The Asian Tourism & Hospitality Awards 2025-26 Crowns Winners at Spectacular Kuala Lumpur Gala Night

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Organised by TIN Media, the Asian Tourism & Hospitality Awards 2025–26 (ATH Awards) concluded its second edition in spectacular fashion on the evening of 14 May 2026 at Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. The Gala Night, held in conjunction with MAH Hospitality Week 2026 and the Hospitality Suppliers Expo 2026, brought together over 250 nominees, 50 winners and distinguished industry leaders from across Asia in a landmark celebration of tourism and hospitality excellence.

The evening was graced by YBhg. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Chairman of Tourism Malaysia, who delivered the keynote address. He was joined by YBhg. Dato Seri Azman Ujang, Chairman of TIN Media and Organiser of the ATH Awards; YBhg. Dato' Khoo Boo Lim, Head of Jury and Vice President of the Malaysian Association of Hotels; YBhg. Datin Christina Toh, President of the Malaysian Association of Hotels; YB Dato' Dennis Ngau, Chairman of the Sarawak Tourism Board; YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State EXCO for Tourism & Creative Economy; YBrs. Samuel Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General of Tourism Malaysia; and many other distinguished VIPs from across the region.

"Tonight is more than just an award ceremony. It recognises, celebrates, and appreciates the excellence of the industry. It delivers the message that: 'We see you. Your efforts matter. Your contributions matter' — to all entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders. And that is what the Asian Tourism & Hospitality Awards truly represents."

— YBhg. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Chairman, Tourism Malaysia

A Regional Platform of Credibility and Transparency

Now in its second edition, the ATH Awards received more than 250 nominations across 50 categories, spanning hotels, resorts, destinations, tourism boards, attractions, travel organisations, hospitality leaders, technology providers and service innovators. Participation extended across Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam and beyond — reflecting the truly regional character of the platform.

The evaluation process was structured around four independent pillars: public voting and engagement metrics — which attracted over 100,000 votes from across 10 countries — claims point metrics, online reputation assessments, and independent jury evaluations. The jury panel, chaired by YBhg. Dato' Khoo Boo Lim, comprised senior industry practitioners from Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia.

"Tonight's winners were not selected easily. Behind every trophy presented this evening are years of hard work, sacrifice, dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment towards elevating the standards of Asian tourism and hospitality. Recognition inspires industries. Recognition motivates teams. Recognition creates benchmarks. And recognition reminds the world that Asia continues to set global standards in hospitality excellence."

— YBhg. Dato' Khoo Boo Lim, Head of Jury, ATH Awards 2025–26

Historic Recognitions on the Night

Several landmark recognitions were presented on the evening, each marking a moment of significance for Asian tourism and hospitality.

YBhg. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Chairman of Tourism Malaysia, received the Tourism Transformation Leadership Award 2025 — recognising his extraordinary contribution to positioning Malaysia as Southeast Asia's premier tourism destination and his leadership of the industry under Visit Malaysia 2026.

YBhg. Datin Christina Toh, President of the Malaysian Association of Hotels, was honoured with Asia's Most Inspiring Woman Leader in Hospitality of the Year 2025 — recognising her historic role as MAH's first-ever female National President in the association's nearly five-decade history.

Mr Ashwin Gunasekeran, Chief Executive Officer of the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), received the International Business Events Leadership Award 2025 — Celebrating 10 Years of Transformational Impact, honouring his decade-long journey of building Penang's business events industry from the ground up — now generating over RM 1.9 billion in annual economic impact.

YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State EXCO for Tourism & Creative Economy, was recognised with the Outstanding State Tourism Leader – Penang 2025 award.

Sarawak Tourism Board received Excellence in State Tourism Board Leadership 2025, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) was honoured with the Outstanding Island Tourism Authority for Resilience & Impact 2025, and Tourism Pahang received the Most Impactful State Tourism Organisation – Malaysia 2025 award.

Tourism Malaysia's Recognition of Excellence

In his keynote address, Datuk Manoharan emphasised the alignment between the ATH Awards and the national ambitions of Visit Malaysia 2026, stating that the success of Malaysia's tourism vision begins with the excellence of its industry stakeholders. He acknowledged that despite the geopolitical challenges currently facing the industry, the tourism community remains committed to the long-term interests of the sector — responding with a firm, coordinated, and unified approach.

The Chairman also took the occasion to honour industry seniors whose guidance has shaped Malaysia's tourism landscape, and to welcome the rising generation of hospitality talent who will carry the industry forward.

About the Asian Tourism & Hospitality Awards

The Asian Tourism & Hospitality Awards (ATH Awards) is Asia's benchmark for tourism and hospitality achievement, organised by TIN Media — Malaysia's first independent travel trade media — and supported by the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Malaysia Chapter, the Danang Events and Convention Association (DECA) Vietnam, and Skål International Kuala Lumpur.

