Issue 3 2013

RoaRIng 2013Dorsett Hospitality International springboards to greater heights.

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LeaDIng THougHTs

Benjamin Franklin once said, “Lost time is never found again,”… for that, I must

admit that time flies and we are already moving into the 3rd quarter of year 2013.

To stay focus with Dorsett Hospitality International’s commitment to be ‘The gateway to asian Inspired Hospitality,’ as well as to hold dearly the company’s core values of ‘Inspiration’, ‘Innovation’, ‘Integrity’ and ‘Initiative’, I am delighted and heartened to announce to the Dorsett family that several momentous occasions have taken place in the first half of the year.

our hotels like Dorsett grand Chengdu and Dorsett singapore are in full operation. We’ve thus carved another milestone in Dorsett International’s history.

speaking of carving names in the industry, I must personally congratulate our teams in Hong Kong, Malaysia as well as in China for winning several international awards. our hotels have been awarded with “The Best Themed Hotels in China Award,” bestowed with the Certificate of excellence by Tripadvisor®, voted as no. 1 Hotel in Travellers’ Choice 2013 awards, named “The Most outstanding Business Hotel 2013” by gHM (guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao) Hotel general Managers society, presented with the title of “China’s Top Ten Best Preferred Commercial Hotels of Year 2013”, received the “outstanding Hotel Partner award” from Booking.com and last but not least, recognised as top eight ‘Best Home away from Home Hotel’ by asiarooms.com. not forgetting, our Chefs have carved their names on the wall of fame too!

These recognitions are another testament of the guests’ confidence in the products offered by our group. Keep up the great teamwork and synergy! Well done to the dynamic leaders for making Dorsett Hospitality International a globally trusted hospitality name.

From the awards and recognitions that we

have received, I am also pleased to announce that the revenue for Dorsett Hospitality International has grown to HK$1,152.9 million, up 5.2% from last year.

The profits for the year have recorded a 7.0% increase, to HK$647.5 million from HK$605.1 million last year.

The board has proposed a final dividend of HK 8cents per share, together with the interim dividend of HK 4cents per share, bringing the total dividend pay-out for the Year to HK 12cents per share.

With these great mileposts that we’ve achieved, let’s work together to springboard Dorsett Hospitality International to even greater heights!

Meanwhile, if you have any feedback for me, please do drop me an email at winnie.chiu@dorsett.com

– Winnie Chiu, President and Executive Director of Dorsett Hospitality International

Dorsett Hospitality International roars into 2nd quarter of 2013

sCoReBoaRD

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The Board of Directors of Dorsett Hospitality International Limited is pleased to announce the audited consolidated

results of the Company and its subsidiaries (“the group”) for the financial year ended 31 March 2013.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FINAL RESULTS• Revenue for the Year grew to HK$1,152.9 million, up

5.2% from last year, primarily driven by continued revenue growth in Hong Kong and the People’s Republic of China other than Hong Kong (“the PRC”).

• During the Year, the Group recorded a gain of HK$458.4 million on disposal of a property holding subsidiary.

• Profit for the Year increased by 7.0% to HK$647.5 million from HK$605.1 million last year.

• Hotel revaluation surplus as at 31 March 2013 of HK$9,459.3 million was not reflected in the Group’s consolidated financial statements. This compared to HK$7,749.9 million revaluation surplus at the end of the last financial year. The significant increase in revaluation surplus is predominantly attributable to the appreciation of hotel properties in Hong Kong and singapore.

• Adjusting for hotel revaluation surplus, net assets attributable to shareholders per share increased by 18.6% to HK$6.62 as at 31 March 2013.

• The Board proposes a final dividend of HK 8cents per share (the “Proposed Final Dividend”), together with the interim dividend of HK 4cents per share, bringing the total dividend payout for the Year to HK 12cents per share. This represents 36.8% of total distributable profit, which compared with 39.7% last year. shareholders of the Company have an option to receive cash in lieu of the new shares of the Company for the Proposed Final Dividend.

THE GROUP HAS COMPLETED THE FOLLOWING SIGNIFICANT TRANSACTIONS DURING THE YEAR:

In april 2012, the group acquired the Big orange industrial building located at Kwai Chung, Hong Kong from an independent third party at a consideration of HK$210.0 million. The group intends to convert the property into a 420-guestroom hotel, which will be branded as an

Water snake brings more ‘水’ for Dorsett Hospitality International

additional member to the group’s value-led silka series of hotels, namely “silka Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong”.

In september 2012, the group completed the disposal of Hong Kong (saR) Hotel Limited (“HKsaR Hotel”) holding Dorsett Regency Hotel, Hong Kong (“Dorsett Regency HK”) which is located in Kennedy Town, Hong Kong for an aggregate consideration of approximately HK$801.5 million. The disposal resulted in a gain of approximately HK$458.4 million. The Dorsett Regency HK is currently being managed by the group under a management contract.

