure of reading. So, unlike digital media, with metaphorical resemblances to a whimsical sports car, print is the vintage that every collector’s desire. The collection of print in a library, indicates a brilliant mind behind the person, and a well-placed magazine in the living room adds a touch of class and culture, instead of an iPad.

With all said and done, there are no doubt that digital media will continue to dominate every aspect of our lives, as the Gen Z and Gen Alpha eventually will take leadership in future. But as of now, with Baby Boomers still at the helm of print media industry, we will continue to savour the luxury of print while it lasts. Because every vintage has a story. 

Tony Goh Nai Heng

General Manager of The Wembley, Penang & Cititel Express, Penang

“My team is very important to us. They are our strength.
Without their hard work and relentless contributions and efforts, we would not be what we are today”

“There is no right or wrong in whatever we do but we must always maintain our integrity and preserve our principles”

Tony Goh Nai Heng is a prominent personality in the service and hospitality industry, currently serving as the General Manager of The Wembley, Penang, and Cititel Express, Penang. With over 38 years of experience, Tony’s leadership has had a significant impact on the industry.

Tony’s journey began at Les Roches hotel school in Switzerland, where he developed his skills and passion for hospitality. He climbed the ranks, holding senior management positions in renowned hotels within the Shangri-La and Swiss Garden groups. Notably, he achieved remarkable milestones as the General Manager of Cititel Mid Valley Kuala Lumpur and Cititel Penang.

Currently, Tony leads a dedicated team at The Wembley – A St Giles Hotel, Penang and Cititel Express in George Town, Penang. These landmark hotels, located in the heart of the city, offer 415 and 234 rooms respectively. Tony’s role is crucial in ensuring smooth operations and creating a Totally Fulfilling Experience for every guest. He emphasises the importance of his team, recognising their hard work and contributions as the foundation of the hotels’ success.

In addition to his managerial responsibilities, Tony serves as the Chairman of the Malaysian Association of Hotels, Penang Chapter. He is committed to transforming Penang into a home away from home for all tourists. Even during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tony’s dedication was instrumental in keeping the industry relevant despite economic adversities and reduced tourism rates.

As a visionary leader, Tony focuses on creating a clear vision for the future and inspiring others to join him in achieving it. He believes in upholding integrity and preserving principles.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Tony actively participates in events that promote the well-being and development of Penang. He is known for his passionate and charitable nature, extending assistance to individuals and organisations without judgement or condescension. With his visionary leadership and dedication, he continues to leave a positive impact on the industry while actively contributing to the betterment of Penang’s community. 

“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down
and lifting people up”

Timur Flores

“Even though my family is now based in Europe, Malaysia is home for me. I love the warmth, the variety of food and the multitude of cultures, and that’s why I decided to begin my music journey here”

Timur Flores, a prodigious singer-songwriter with a Swiss-Sarawakian heritage, holds a profound connection to Malaysia, where she was born and raised.

Despite her academic achievements, including a Masters degree in Engineering from Oxford University and a stint in the financial industry, Timur made the bold choice to pursue a career in the realm of pop music. Fuelled by her lifelong passion for diverse musical genres and dance, she sought to carve a path for herself in the creative industry.

Blessed with a captivating voice that seamlessly blends melodious tones with an undeniable power, Timur has dedicated recent years to honing her songwriting abilities. Now, she stands resolute in her ambition to establish her presence not only in Malaysia but also on the global stage. Timur, whose very name evokes the spirit of the East, endeavours to channel her songwriting and hip-hop dancing talents back into her homeland, seeking success in the East while captivating audiences worldwide.

Although Timur departed for the UK at the age of 15 to pursue further education, her heart remains firmly rooted in Malaysia. The country’s warm embrace, its vibrant array of culinary delights, and its rich multicultural tapestry serve as a wellspring of inspiration for her musical journey.

Recently, Timur unveiled a tetralogy of songs—Not A Criminal, Sabotage, Love You Now, and Carnival—each accompanied by a meticulously crafted music video. This musical quartet, a testament to Timur’s creativity, weaves an engaging narrative that transcends individual tracks and advocates for championing the innocent against bullying. Collaborating with accomplished teams hailing from LA and Sweden, renowned for their work with notable K-pop groups, Timur’s songs resonate with authenticity and relatability.

Among the multitude of artists who have influenced her, none have left as indelible a mark on Timur as Shakira. Her formative years were filled with admiration for Shakira’s mesmerising dance skills and magnetic stage presence. Now, Timur is poised to release her own self-written song titled “Dance Through My Heart” this summer—a poignant expression of her beliefs and personal experiences. 

Datuk Seri Paul Chong

Managing Partner of Knights Capital Partners

“The ability to use forward-looking statements and future projections in the De-SPAC prospectus allows investors to better gauge a company’s future prospects, hence justifying the higher valuation”

“Listing a company via a SPAC has many advantages: it is less costly, and is a faster and surer way to get listed compared to a traditional IPO”

“SPACs democratised the IPO process”

Datuk Seri Paul Chong is the Managing Partner of Knights Capital Partners, a regional private equity fund, and a Venture Partner at the global investment bank ARC Group. In addition to sponsoring multiple NASDAQ-listed Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (“SPACs”) in 2020-2023, Paul and ARC Group have completed the most NASDAQ SPAC IPOs of any firm in Asia.