For more information, visit www.athawards.com

ASIAN TOURISM & HOSPITALITY AWARDS 2025–26 | FULL LIST OF WINNERS

1. Most Unique Nature Wellness Experience – Malaysia 2025 FELDA Residence Hot Springs – FIC Hospitality Sdn Bhd
2. Leading UNESCO Cultural Landscape Tourism Destination – Indonesia 2025 Jatiluwih Village, Indonesia
3. Leading Tourist Attraction of the Year 2025 – Singapore Wings of Time Fireworks Symphony (Mount Faber Leisure Group)
4. Leading River & Coastal Tourism Development Authority 2025 – Malaysia Perbadanan Pembangunan Sungai Dan Pantai Melaka (PPSPM)
5. Leading Green Hotel of the Year 2025 – Central Region – Malaysia Zenith Hotel Putrajaya
6. Leading Muslim Friendly Business Hotel of the Year 2025 – Malaysia Tenera Hotel & Suites
7. Most Impactful State Tourism Organisation – Malaysia 2025 Tourism Pahang
8. Leading Lifestyle Boutique Hotel of the Year 2025 – Malaysia The Luma Hotel
9. Leading Hospitality Technology Solution Provider of the Year 2025 Core System Technologies Sdn Bhd
10. Leading Golf Resort of the Year 2025 – Malaysia Nilai Springs Resort Hotel and Nilai Springs Golf & Country Club
11. Leading Business Events Destination Hotel 2025 – Malaysia Holiday Inn & Suites Penang Prai
12. Leading Luxury Hotel of the Year 2025 – Malaysia G Hotel Gurney
13. Leading Hotel General Manager of the Year 2025 – Northern Region – Malaysia Nick Ng – Holiday Inn & Suites Penang Prai
14. Leading New Urban Lifestyle Hotel of the Year 2025 – Malaysia Citadines Connect Bertam Georgetown Penang
15. Leading Conference Hotel of the Year 2025 – Southern Region – Malaysia Sunway Hotel Big Box
16. Leading 4 Star City Hotel of the Year – Klang 2025 – Malaysia KSL Esplanade Hotel
17. Leading Edu-Tourism Transformation Leader – Malaysia 2025 National Association of Private Educational Institutions (NAPEI)
18. Leading Tourist Attraction of the Year 2025 – Malaysia ENTOPIA – Butterfly House (Pg) Sdn Bhd
19. Leading Convention Centre of the Year 2025 PICCA Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena
20. International Business Events Leadership Award 2025 – Celebrating 10 Years of Transformational Impact Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO – Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau
21. Leading Green Hotel of the Year 2025 – Northern Region – Malaysia WEIL Hotel
22. Leading New Hotel of the Year 2025 – Malaysia Holiday Inn & Suites Penang Prai
23. Leading 5 Star City Hotel of the Year 2025 – Malaysia Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur
24. Leading Lifestyle Resort Brand of the Year 2025 Wings by Croske Resort Langkawi
25. Best Eco-Luxury Nature Retreat – Malaysia 2025 The Hooton Retreat
26. Leading Hotel General Manager of the Year 2025 – Island Destination – Malaysia Melvin Quah – Bella Vista Waterfront Langkawi
27. Leading 3 Star City Hotel of the Year 2025 – Malaysia FELDA Residence Kuala Terengganu – FIC Hospitality Sdn Bhd
28. Leading Conference Hotel of the Year 2025 – East Coast Region – Malaysia Zenith Hotel Kuantan
29. Leading Destination Management Company (Indian Market) of the Year 2025 Asia Region Holidays Sdn Bhd
30. Leading Heritage Tourism Product of the Year 2025 – Malaysia Goche Corporation Sdn Bhd
31. Leading Director of Sales & Marketing of the Year 2025 – Island Destination – Malaysia Selestina Grace Sunder – Bella Vista Waterfront Langkawi
32. Leading Tour Operator Inbound (Malaysia) of the Year 2025 – Central Region Exotic Asia Holidays Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd
33. Tourism Transformation Leadership Award 2025 – Malaysia Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Chairman – Tourism Malaysia
34. Excellence in State Tourism Board Leadership 2025 – Malaysia Sarawak Tourism Board
35. Leading Conference Hotel of the Year 2025 – Northern Region – Malaysia Iconic Marjorie Hotel, Penang – a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
36. Leading Innovative Golf Resort – Malaysia 2025 Ponderosa Golf & Country Resort
37. Asia's Most Inspiring Woman Leader in Hospitality of the Year 2025 Datin Christina Toh, President – Malaysian Association of Hotels
38. Outstanding Island Tourism Authority for Resilience & Impact 2025 Langkawi Development Authority (LADA)
39. Outstanding State Tourism Leader – Penang 2025 YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State EXCO for Tourism & Creative Economy
40. Leading MICE Venue of the Year 2025 – Hotel Category G Hotel Gurney
41. Borneo's Most Influential Tourism & Lifestyle Media Brand of the Year 2025 BorneoTalk
42. Leading Online Travel Agency of the Year 2025 Travelvago Sdn Bhd
43. Leading Hotel General Manager of the Year 2025 – Lifestyle Hotel Category Wan Enderi Mohd Saad – Mercure Living Putrajaya
44. Leading Wellness & Spa Brand of the Year 2025 Goyo (KLGCC) Sdn Bhd
45. Best Service Excellence in Dining – Malaysia 2026 Punjabi Rasoi Sdn Bhd
46. Leading Nature & Eco Tourism Attraction of the Year 2025 – Malaysia FELDA Residence Tekam – FIC Hospitality Sdn Bhd
47. Leading 4 Star City Hotel of the Year 2025 – Malaysia Ibis Kuala Lumpur City Centre
48. Leading Hotel General Manager of the Year 2025 – Luxury Category Sachin Tyagi – Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur
49. Best Authentic Indian Restaurant of the Year 2025 – Malaysia Malabar Palace Restaurant Sdn Bhd
50. Leading Island Resort of the Year 2025 – Langkawi – Malaysia Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa, Langkawi