Pursuing the “Chinese Wallet” strategy, the group continued to expand its hotel portfolio in selected strategic regions in uK with the acquisition of a property which

is currently an office building situated above the aldgate underground station on London underground’s Circle Line and Metropolitan Line for a consideration of approximately £14.1 million (equivalent to approximately HK$178.4 million) in october 2012. The group intends to redevelop the property into a hotel, to be named “Dorsett City, London”. as at the end of the current financial year, the Group was operating 17 hotels representing 4,894 rooms across Hong Kong, the PRC, Malaysia and singapore.

on 9 april 2013, the group entered into an affiliation agreement with Diamond Resorts International Limited (“Diamond Resorts”), which is one of the world’s largest vacation ownership companies with more than 300 vacation destinations in 33

countries. Through this affiliation, the Group will be able to tap into the customer base of Diamond Resorts.

Ms Winnie Chiu, President and executive Director of Dorsett Hospitality International Limited, said, “To capture the Chinese outbound tourism boom, the group will continue with its “Chinese Wallet” strategy to further drive growth. With the opening of Dorsett Kwun Tong, Hong Kong (361 rooms), Dorsett grand Chengdu (556 rooms) and Dorsett singapore (285 rooms), the group is well positioned to benefit from these key regions. The group’s total room inventory will exceed 7,300 rooms in the upcoming years with the completion of six additional hotel properties. The group will continue to seek new opportunities to increase shareholder value.”

+7.0%PRoFIT FoR THe YeaR

+5.2% ReVenue InCRease FRoM 2012

£14.1 MILLIon InVesTMenT In LonDon gRouP’s ToTaL RooM InVenToRY

>7,300 RooMssoon

Checking In @ Dorsett grand Labuan

Checking In @ Lan Kwai Fong Hotel @Kau u Fong

4 5Calling hard core shoppers, travellers, party people,

canto pop music lovers or even arty people who love modern contemporary Chinese architecture! Hong Kong now gets really buzzing with a series of on-going activities till December 2013!

From now till august 31, 2013, hard core shoppers can ‘shop till you drop’ for the latest summer fashion with the Hong Kong’s summer spectacular sales in full swing! Canto pop music lovers can feast to their ears content at the ‘summer Pop – Live in Hong Kong 2013’ concert, taking place at the end of august 2013.

In conjunction with the traditional harvest festival, from september 14 to 22, Hong Kong will be vibrant with its Mid-autumn Festival street activities. To satisfy your taste buds while going around Hong Kong, award winning Michelin-star restaurants like the ‘Celebrity Cuisine’ restaurant at Lan Kwai Fong Hotel@Kau u Fong will be dishing out its signature Cantonese

cuisine for your indulgence. For the young and young at heart; and still wanting to party more, don’t

miss out on Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival scheduled from 31 october to 3 november. The event promises a heady mix of superb food, great wines and lively entertainment amidst the spectacular backdrop of asia’s world city. other exhilarating

events and festivals to look forward to include the Hong Kong Halloween Treats (october) and the dazzling Christmas as well as new Year celebration as the city decks up in the best Christmas and New Year finery.

There’s no better place to be than in the heart of all the action. Check in to Lan Kwai Fong Hotel@Kau u Fong. situated in the Lan Kwai Fong and soHo areas of Hong Kong, the boutique hotel with 162 rooms and suites is the perfect start point to explore some of Hong Kong’s trendy dining, nightlife and entertainment spots.

other facilities available include a 24-hour fitness centre and the newly renovated Breeze Lounge, the ideal place to catch a breathe in between shopping and painting the town red, chill out and catch up with friends back home. specially conceptualised and designed with modern contemporary Chinese architecture, Breeze Lounge offers complimentary Wi-Fi access as well

as freshly brewed coffee, tea and bottled water. The Lan Kwai Fong Hotel@Kau u Fong was awarded

the “Hong Kong’s Leading Boutique Hotel” by the World Travel awards 2012, named “Hottest spot to Discover Hong Kong Heritage” by HotelClub in the HotelClub awards 2012, accorded the ‘outstanding enterprises – Boutique Hotel’ award by Hong Kong Business High Flyers awards 2008 and 2010 so as to mention a few.

Labuan, the Pearl of Borneo is located off the northwest coast of Borneo, north of Brunei Bay and faces the

south China sea. The place is not only an international business and financial centre in Asia Pacific, but it is a haven for shopping especially for duty free items. It is a ‘home’ to other six surrounding smaller islands like Burung Island, Daat Island, Kuraman Island, Papan Island, Rusukan Kecil Island and Rusukan Besar Island.