He co-founded TNG FinTech Group, Asia’s largest ex-China fintech company with a presence in 16 countries, which owns Tranglo, Malaysia’s largest authorised B2B payments settlement and remittance company.

Paul previously managed the Rothschild Creat Partners Fund (a US$750 million global private equity fund) and the Mitsubishi Creat Fund (a Japan-focused private equity fund worth ¥10 billion/US$130 million).

With three decades of experience in investment banking and private equity, including holding senior positions at Goldman Sachs and UBS Investment Bank, he completed numerous initial public offerings (IPOs) on major exchanges, such as New York, NASDAQ, London, Hong Kong, Australia, Korea, Frankfurt, Singapore, Taiwan, and Kuala Lumpur.

Paul holds a law degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) as well as an MBA from the London Business School (LBS). He is also a fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). 

Dr. Taraz-Lee

Vice Chairman of the Sports Chiropractic Council Malaysia

“An illness or condition must be viewed holistically in order to provide the best possible care to patients.”

Dr. Taraz-Lee is a multilingual, multicultural graduate of the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic in the United Kingdom.

His own background and interpersonal skills, combined with his diverse educational experience both regionally and abroad, make him a natural communicator who speaks English, Bahasa Melayu, and Mandarin fluently.

Currently the Vice Chairman of the Sports Chiropractic Council Malaysia, Dr. Taraz has extensive first-hand experience with both team and individual sports as an athlete as well as a coach. He strives to help athletes achieve their personal goals and pushes them to perform at their full potential. Alongside this, he dreams of one day representing the country in raising the standards of local sports through sports rehabilitation and performance. He is also a member of the Association of Chiropractic Malaysia.

In terms of work as service, Dr. Taraz finds meaning and purpose in giving back to the community. Having taken part in several service events, one of the most memorable was a trip to India, where a group of chiropractors treated 40,000 people over the course of five days. Dr. Taraz’s perspective on the impact he can have on people’s lives has been shaped by this heart-warming experience.

Dr. Taraz practises integrative medicine and greatly believes that an illness or disease must be viewed in its entirety in order to provide the best possible care to patients. 

Dr. Ch’ng Huck Khoon

Director of CHK Consultancy Sdn Bhd

“My aim is to share my knowledge on corporate compliance, sustainability strategies, cases and solutions on ESG to as many as possible.”

“Corporate compliance issues are becoming increasingly important to regulatory authorities.”

After obtaining a PhD in Finance from Universiti Sains Malaysia, Dr. Ch’ng devoted himself to the financial and capital industry and has been working in this field for the last 30 years. In addition to establishing his own corporate consulting company, he has also been invited by five public listed companies to serve as an independent director, and he has held important positions such as the Chairman of the Board, Chairman of Audit Committee and Risk Management Committee.

He often publishes current issues and financial-related topics in major newspapers and magazines, invited to speak on radio and television shows, and online media. He is also the author of the book “How to Select a Winning Stock”.

“He has been invited to conduct more than 1,000 seminars including public listed company director training to more than 20,000 local and foreign financial and capital services professionals in the last 20 years.”

Dr. Ch’ng also provides consulting services to large corporations. He has extensive expertise in corporate compliance, especially in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), Anti-Corruption, Money Laundering and Digital Economy issues that are becoming a grave concern for regulatory authorities and corporations in our country.

As he foresees the increasing importance of ESG, Anti-Corruption and Anti-Money Laundering procedures, he will be conducting more public seminars in these areas, sharing sustainability strategies, cases and solutions.

Alex Castaldi

Senior General Manager, Sunway City Kuala Lumpur Hotels

“Sunway Resort underwent a US$60 million transformation recently, further entrenching the resort as a Kuala Lumpur icon and raising the bar for international hospitality”

“Alex Castaldi, the Senior General Manager of Sunway City Kuala Lumpur Hotels shares with EZ the vision behind the transformation”

A multimillion-dollar transformation of Sunway Resort has created a unique destination in Kuala Lumpur with a focus on gastronomy. The resort took the lead to introduce a new signature dining destination, the Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill, as the Michelin-starred chef’s debut in Malaysia. According to Alex, this brings the style and sophistication of London to Sunway City. If that was not enough, in the pipeline is yet another famous restaurant chain, this time a New York-based chain. The Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes will be introducing its craft burgers and world-famous CrazyShake® milkshakes to Sunway Resort by the end of 2022.

“Sunway Resort’s transformation is a bold drive to seal Sunway City Kuala Lumpur’s position as Asia’s leading fully-integrated premier hospitality and entertainment destination.”

He said the next phases of Sunway Resort’s dramatic transformation will be progressively revealed next year, including the launch of more themed suites, dedicated family spaces and leisure facilities. “We will also be launching more exciting new world-class dining outlets soon,” he adds.

The resort has also adopted technological solutions so that it stays on trend in the face of digitalisation. “Gen Z, millennials, and digital natives make up an ever-greater proportion of travellers; as they’ve grown up with modern technology,” Alex notes. Therefore, the resort has a selection of themed suites enhanced by state-of-the-art solutions such as keyless room entry, motion sensor night lights, IPTV and “iButlers”, who are on hand to deliver gadgets and set up devices. 

Alex is optimistic that the hospitality industry in Malaysia will bounce back. “The future seems upbeat,” he says. He believes Malaysia could be a quality tourism destination that offers unique and diverse experiences to the discerning traveller of this post-pandemic era.