Asian Tourism & Hospitality Awards 2025–26 | www.athawards.com | Organised by TIN Media

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The Asian Tourism & Hospitality Awards 2025-26 Crowns Winners at Spectacular Kuala Lumpur Gala Night

XIAMEN, China, July 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- This is a news report by Hong Kong Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group Limited:

The seventh annual Xiamen Talent Service Month, held without interruption, has officially kicked off. Centered on this year's theme for young talent — "Young • Talented • Future-oriented" — the event features over 40 supporting activities, creating a platform for domestic and overseas young talent exchanges and development that reaches out globally and connects closely with Hong Kong and Macao. From top-level collaborative announcements to offline on-the-ground matchmaking, the initiative deepens Xiamen–Hong Kong sci–tech synergy in all dimensions, attracting young innovators from Hong Kong and Macao to put down roots in the island city.

On July 9, the launching ceremony of the "2026 Xiamen Talent Service Month" was officially held in Xiamen, Fujian, China. More than 200 participants gathered on site, including industry experts from home and abroad, research institutes, young entrepreneurs, and representatives of Hong Kong and Macao talent. The ceremony showcased the latest achievements of young researchers in science and technology, unveiled multiple youth talent development programs, and premiered the city's talent promotional video "Stride into Youth, Strive in Xiamen", extending a sincere invitation to young talent from Hong Kong, Macao, and around the world to start businesses, pursue innovation, and realize their dreams in Xiamen.

Xiamen has been consistently expanding its network of international talent service stations, including those in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, and proactively engaging with top-notch sci–tech innovation resources in Hong Kong and Macao. At the ceremony, the "Hong Kong Young Scientists Xiamen Science and Technology Service Program" was unveiled as a major initiative, becoming a key lever to deepen sci–tech integration between Hong Kong and Xiamen and bring in innovative forces from Hong Kong. In its first phase, the program has joined forces with four cutting-edge innovation platforms: the State Key Laboratory of Display and Optoelectronics at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), the State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases at the University of Hong Kong, the Jockey Club Innovative Laboratory for Future Energy Systems at City University of Hong Kong, and the Physics Artificial Intelligence Research Center at HKUST. The collaboration focuses on industry–university joint technological breakthroughs, transfer and commercialization of research outcomes, and co–establishment of joint laboratories. Mr. Lin Yanhong, Assistant Director of the HKUST State Key Laboratory of Display and Optoelectronics, noted that the laboratory has already worked with Xiamen "Double-Hundred Plan" talent enterprise StarCent Integrated Technology to overcome the industry bottleneck of "difficulty in balancing small size and high optical power." He added that the program will continue to organize Hong Kong young scientists to bring high-quality research projects to Xiamen for follow–up landing and implementation.

Concurrently, Xiamen launched the "International Youth Sci–Tech Envoys Exchange Program," which builds an open and collaborative international network for young sci–tech innovators through talent development programs, joint research initiatives, and BRICS sci–tech innovation cooperation. Tan Kah Kee Innovation Laboratory introduced the "30+ Entrepreneurship Talent Project," selecting key youth sci–tech innovation projects worldwide in fields such as hydrogen energy, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and next–generation displays, providing top–tier research facilities and incubation support for young research teams at home and abroad. All districts and municipal departments are rolling out a rich array of supporting activities, fostering a sustained "every month is a service month" atmosphere for talent attraction and improving the whole–chain service system for bringing in, nurturing, retaining, and utilizing young talent from both within and outside China.