When it comes to island and sea,

Labuan is

a haven for

diving, feasting

and duty free

items.

www.lankwaifonghotel.com.hk www.facebook.com/LanKwaiFongHotelatKauuFongwww.dorsetthotels.com/malaysia/labuan

www.facebook.com/DorsettgrandLabuan

Take a second

seat, slowly brew

and sip a fresh cup

of coffee or tea and

relax at the Breeze

Lounge at Lan Kwai

Fong Hotel@Kau u

Fong.

you can also go for activities such as sport fishing, snorkelling, sailing, kayaking, horse riding or a cruise on the river banks of Menumbok.

To complement your overall experience at Labuan, you can check-in to Labuan’s leading upscale hotel,

Dorsett grand Labuan. strategically located in the heart of Labuan town, all 178 guestrooms and suites offer astonishing seaview or the picturesque Labuan town landscape.

These rooms range from the Royal suite to the Premier suite, executive Room and the Deluxe Room.

For food aficionados, Dorsett Grand Labuan presents unlimited options from the all-day-dining restaurant of Victoria’s Brasserie serving sumptuous themed buffets to a vast selection of

a-la-carte asian and Western delectables. unwind with a cigar at the Lobby Lounge and chill

out with refreshing mocktails or cocktails. For a romantic rendezvous or quiet indulgence, do check out Victoria’s grill. open for dinner only, Victoria’s grill is renowned for its exquisite Italian and Western specialties.

as the sun goes down, it’s party time at Fun Pub. Dance the night away with chart toppers or slow sassy numbers dished out by the in-house ‘live’ band.

other facilities offered by Dorsett grand Labuan include a full range of meeting and conference venues as well as extensive recreation options ranging from the sparkling swimming pool to a well-equipped health and fitness club that comes complete with sauna and massage rooms.

Labuan is the place for diving. If ship wreck diving is your passion, Labuan is definitely the place to be! There are four major wrecks in Brunei Bay off the coast of Labuan Island. For history buffs, two World War II wrecks are available.

If you enjoy prolific marine life, don’t miss exploring the artificial reefs that are formed by the “Cement Wreck” and the “Blue Water Wreck.” The other two wrecks are the “american Wreck” and the “australian Wreck”. These ships lie in 30-35m of water, with the top portions at 8-12m, visibility varies greatly season to season (and even day to day) from 6m to 20m.

apart from diving enjoyment,

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It seems like she always pops out of nowhere whenever a guest needs assistance at the hotel’s food and beverage

outlets. With a warm smile and thoughtful attentiveness, nur Izzati syezlin Ramli truly has the service culture ingrained in her.

ever since the local lass completed her Malaysian Skills Certificate in Food & Beverage Service, Izzati, or Zeti as she is fondly known at silka Johor Bahru, knows that she would be spending many years ahead of her in the hospitality industry.

The bachelorette joined silka Johor Bahru in February 2010 and have since been amongst the most consistent performer in the team. Before joining the hotel, she worked as a Customer service executive at a courier service company in Johor Bahru.

“I don’t really know why I chose to be a hotelier, but perhaps I always had this desire to meet and interact with different people. My current work allows me to learn how to handle guests from around the world,” said Zeti.

Zeti’s current role involves overseeing the team’s shift operations and assisting the F&B team. The most important experiences gained since joining the hotel was understanding the hospitality culture and service standards.

Because silka Johor Bahru is a comparatively smaller hotel, she believes that this provides a close-knit working environment whereby all hotel staff knows each other well and are helpful with one another.

“as a hotelier, you must have the passion for your job as it makes it easier and fun in carrying out the work. Because we are dealing with people, we must also be courteous and polite at all the times,” Zeti added.

always willing to support her team’s activities, among the events she had been involved include MJ2MJ, Hawaiian Party, Halloween Party, Christmas Bash, new Year’s eve party and Durian Feast 2012.

The affable lady was particularly fond of the Durian

a taste for challenges

Nur Izzati Syezlin RamliFood & Beverage Captain

Silka Johor Bahru

Feast event as it was the first time she was given the task to emcee an event.

“I had a fun time even though I was utterly nervous since I had never done it before. But the trust from the management gave me the confidence to do it,” she added.

Zeti also cherished the guidance from her previous Food & Beverage Manager. She stated that her goal was to be like her former food & beverage manager. “I know this is a very tough job for a woman, but if she can do it, I can do it too,” Zeti uttered.

on her off days and weekends, Zeti will likely be seen doing something adventurous or other forms of outdoor activities. as she looks forward to her upcoming mountain hiking trip, she revealed “Funny enough, I am afraid of heights. But I always wanted to challenge myself to do things I am afraid of”.

