OVER 120 hospitality professionals from South-East Asia, Japan and China met in George Town, Penang, to be a part of global growth in the sector.
They attended the three-day Ascott Learning Festival 2025 held at Ascott Gurney Penang, which was designed to foster leadership, innovation and professional growth.
The festival, in its second edition, was themed “Grow with Us, Lead Our Future”.
It showcased a forward- thinking agenda with keynote addresses, expert panels, workshops and group chats.
Organised by The Ascott Limited (Ascott), it aimed to deepen regional collaboration and strengthen lifelong learning across the Ascott network.
Participants were treated to a dynamic events line-up that included a food innovation session led by acclaimed chef Darren Teoh of Malaysia’s sole two Michelin star-restaurant Dewakan.
Teoh explored the contrasts and commonalities between street food and hotel dining.
In a lighter segment titled “Ask Me Anything”, popular Malaysian stand-up comedian Douglas Lim charmed the crowd.
When asked what career he might have pursued had he not become a comedian, Lim quipped, “I actually studied to be a teacher but then I realised it wouldn’t suit me, mainly because I hate children.”
The laughter Lim elicited brought a fun twist to the festival’s otherwise intensive programme and allowed attendees to connect through shared humour.
Ascott Malaysia country general manager Mondi Mecja, in his speech at the event, said the festival was more than just a corporate training event.
“It’s a platform for our people to be inspired by the best in the business, from culinary innovators to thought leaders in AI (artificial intelligence) and wellness,” he added.
The festival nurtured attendees with sessions covering digital marketing trends, financial literacy, mindfulness and adaptive leadership.
The final day focused on strategic thinking and featured a live-streamed dialogue with CapitaLand Group chairman Wong Kan Seng and CapitaLand Investment (CLI) chairman Miguel Ko.
Participants also enjoyed cultural immersion activities, adding local flavour to the festival.
Since launching Asia-Pacific’s first international-class serviced residence in 1984, Ascott has become a leading global hospitality company.
Headquartered in Singapore, it has over 950 properties in over 230 cities across more than 40 countries.
Among its range of accommodations are serviced residences, hotels and senior living under brands like Ascott, Citadines and Lyf.
As a wholly-owned unit of CLI, Ascott leverages its expertise and network in hospitality, and investment management.
