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BIZ & FINANCE SATURDAY | JUNE 21, 2025

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Malaysian Paper

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Dusit Princess Melaka raises the bar in Malacca hospitality scene o Hotel – which houses one of largest MICE spaces in the state – ready to tap into robust tourism growth

Ű BY JOHN GILBERT sunbiz@thesundaily.com

KUALA Malacca’s tourism sector is poised for robust growth this year, fuelled by a remarkable 74% surge in visitor arrivals in 2024 that underscores the state’s resilience and expanding appeal. This growth signals a vibrant market trajectory, positioning Malacca as a destination ready to capitalise on new tourism-related offerings and sustain its upward momentum in the hospitality industry. Dusit International represent ative Richard Suter said the hos pitality industry in the state has responded effectively to this momentum, with a dynamic mix of boutique hotels and a robust presence of Airbnb properties now offering ample accommodation to meet the rising demand. “However, while domestic tourism remains a strong driver, the international market, particularly from Singapore and neighbouring regions, has not yet reached its full potential. “As Malacca positions itself on the global stage, hosting high-profile events and leveraging its Unesco World Heritage status, we anticipate a broader influx of international visitors. “Initiatives such as the recent grand opening of the Dusit Princess Melaka, with its modern meeting and event facilities, further enhance our readiness to welcome large-scale conferences and business travellers,” Suter told SunBiz . Dusit Princess Melaka, a brand under Dusit International, cele brated its official grand opening on May 29, introducing a new standard of upscale Thai-inspired hospitality to the state. The hotel unveiled one of the largest meeting and event spaces in Malacca, enhancing the city’s appeal as a regional meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) destination. The hotel’s official grand opening ceremony was officiated by Malacca Governor Tun Dr Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam and attended by Thailand’s ambassador to Malaysia Lada Phumas and Dusit International chief operating officer Gilles Cretallaz. LUMPUR:

Europe, with access to over 900 destinations in 170 territories world wide. “Our cabin crew are more than just airline representatives – they embody warmth, hospitality and cultural grace on the global stage,” Aida noted. Through this partnership, MAG is equipping its cabin crew to present their best selves – polished, poised and proud – delivering consistent, confident, and elegant service at 30,000 feet, she said. “By investing in continuous training and strategic collaborations such as this, MAG reaffirms its commitment to nurturing talent and delivering an elevated experience across the group,” Aida said. BNM said total capital and liabilities amounted to RM630.55 billion, comprising paid-up capital (RM100 million), reserves (RM194.93 billion), currency in circulation (RM172.73 billion), deposits by financial institutions (RM127.93 billion), federal government de posits (RM10.53 billion), other deposits (RM82.23 billion), Bank Negara papers (RM10.55 billion), allocation of SDRs (RM28.38 billion), and other liabilities (RM3.13 billion). – Bernama Bank Negara international reserves rise to US$119.9 billion on June 13 KUALA LUMPUR: The international reserves of Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) increased marginally to US$119.9 billion (RM510.2 billion) as at June 13 from US$119.6 billion as at May 30. In a statement yesterday, the central bank said the reserves position is sufficient to finance five months of imports of goods and services, and is 0.9 times the total short-term external debt. The main components of the reserves were foreign currency reserves (US$106.7 billion), the International Monetary Fund reserve position (US$1.3 billion), special drawing rights or SDR (US$5.8 billion), gold (US$3.8 billion) and other reserve assets (US$2.3 billion). Total assets amounted to RM630.55 billion, comprising gold and foreign exchange and other reserves, including SDR (RM531.12 billion), Malaysian government papers (RM12.91 billion), deposits with financial institutions (RM4.26 million), loans and advances (RM27.08 billion), land and buildings (RM4.58 billion), and other assets (RM50.57 billion).

Suter said, “We’re focused on growth and are still ramping up as a new player in the market. Securing our fair market share is a top priority, and initiatives like Visit Malaysia 2026 are a definite boost – there’s real investment behind driving visitors here. “Ultimately, it’s up to us to deliver on expectations and ensure guests experience a memorable time in Melaka right from the start by staying with us. Our spacious rooms and great views add to the experience, and I’m encouraged by the positive direction we’re seeing for both 2025 and 2026.” Meanwhile, Dusit International has confirmed plans to expand its presence in Malaysia, with a property under construction in Gamuda Cove, Selangor. “Dusit International has firmly established its presence in Malaysia and is optimistic about its growth prospects here. The success of our current project, along with the strong efforts of our development team, has generated significant interest in the Dusit brand, and we expect this momentum to con tinue,” Suter said. To note, Dusit International operates several distinctive brands, including Dusit Thani (luxury), Dusit Devarana (wellness and retreats), Dusit Princess (upscale), D2 (life style), and Dusitani (serviced apart ments), enabling the group to cater to a wide range of traveller needs. “Dusit offers remarkable flexi bility through its diverse portfolio that allows us to address nearly every market segment. This is only the beginning for Dusit in Malaysia.