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UP CloSe & PeRSoNAl UP CloSe & PeRSoNAl

“as commander of the kitchen, I coordinate the kitchen crew, manages the preparations of all

meals, overseas the prep work and ensures that all meals leaving the kitchen are consistent in presentation and quality,” explained Chef M. Rodzi Mustapha.

Does not sound like someone to mess around with, the serious in nature chef has been with Dorsett grand Labuan since august 2011. Despite his serious and stern demeanour, Chef Rodzi is a kind and caring individual.

To ensure that the hotel’s events or catered

Kitchen commander

M. Rodzi MustaphaExecutive ChefDorsett Grand Labuan

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functions are smoothly operated and run, he and his team have to be serious in what they deliver.

“As a front liner to all food & beverage functions and events, my team cannot ‘monkey’ around. I have to be strict and always serious. This will ensure that things will properly roll out as planned,” said Chef Rodzi.

In the past, Chef Rodzi has been awarded with several awards including Dorsett grand Labuan’s “Leader of the Year 2012” award and the Malaysian Culinary gold and Bronze awards.

You’Re a sTaR! UP CloSe & PeRSoNAl

It has always been the case that when a person is employed as a Front office staff or in a position where

one regularly meets with guests, they are required to have certain level of excellent customer service skills.

assistant Chief Concierge at Cosmopolitan Hotel, Tenro believes that this is not enough. Instead, he believes and practices what he calls it, “service from the Heart” - always delivering service above and beyond expectations.

according to Tenro, from the moment guests step into the lobby and until they bid farewell, this will form the overall experience for the guests, whether they are on leisure or business. For that, it will become the yard stick

Meet the unusual City’s Travel ambassador

Tenro ChanAssistant Chief ConciergeCosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong

for them to judge whether a hotel is good or otherwise.“Holding such important role in the hotel, we have

to ensure that we give our very best to satisfy our guests’ needs. We want them to feel good as though we are their travel ambassadors in the city, someone they can always rely on for sound recommendations,” Tenro said.

Two years into his role as an assistant Chief Concierge, he has demonstrated a high level of competency. even from the earlier 2010 days as a Bell Captain, he has managed to enrich the holiday experiences for thousands of guests.

Combining his knowledge of every ‘nook and corner’ of Hong Kong and from invaluable guests’ reviews, Tenro has recently led his team to develop a comprehensive shuttle bus booklet bringing out Hong Kong’s best local eateries and attractions.

From dessert shops to Michelin-recommended restaurants, he ensures that his recommendations are within 15-minutes drive from the hotel.

“once completed, our comprehensive city booklet will be like Hong Kong’s bible for international guests,” Tenro said when interviewed.

When asked whether he is tired of his job, he said that even though sometimes it is physically taxing on him, it is worth the effort when his guests are happy.

“I really enjoy every bit of my job. It is a challenging job and could be physically demanding too at times, but when I see all those happy faces of my guests, it makes all the hard work worth it,” added Tenro.

When Cosmopolitan Hotel’s general Manager, anita Chan was asked about Tenro’s daily employment practice, she said that until a guest knows Tenro better, their traveling experiences could be enriched further.

“Tenro has an unusual name that comes with unusually strong customer service. From what we have observed, he provides service from his heart, and that comes with exceptional charm of leadership,” said anita Chan.

In enhancing his knowledge about Hong Kong, Tenro would explore the city with friends, to revisit old or new places in town during his free time. according to him, in order to excel in one’s job, it means that one must “put their fingers on the pulse of the industry, understanding the core values of it and never let anything drop off the radar”.

Dorsett grand subang bags 7 prestigious awards from Battle of the Chefs 2013

Dorsett grand subang’s culinary team has made the Dorsett family proud by bringing home seven

awards from the recent Battle of the Chefs 2013 which was held in Penang Island.

Jointly organised by the Chefs’ association of Malaysia (Penang Chapter), the Penang state government, Tourism Malaysia and with the support of Malaysian association of Hotels (MaH) Penang Chapter, the purpose of the annual event was to promote and share culinary experiences between the members of the public and with the chefs, apart from putting on positive culinary challenges amongst the chefs who had participated in the 3-day long culinary contests.

With this year’s theme “Celebrate our Heritage,” the judging for the winners were based how that the chefs whipped out the best dishes possible with the traditional and native ingredients provided from the region.

under the seafood Plate Dish Practical Cooking Category, Lee Chee Wah was awarded with a ‘Diploma award’; Khairul akmal Bin arbaie won a Bronze Medal; Choong Weng and arih Bin ahmad were awarded a silver Medal; and Kishendren a/L sivarajah received a gold Medal.

Choong Weng also won a ‘Diploma award’ in the Main Course Lamb Practical Cooking category, while Kishendren clinched a Bronze in the Display Plate Dish category.

For a first timer in the culinary contest, the winning of gold and silver in two other categories for Kishendren was an accomplishment for him and his team.