As a key on–site activity under the "Hong Kong Young Scientists Xiamen Science and Technology Service Program," the "Young • Talented • Future-oriented — Hong Kong Young Scientists Xiamen Tour & Tong'an Youth Talent Integration and Innovation Event" opened successfully on the morning of July 21. Thirty–two young Ph.D. holders and postdoctoral researchers from HKUST's key laboratories and the Hong Kong Young Scientists Association gathered in Xiamen, Fujian, China, for a two–way, in–depth sci–tech dialogue between the two cities.

At the event, multiple municipal and district authorities jointly held a dedicated policy briefing. On the one hand, they presented Xiamen's talent policies, sci–tech innovation support measures, and investment–promotion regulations, delivering comprehensive and detailed policy information to the attending Hong Kong young doctors. On the other hand, with a focus on key industrial sectors such as optoelectronics, new energy, and new materials, they gave a full picture of Xiamen's well–developed industrial innovation chain, showcasing the city's appealing ecosystem for young professionals to live and work in. During the achievement–sharing and project roadshow segment, Xiamen talent enterprise StarCent Integrated Technology shared practical experience in commercializing research results, while five Hong Kong young doctors presented high–potential sci–tech projects in optoelectronic displays, new materials, and new energy frontiers, detailing their core technologies, mature research outcomes, and industrialization plans in Xiamen. On–site government bodies, enterprises, and research institutions engaged in targeted matchmaking with the Hong Kong teams, exploring diverse cooperation opportunities.

During their stay in Xiamen, the Hong Kong young scientist delegation conducted field visits to frontline industries, touring leading companies such as Meitu, Hithium, and Contemporary Amperex Technology (Xiamen) to gain first–hand insights into industry development and enterprise needs. They also visited high–end research facilities including the Xiamen Science City Incubator and Tan Kah Kee Innovation Laboratory, experiencing firsthand Xiamen's comprehensive industrial support, innovation platforms, and youth entrepreneurship nurturing systems.

In addition, our reporter learned that the "Gathering Talent in Fujian, Attracting the World — 2026 Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition" is being hosted by Xiamen.

Since its registration announcement in May, the competition has drawn widespread attention from overseas innovators and entrepreneurs. Aligned with Fujian Province's "555X" industrial system, the competition features three tracks — electronic information, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing — and offers special talent policy support, aiming to discover and cultivate outstanding talent and projects. A total of 1,756 overseas talents from 53 countries and regions worldwide registered, with 1,184 meeting the eligibility criteria, including 142 from Hong Kong and Macao, of whom 60% hold doctoral degrees. The submitted projects are concentrated in frontier fields such as artificial intelligence, high–end medical devices, and new materials, closely matching Fujian's key development industries. During the registration period, the organizing committee also held a dedicated promotional event in Hong Kong to help talent better understand the competition and prepare thoroughly.

Currently, the organizing committee is accelerating the preliminary rounds and will hold the finals in Xiamen in September during the China International Fair for Investment and Trade, accompanied by supporting activities including investment–financing matchmaking and industrial site visits, so as to connect participating talent teams with landing resources and expand their development opportunities. The committee sincerely invites Hong Kong and Macao talent to keep following the competition's progress, actively engage in project matchmaking, and share in Fujian's innovation–driven development opportunities.

Young people are the core driving force behind scientific and technological innovation. From the launch ceremony of the Xiamen Talent Service Month, which unveiled a long–term Xiamen–Hong Kong sci–tech cooperation mechanism, to the simultaneous provincial–level "Gathering Talent in Fujian, Attracting the World" Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition that creates new talent–attraction channels, and to the dedicated events that seamlessly connect policy briefings, project roadshows, and industrial site visits — this series of initiatives has broken down multiple barriers between talent, industry, research, competitions, and commercialization across the two cities. It truly achieves the goal of "gathering talent through competitions, attracting wisdom through talent, empowering through wisdom, and boosting industry through innovation." Leveraging international talent service stations, cross–border sci–tech cooperation programs, regular talent exchange activities, and provincial–level entrepreneurship competition platforms, Xiamen continues to build a one–stop, multi–dimensional development platform for Hong Kong and Macao youth, smoothing the passage for outstanding talents from Hong Kong and Macao to pursue their dreams and careers in Xiamen. Backed by a strong industrial foundation, high–quality talent policies, comprehensive research facilities, and an inclusive urban environment, Xiamen is deepening collaborative development for talent from both home and abroad, and eagerly looks forward to welcoming more young scientists from Hong Kong and Macao to settle and grow in the city, joining hands to create a future of scientific and technological innovation.

 

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Xiamen Builds Multi-Dimensional Development Platform to Smooth the Path for Hong Kong and Macao Talent to Pursue Dreams in the City