Suter says Dusit Princess Melaka offers an experience that distinguishes it from others in Malacca.

Touching on challenges, he noted that the most pressing issue facing Malacca’s hospitality industry amid rapid tourism growth is the ongoing struggle to attract and retain skilled talent, a concern faced by the hospi tality sector domestically and globally. “Like every industry right now, finding the right people is our biggest challenge – there isn’t a country that doesn’t face this. “We are utilising technology to optimise operations in the back ground, yet nothing can substitute the human element at the forefront. Coaching and engaging our team members is essential because hospi tality requires real commit-ment and passion,” Suter said. With expected growth this year, Dusit Princess Melaka is ramping up operations and aims to secure its share of the market, buoyed by strong occupancy momentum and a positive outlook for Visit Malaysia 2026. As part of the collaboration, Laura Mercier has worked closely with MAG to create two “signature” looks. These are designed to accentuate the natural poise and elegance of the airline’s cabin crew, while remaining practical for long-haul flights and diverse service environ ments. The looks are crafted using products from Laura Mercier’s Caviar collection. Laura Mercier brand manager (Malaysia) Shervyn Kwong em phasised the company’s philosophy of enhancing natural beauty with effortless elegance. “Partnering with Malaysia Airlines enables us to develop signature

Dusit brand, renowned for its warmth and attention to detail. With its attractive design and top notch facilities, the hotel offers a unique experience that distinguishes it from others in the city. This approach, Suter said, improves guest comfort and sets a new benchmark for what visitors can expect from hotels in Malacca. “Our unique selling points are clear: within our hotel, the MICE space stands out as one of the largest in the region, featuring 12 versatile rooms and a main hall spanning over 774 square metres. “We offer live feed capabilities with four large screens for immersive event experiences at our Bunga Raya Grand Ballroom, alongside out standing recreational facilities such as a 24-hour gym and a swimming pool, one of the deepest in the state. “These amenities collectively elevate the standard of hospitality and guest experiences in Malacca,” Suter said. “When our team feels confident, it reflects in the quality of service they provide to our guests,” Aida said during the launch at the Gold Platinum Lounge in the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Malaysia Airlines’ cabin crew will participate in comprehensive training led by Laura Mercier’s global artistry team, focusing not only on makeup application but also on expert techniques, grooming standards and confidence-building. “This initiative underscores our ongoing commitment to investing in our people and raising the professional image of our cabin crew to meet the expectations of leading international airlines,” Aida sais.

“Over the past few weeks and months, I’ve witnessed a strong and growing interest in our brand, and we are committed to bringing our signature Thai-inspired hospitality to this market,” Suter said. Laura Mercier official cosmetics brand for Malaysia Airlines cabin crew Suter said Dusit Princess Melaka is raising the bar for hospitality in Malacca by introducing the well known Thai service standards of the

looks that celebrate the grace and confidence of their cabin crew. Our Caviar collection, known for its long wearing and high-performance formulas, ensures these looks remain flawless from take-off to landing,” she said. Aida said the partnership follows Malaysia Airlines’ recent progress at the 2025 Skytrax Awards, where the airline climbed from 10th place in 2024 to 8th in 2025 for the World’s Best Airline Cabin Crew. “This achievement reflects the dedication and excellence of the airline’s frontline teams.” As a member of the oneworld alliance, Malaysia Airlines connects passengers to 69 destinations across Asia, Australia, the Middle East and

Ű BY HAYATUN RAZAK sunbiz@thesundaily.com

SEPANG: Laura Mercier will serve as the official cosmetics brand for Malaysia Airlines’ cabin crew, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) announced at a ceremony to mark the partnership yesterday. MAB Academy COO Aida Salfaraz Ahmad Fadzil said the collaboration will eventually be extended to other frontline staff, ensuring a consistent and professional appearance at all customer touchpoints. “This partnership unites two strong brands – Malaysia Airlines and Laura Mercier – to elevate grooming standards and empower our cabin crew.