The executive Chef of Dorsett shanghai, Robbin Li, has recently been accorded with the Professional Certificate of Food Security Management by

China’s Food & Drug Administration. This honourable recognition is given to recipients who possess excellent knowledge and professional integrity in the industry.

Chef Li has in the past worked in InterContinental, Howard Johnson and Sofitel. At present he is in charge of the Food and Beverage Department in Dorsett shanghai.

Professional Certificate of Food Recognition

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WHaT’s uP DoRseTT?

Cosmopolitan Hotel bags most coveted prestigious award at 8th China Hotel starlight awards 2013

a highly regarded award which has an equivalent to the “oscar Awards” in the filming industry, the ‘Best Themed Hotels of China’ is an award to recognise the great achievements and contributions of hotels and hoteliers in China’s hospitality industry.

For Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong, they have bagged the prestigious award based on its innovative ideas of incorporating different theming to its suites collection such as the ocean Park suite, sonY suite, Toy suite, osIM suite etc.

“Winning this award has proved our suites collection has succeeded to cater to the different needs of business and leisure travellers.

The award is also an unswerving approval of the themed excursion that we have offered to our guests,” said anita Chan, general Manager of Cosmopolitan Hotel.

an award that hotels look forward to receive, the winning of the award is decided by a group of shrewd and seasoned hotel experts and appraisals of the advisory Committee of aHF, through recommendations and nominations from industrial practitioners and online voting.

Cosmo Hotel Hong Kong honoured with “Caring Company Logo”In recognition of Cosmo Hotel’s commitment in caring

for the community, Cosmo Hotel Hong Kong has been honoured with the ‘Caring Company Logo 2012’ by The Hong Kong Council of social service (HKCss).

This recognition is made over the efforts of the hotel in caring for the community, its employees as well as the environment in the past year.

as a hotel that cares, Cosmo Hotel Hong Kong has in the past initiated and launched the ‘one Family Programme’, a programme that aims at spreading ‘caring’ messages to all levels of hotel employees, including reaching out to their young family members too.

Cosmo Hotel Hong Kong has also carried out several internal and external Corporate social Responsibility efforts such as offering internship opportunities to Hong Kong sea school.

Cosmo Hotel Hong Kong is a Green Globe certified organisation.

WHaT’s uP DoRseTT?

Korean Pop sensation hits Dorsett Kwun Tong–a special edition of “nobody” created!

“I want nobody nobody but you… I want nobody nobody but you…!,”

HoLD! This is not the performance by the actual Korean Pop sensation, the Wondergirls! Instead, the performance was made by some bold male associates from Dorsett Kwun Tong during the organisation’s annual Dinner recently.

naming themselves “The Wonder Men,” the group of five, donned in all black outfits with silvery blink blink ties and colourful feathered face masks, presented the music in the grooviest sexy dance moves, imitating the dance steps popularised by the Wondergirls.

“even though we are all from different departments, we managed to prepare and train ourselves for this

Franky Wong (Income auditor), Hilbert Chan (senior Bell attendant), Jack Wong (e-Commerce Manager) and Joe Chu (Room attendant), and three other associates who prepared the costumes, make up and the choreography.

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Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong has recently bagged the most coveted award, ‘Best Themed Hotels of

China’ at the 8th China Hotel startlight awards Board.

show. It took us about one week of intensive training and trust me, it was not easy as it was our first time performing together,” Jack said.

The Dorsett Kwun Tong, Hong Kong “Wonder Men” team consists of David Choy (security supervisor),

WHaT’s uP DoRseTT?

THIRTY YeaRs aIn’T Too Long – noor Zakiah Mohd noor receives the long service award from Hugo gerritsen,

area general Manager for Dorsett grand subang and Dorsett grand Labuan. noor was one of the pioneers who joined the organisation since 1983.

Dorsett Regency Kuala Lumpur bagged Booking.com, Tripadvisor® and asiarooms.com awardsYear 2013 started off with Dorsett Regency

Kuala Lumpur receiving several prestigious awards from well-established online travel portals such as Booking.com, asiarooms.com to Tripadvisor®.

Dorsett Regency Kuala Lumpur has received the “outstanding Hotel Partner award” from Booking.com for the hotel’s excellence performance 2012. The said portal is one of the world-leading online booking sites that has over 475,000 room nights reserved daily worldwide.

Meanwhile, another well-established online travel portal, Tripadvisor® has awarded Dorsett Regency Kuala lumpur with Certificate of excellence, honouring the hotel for its consistent outstanding reviews by travellers on the site. only the top-performing 10 per cent of businesses listed on Tripadvisor® receive this prestigious award.

In asiarooms.com’s recent Hotel awards 2013, Dorsett Regency Kuala Lumpur emerged as the top

all work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy!

