Highlights from MAHTEC’s Ken Cheah at the Hotelier Conference 2025
As sustainability continues to redefine the global hospitality landscape, the Hotelier Conference 2025, held on 23–24 September 2025 at Connexion Conference & Event Centre, Bangsar South City, brought together industry trailblazers and human capital leaders to explore one vital question: how can Malaysia’s hospitality sector turn ESG aspirations into meaningful action?
Among the voices driving this conversation was Ken Cheah (谢义权), Head of Learning & Development at the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) and a HRD Corp Accredited Trainer, who took the stage to share his insights on “Greener Hotels in Malaysia: ESG Barriers to Breakthroughs.”
From Challenges to Change
Ken began by acknowledging the industry’s shared obstacles, limited awareness, high costs, and inconsistent standards, that often make sustainability feel like a daunting pursuit. Yet, as he pointed out, these challenges represent a starting point for transformation rather than a barrier.
“Hotels must move from intent to impact,” he noted, underscoring that sustainability is no longer an optional commitment, but a strategic imperative that defines future competitiveness.
His session shed light on cultural shifts and leadership accountability, calling on hotel leaders to champion ESG from within through consistent communication, measurable action, and a commitment to transparency.
A Structured Pathway Toward ESG Excellence
Central to Ken’s presentation was a seven-step blueprint, a practical roadmap guiding hotels from awareness to certification. It begins with leadership governance and goal setting, followed by staff training, operational quick-wins, and stakeholder engagement. The journey culminates in transparent reporting, accredited certification, and continuous improvement, reflecting a holistic approach to ESG integration.
Through these stages, hotels are encouraged to foster a sustainability culture that touches every level of operation, rom energy use and waste management to community partnerships and guest engagement.
Driving Collective Progress
Ken also highlighted the collaborative momentum behind Malaysia’s sustainability movement, particularly through MAHTEC’s ongoing initiatives with UNDP and MOTAC. These include the Sustainable Tourism Champions Workshop (2024) and the upcoming Train the Trainer Programme (Q4 2025), designed to equip industry professionals with the frameworks and tools needed to implement measurable ESG practices.
The introduction of the ESG Certification for Hotels, a joint effort by MAH and SGS Malaysia, further underscores the industry’s growing commitment to responsible business practices and transparent progress tracking.
Sustainability as a Mindset
For Ken, the pursuit of ESG excellence is more than an operational framework, it is a mindset. “Embedding ESG into a hotel’s culture goes beyond compliance,” he shared. “It’s about creating lasting value for people, planet, and profit.”
His session at the Hotelier Conference 2025 served as a timely reminder that sustainability in hospitality begins with leadership. By setting clear direction and fostering accountability, hotel leaders can inspire their teams and communities to take part in shaping a more resilient, responsible, and future-ready industry.
