Kathy Khoo S.L.

Kathy brings over three decades of hospitality experience spanning multiple continents. She graduated from Middlesex Polytechnic (now Middlesex University) and launched her career in London across various hospitality institutions.

Drawn to Asian hospitality, she relocated to Malaysia and progressed through several roles, ultimately becoming Hotel Manager at Savv Hotel Penang — a property situated within Georgetown’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. She emphasises that sustainable development ensures long-term viability and believes the pandemic has revealed critical gaps in traditional business models.

Throughout her career in Rooms and Housekeeping, Kathy has mentored numerous associates who advanced within the industry. She advocates for structured training and development programmes, viewing them as essential pathways that make career progression more accessible in hospitality.

Ravi Kathiravelu

Ravi currently serves as Executive Director of Sutera Sanctuary Lodges in Sabah, Borneo, overseeing four properties in natural settings. The flagship property is located in Kinabalu National Park — Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site (2000) — situated 1,584 metres above sea level and featuring unique ecological systems.

In his current position, Ravi prioritises environmental stewardship, believing sustainable development is essential for humanity’s future. He previously worked as Chief Operating Officer at Sutera Harbour Resort, where he began as Head of Food & Beverage Operations managing 14 outlets, 2 ballrooms, and 27 meeting rooms, and has held food and beverage roles with international hospitality chains across Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.

Beyond his primary role, Ravi advises a major hospitality development project in Timor-Leste. He is a graduate of Ecole Les Roches Bluche in Switzerland and Schiller International University in London.

Johnny CS Lee

Johnny CS Lee brings more than three decades of HR expertise from the hospitality sector, beginning his career in Sabah during the early 1990s. He joined Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort as part of the pre-opening team and subsequently became a central figure in Sabah’s HR community.

Motivated by a commitment to creating employment opportunities and nurturing talent, Lee played a key role in launching a collaborative initiative involving Shangri-La, the state HR body, and a local hospitality college in the mid-1990s — a programme that supported the professional growth of numerous young hospitality professionals.

Throughout his career, Lee has completed various professional development programmes at both local and regional levels. He now contributes to the industry by offering mentorship and contemporary perspectives to emerging hoteliers.

Abdul Ali Bin Abdul Wahab

Ali possesses more than 35 years of experience in the hotel finance and accounting function. Throughout his career he has held positions at several prominent hospitality establishments including Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts, Grand Season, and Nova Resort.

His professional involvement extends beyond individual properties: he maintains active participation in the Kuala Lumpur Hotels Finance group under the Malaysian Association of Hotels and serves on various advisory councils.

Currently, Ali works in a consultancy capacity with Tanjung Rhu Resort on the island of Langkawi, where he applies his extensive financial expertise to support resort operations.