W ith tha t in mind, Silka Maytower Hotel &

serviced Residences in ensuring that work does not get boring and to strengthen the team camaraderie, the hotel’s general Manager Mr Henry Loo, together with the Human Resources Department organised several monthly activities such as ‘silka Run’ and Bowling practices, lasting at least a few hours per activity.

The hotel staff are constantly encouraged to participate in the organised activities so that they have healthy yet fit lifestyles, apart from creating stronger ties with other team mates.

WHaT’s uP DoRseTT?

a ‘nostalgic’ birthday gift for His MajestyDorsett Hospitality International has again made

headlines when it was given the honor to present a birthday cake to Malaysia’s Monarch His Majesty Duli Yang Maha Mulia seri Paduka Baginda Yang Dipertuan agong, almu’tasimu Billahi Muhibbuddin Tuanku alhaj abdul Halim Mu’adzam shah Ibni almarhum sultan Badlishah.

named ‘nostalgia’, the royal birthday gift is made from a base of 50kg fruit cake, measuring 1.5 feet by 1 foot in size. It is specially designed with three supporting sugar platforms that fit the placement of some photos of the King and Queen through the years.

In the royal endeavour to create the cake, a team of highly experienced chefs from Dorsett grand subang was called on; the hotel’s executive Chef, steven Teo, was the advisor, led by Chef nazira and her pastry team.

When asked about the overall concept behind the cake, Chef nazira said that she believes that ‘birthdays are all about sweet memories and a time to reflect on one’s life journey or transition period. Hence, under the advice of her superior, together with her team, ‘nostalgia’ was created.

The cake is also heavily spiced with marzipan icing bathed in royal colour – yellow; the platforms are intricately designed with traditional Malay motifs

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Loyalty pays for longest serving staff

eighth Best Home away From Home Hotel amongst the hotels in asia. This award is accorded to the hotel based on its well-equipped rooms and amenities for business and leisure travellers alike.

WHaT’s uP DoRseTT?

Have you been to our facebook and blog sites lately?

Click here!Click here!

Dorsett grand Chengdu’s team chipped in to aid quake victims

In taking the lead to reduce carbon footprint and in a bit to alleviate global warming,

Lan Kwai Fong Hotel@Kau u Fong and The Mercer Hong Kong organised a tree planting challenge amongst its staff.

Themed ‘Plant a Wish for a Better Climate’, a group of 17 employees from both hotels and volunteers from “Friends of The earth”, a non-governmental organisation, they have collectively planted some 7000 seedlings at the Ma on shan district, eastern Coast Hong Kong.

apart from organising such activities, the said hotels are already taking positive steps to reduce its carbon footprint via the usage of LeD and T5 fluorescent lights, energy saving water heater as well as recycling the usage of papers.

Going Green by The Mercer & Lan Kwai Fong Hotel@Kau u Fong staff14 15

a special melody from Dorsett grand Labuan

Dorsett grand Labuan has recently launched its very own hotel song, entitled “DgL song”.

specially composed and produced by a group of passionate associates, the hotel’s theme song is based on famous sabah songs such as ‘sayang Kinabalu’ and ‘Rasa sayang’.

unlike any other songs that are commercially produced, the tunes of DgL song is innovatively

created using different kinds of kitchen utensils like ‘chopsticks’, ‘kitchen’s pot and lid’, ‘empty mineral water bottles filled with rice’ etc. To add on the drum beat to the song, an empty chlorine drum is used as a drum and a pair of drum beater handle made of electrical conduit.

These songs are played during VIPs arrivals, group Check-in/out and on other special occasions.

196 people dead. 21 people went missing. 13,500 people injured. 295,000 people dreadfully

became homeless. Public transportations crippled – the public had to travel by foot to their destinations. Food and water became scarce. Basic amenities like clothings, blankets and medicine were scant. about 2 million lives were affected by the magnitude-7 quake that hit sichuan province on april 20, 2013.

But, for the 300-odd employees of the newly opened Dorsett grand Chengdu, they came forward not only to observe a 3-minute silence; they had passed a hat around to raise funds for the victims of the deadly earthquake.

Funds raised were used to purchase drinking water, food and warm clothings for those affected.

This is what we call ‘service with a Heart’.

WHaT’s uP DoRseTT?

awards of excellence for Dorsett Hospitality International’s hotelsDorsett Hospitality International is pleased to

announce that its hotels in Hong Kong, Malaysia and China have received the TripAdvisor® Certificate of excellence award. amongst the hotels that received the prestigious recognition are Cosmo Hotel Hong Kong, Cosmo Hotel Mongkok, Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong, Lan Kwai Fong Hotel@Kau u Fong and The Mercer.

