Industry Mavericks

In conjunction with Malaysia Tatler’s 30th anniversary, we caught up with past Tatler awardees to find out how they fared on their path to success. They share with us their thoughts on sustainability in the areas of leadership, their industry and work in general

- Elizabeth Soong & Fiona Kee

DATUK LAI VOON HON

Group managing director of Ireka Corporation

Tatler’s Most Promising 2004

While the photo shoot takes place in front of The RuMa Hotel’s now iconic double stairway, Datuk Lai Voon Hon, dapper in a cool, blue Paul Smith suit, looked at ease in front of the camera. He doesn’t seem overly concerned about the guests’ movements as they gingerly stepped through our set, heading in and out of the hotel. Why? Because there were some guest relations officers on standby, ever ready to assist the guests. It is little experiential touches like this that make people feel at home in this hotel, and gives rise to why it has been rated highly on TripAdvisor, despite having just opened end last year.

“I am happily surprised by the speed we have achieved the #1 spot in less than five months since the soft opening,” says Datuk Lai. “To this I must thank the staff and management of the hotel who have embraced the concept of ‘Hostmanship’ wholeheartedly and with full conviction.” His goal with The RuMa was to create a uniquely Malaysian hotel with not only local design characteristics but also our renowned, charming hospitality, and he is happy to report that his expectations have been met.