In Malaysia, Dorsett Regency Kuala Lumpur received similar endorsement and in China, Dorsett shanghai and Dorsett Regency Hong Kong have been accorded with the Travelers’ Choice 2013 certificate.

The TripAdvisor® Certificate of excellence award is awarded to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on Tripadvisor®, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. only 10 percent of the listed accommodations on the said travel portal are given this recognition.

President and executive Director of Dorsett Hospitality International, Winnie Chiu said that she is very pleased and joyed over the given recognition.

“I am very happy that our hotels are consistently being recognised and endorsed by our guests and travellers. as a growing asian hospitality company, we are indeed operating in a very competitive environment. However, we have time and again proven not only to ourselves but as endorsed by our guests, that with teamwork, synergy and dynamic leadership from the respective hotel managers, we can indeed stand up and be recognised not only as a global hospitality player but one that is trusted and recognised by travellers,” Winnie said.

on a separate occasion, silka West Kowloon was accorded “The Most outstanding Business Hotel 2013” by gHM (guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao) Hotel

general Managers society whilst Dorsett Wuhan was named China’s Top Ten Best Preferred Commercial Hotels of Year 2013.

When interviewed over the constant awards and recognitions that Dorsett International receives, Winnie added that such recognitions are another testament of the guests’ confidence in the products offered by the organisation.

she has also credited dynamic and excellent leaders like Richard Kwong (gM of silka West Kowloon and silka seaview) and Leslie Wan (gM of Dorsett Wuhan) and their dedicated and committed teams for making the company proud.

“silka Hotels is the value-led brand in our group while Dorsett is our midscale brand. We will constantly ensure that we provide none to second best especially to our hotel guests,” Winnie Chiu said.

At point of editorial, there are five Silka hotels by Dorsett International; three in Hong Kong and two in Malaysia.

additional silka hotels are coming along the way; silka Tsuen Wan in Hong Kong will be opened in the 2nd quarter of financial year 2016 with 420 rooms.

“Under the Dorsett Hotels & Resorts brand, there are more hotels scheduled to open namely Dorsett Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong with 547 rooms in the 3rd quarter of FY2014, Dorsett shepherds Bush, London in uK with 317 rooms in the 4th quarter of FY2014, Dorsett grand Zhuji, China with 200 rooms in the 3rd quarter of FY2015, Dorsett Zhongshan, China with 416 rooms in the 4th quarter of FY2015 and Dorsett City, London in uK with 275 rooms in the 3rd quarter of FY2016,” Winnie Chiu happily disclosed.

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leADING SAleS & MARKeTING

as senior Vice President of sales and Marketing of Dorsett Hospitality International, Philip schaetz

is responsible for overseeing the group’s brands which include Dorsett Hotels & Resorts, d.Collection and silka Hotels.

He has more than 17-years of working experience in the hospitality industry across a few continents; Asia Pacific, europe and the United States. Apart from strong expertise in the development of shared reservation centres and worldwide reservation centres, he is also an expert in data analytics and electronic distribution strategies.

In his current position, Philip schaetz leads the overall sales and marketing activities and oversees the revenue management of Dorsett Hospitality International and its hotel properties.

He was brought in to implement advanced revenue management systems, enhance the data collection processes for pricing, selling and marketing strategies as well as to increase the public image of Dorsett Hospitality International and its respective hotel brands.

He was the Vice President of Revenue Management and Distribution for the Minor Hotel group Ltd in Thailand, as well as having served as Vice President of Revenue Management of Hyatt’s International portfolio based in Chicago.

Helming Dorsett Regency Kuala lumpur’s Sales & Marketing Department is Wan Paris. In his current

capacity, Paris is tasked to develop and manage the sales revenue and at the same time, strategically plans and executes out-of-the-box marketing initiatives for the hotel. He directly reports to the area general Manager of Dorsett Hospitality International.

With 20-odd years experience in the hospitality industry, Paris believes that the thing that kept him going is the associates who work with him. each time he meets with challenges, he takes it on positively and strive harder to achieve the goals that have been set.

Prior to the current position, Paris was the Director of Sales & Marketing with Dorsett Grand labuan, not forgetting other related hospitality experiences from the positions held in singapore, Vietnam, Jakarta and Dubai.

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Philip SchaetzSenior VP Sales & Marketing

Dorsett Hospitality International

Wan ParisDirector of Sales & MarketingDorsett Regency Kuala Lumpur

neW aPPoInTMenTs

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PRoMoTIons

stephen Li has recently been promoted as the Vice President of engineering.Reporting to the Group’s Chief operating officer, Frankie lai,

stephen takes on the leadership of overseeing all engineering activities for the group and its hotel properties. under his portfolio, he is tasked to enhance the energy efficiency and effectiveness of the properties, including formulating engineering operational guidelines and standards.

He was formerly the Chief engineer of Dorsett garden Hotel and silka seaview Hotel, then known as Dorsett seaview Hotel in 2001. In July 2008, he was promoted to group Chief engineer.

Stephen LiVice President of EngineeringDorsett Hospitality International

gary Wan has been promoted to the position of senior IT Manager.Reporting to Dominic Chan, the IT Vice President, gary will

be assisting Dominic in setting up IT Policies, including managing system standardisation among the group of hotels. He is the acting project manager of system implementation in corporate office and in the hotels. To ensure that technology goals and staff needs are duly met, he is the supervising IT personnel for this area.

gary has more than 12-years experience in the IT industry and joined the group in 2010.

Gary WanSenior IT ManagerDorsett Hospitality International

Susan CarlosExecutive Assistant ManagerDorsett Grand Labuan

susan Carlos has been promoted as the executive assistant Manager, Dorsett grand Labuan. as a person who has more than 19-years of senior employment

positions in sales and Marketing, susan is now tasked to oversee Dorsett grand Labuan’s operations, not forgetting the areas of her forte - Sales & Marketing.

She was formerly the Director of Sales & Marketing of Dorsett grand subang.

Nancy TeohRegional Human Resources Director, SEADorsett Hospitality International

nancy Teoh joins Dorsett Hospitality International as Regional Human Resources Director, southeast asia.

Based in Regional office Malaysia, Nancy reports directly to the Director of Human Capital Development. she is responsible for overall human resources activities such as implementing short-long term human resources initiatives in alignment with corporate human resources’ objective for the hotel properties in southeast asia with particular focus on training and development programme.

nancy brings along with her more than 30-years of human resources experience in hotel industry in Malaysia. Prior to this, she was the Vice President of Human Resources & learning at YTl Hotels and had worked at Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur as Director of Human Resources.

Rushwet MoshiFinancial ControllerDorsett Hospitality International

Rushwet Motsi joins Dorsett Hospitality International as Financial Controller based in Regional office in london,

united Kingdom.Reporting directly to sophia Cheng, senior Vice President

of Finance, Rushwet is responsible for overall accounting and financial management functions, preparing monthly financial reports, cash flow forecasting and hotel pre-opening financial activities for the development projects and hotel properties in united Kingdom.

He brings along with him more than 17-years experience in hospitality industry both in the united Kingdom and africa. Prior to joining Dorsett International, he was the property Financial Controller at arora Management services Ltd.

Annie DuresDirector of SalesDorsett Grand Labuan

annie Dures joins Dorsett grand Labuan as Director of sales and reports directly to the executive assistant Manager.

In her capacity, she leads and provides strategic guidance to the sales and Marketing Department of the hotel, not forgetting delivering key businesses to achieve the hotel’s overall performance and objectives.

annie brings along more than 10-years of hospitality experiences mainly from Hilton International and nikko Hotels International.

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Editorial Advisor: Philip schaetz Roxane Lo Kate Ho Kattie Hoo

Editor: KahPeng Loke

Creative: Kenneth Fan

Contributors: Vivian Lo Chloe Tse anthony Wee nurul ashikin najib

The editorial team of Dorsett Pulse would like to convey our sincere appreciation to the management team of Dorsett Hospitality International for their support and encouragement towards this group e-newsletter, all of our hotels’ general Managers for all their news and articles contributions, and to everyone who assisted with their time and efforts in making this edition of Dorsett Pulse possible.

Thank you!

DoRSeTT PUlSe • eDIToRIAl TeAM

Gilbert ChaiDirector of Sales & MarketingDorsett Grand Subang

KahPeng LokeCommunications ManagerDorsett Hospitality International

Kah Peng Loke has recently joined Dorsett Hospitality International as Communications Manager. Based in Regional office,

Malaysia, he is responsible for creating, implementing and overseeing communication programs besides maintaining and developing key contacts with the media. He direct reports to Ms Kattie Hoo, Director of Marketing & Communications.

Kah Peng brings over 10-years experience in the Public Relations and Communications field. Prior to joining the team, he headed the PR Communications Department in Berjaya Hills Bhd. He was the Marketing - Public Relations Manager with the sunway group - sunway Lagoon and was a former journalist with the new straits Times Press.

neW aPPoInTMenTs

gilbert Chai joined Dorsett grand subang as the hotel’s

Director of Sales & Marketing and reports directly to area general Manager of Dorsett grand subang & labuan.

With a wealth of experience and knowledge in the luxury hospitality market, gilbert is responsible in maximising the rooms and events revenue for the hotel and overseeing all aspects of Sales & Marketing activities.

His portfolio includes appointments with renowned international hotel groups such as Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts and Shangri-la Hotels & Resorts. gilbert was also with nikko Hotel Kuala Lumpur in similar capacity.