Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Projects Worked
Handphone
NATIONALITY
Training
Timeline
Generic
Aina Lai

Aina Lai

Director Of MICE Services
Kuala Lumpur

Summary

Dedicated to advancing career in Sales and Marketing management, leveraging blend of analytical and managerial skills. Proficient in sales, marketing, catering, meeting services, and administration with focus on delivering results in dynamic environment. Customer-oriented General Manager committed to driving revenue growth and maximizing profitability through strategic planning and effective leadership in high-pressure settings. Meticulous approach and vision for success make valuable asset to any results-driven team.

Overview

37
37
years of professional experience
2009
2009
years of post-secondary education

Work History

General Manager

CULINART SDN BHD
01.2023 - Current
  • Company Overview: SUBSIDIARY OF TRITERRA HOSPITALITY SDN BHD
  • Transferred from Triterra Hospitality Sdn Bhd to assist in restructuring Culinart
  • Governance
  • Human Resources
  • Legal
  • Finance
  • Shareholders and stakeholders liaison
  • Events and catering from sales to services
  • Marketing including market intelligence
  • Day to day management and operations
  • SUBSIDIARY OF TRITERRA HOSPITALITY SDN BHD

Head of Events Sales and Management

TRITERRA HOSPITALITY SDN BHD
10.2022 - 12.2025
  • Pre-opening team to set up Triterra Hospitality Sdn Bhd, The MET Club Sdn Bhd, Culinart Sdn Bhd, Food Garden (The MET) Sdn Bhd and The Paddock Sdn Bhd.
  • Assisting parent company Triterra Sdn Bhd to set up these companies with registration and necessary company set-up requirements
  • All collaterals – sales kit, presentation kit, letterhead, logo, banquet kit, website, CI are adhered to for all companies
  • Procurement – ID, Marketing companies, Insurance, business partners related to events
  • Authorities, Shareholder, Stakeholders, Landlord, Contractors, Management and Staff liaison
  • Premise ID and Renovation Bills of Quantity and Letter of Acceptance
  • Monitoring and progress handling of all renovations
  • Market intelligence on competitors and pricing to achieve strategic pricing
  • Revenue projections and marketing strategies
  • Sourcing of operating equipment
  • Manpower sourcing and Human Resources matters for all companies under Triterra Hospitality
  • Standard operating procedures
  • Policies and procedures
  • Accounts – Assets listing, Valuation, day-to-day accounts handling and monitoring
  • Profit & Loss, Cashflow and Daily sales monitoring
  • Overseeing operations on corporate level
  • Legal matters from Operators Agreement to Shareholders Agreement
  • High-level events, catering and meetings handling for Board of Directors and not limited to their stakeholders

Cluster Director of Sales – MICE

CROSSROADS MALDIVES
07.2020 - 12.2021
  • Work with CROSSROADS Cluster Hotels to assist with sales strategy to include positioning, pricing, and competition analysis for the MICE market.
  • Market intelligence service about the competition, the travel trade market and trends every month for the responsible market.
  • Work with each of the hotels and brand-appointed GSA regularly for continued property updates and to drive awareness and opportunities in their respective markets
  • Assertively establishing new client contacts and developing detailed information on the potential revenues from these accounts for the Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SAii Lagoon Maldives.
  • Participate in client familiarization trips, site inspections, sales trips and roadshows as required to meet the sales targets of the cluster.
  • Arrange and propose educational site visits for MICE partners and incentive agencies.
  • Handle all incoming inquiries, follow up and execute all materialized group tours and MICE.
  • Ensures an up-to-date knowledge of Hard Rock Hotels Maldives and SAii Lagoon Maldives product and service offerings, including promotions.
  • In addition, to be familiar with the products, services, rate new developments of our key competitors, have an awareness of general industry trends and ensure Crossroads Hotels are positioned within the marketplace.
  • Maintain file records, database, call and activity reports in Delphi, to be synchronized regularly.
  • Performs Sales and Marketing functions or related duties and special projects

Events Manager – Malaysia & Singapore

ASIA TOP TEAM TRAVELS SDN BHD
05.2019 - 03.2020
  • Managed to clench Abercrombie & Kent Private Jet Wildlife Safari Around the world for 2020 and 2021.
  • Prepare proposal or tailor proposal as per client's specifications
  • Act on the client's behalf to negotiate with suppliers
  • Act on clients' behalf to finalize details with hotels and suppliers before client's arrival
  • Manages and executes events
  • Analyzes price increment for the Events Department
  • Increase business through repeat business, new business and upselling
  • Review all hotels and suppliers' rates to ensure “value for money” and pricing is competitive
  • Maintain profit margin as per company requirements for all events
  • Participates in site inspections and recommends appropriate set-up and venues
  • Obtain details of function purpose and nature for proper planning
  • Finalize event details
  • Prepare proforma invoices and obtain deposit payments from clients to further secure events
  • Issue function details to relay information to respective departments and business partners for execution
  • Personally, checks function venue or ground arrangements before the event
  • Obtain personal feedback from clients for close monitoring of the success of the event
  • Prepare and review invoices before presenting them to clients
  • Verify all suppliers' invoices to ensure billing is correct as per the contract or quotation
  • Prepare profit and loss report after the event
  • Post-event follow-up
  • Implemented a proper filing system
  • Ensure the department working environment is highly motivational, participative and teamwork-orientated
  • Working closely with the Accounts Department on cash flow and payments scheduled

Events Manager – Malaysia & Brunei

EXO TRAVEL MALAYSIA SDN BHD
06.2016 - 05.2019
  • Brought along other clients who insisted on being operated by me despite being away from Malaysia for 2 years.
  • Prepare proposal or tailor proposal as per client's specifications
  • Act on the client's behalf to negotiate with suppliers
  • Act on clients' behalf to finalize details with hotels and suppliers before client's arrival
  • Manages and executes events
  • Analyzes price increment for the Events Department
  • Increase business through repeat business, new business and upselling
  • Review all hotels and suppliers' rates to ensure “value for money” and pricing is competitive
  • Maintain profit margin as per company requirements for all events
  • Participates in site inspections and recommends appropriate set-up and venues
  • Obtain details of function purpose and nature for proper planning
  • Finalize event details
  • Prepare proforma invoices and obtain deposit payments from clients to further secure events
  • Issue function details to relay information to respective departments and business partners for execution
  • Personally, checks function venue or ground arrangements before the event
  • Obtain personal feedback from clients for close monitoring of the success of the event
  • Prepare and review invoices prior to presenting them to clients
  • Verify all suppliers' invoices to ensure billing is correct as per the contract or quotation
  • Prepare profit and loss report after the event
  • Post-event follow-up
  • Implemented a proper filing system
  • Ensure the department working environment is highly motivational, participative and teamwork orientated
  • Working closely with Accounts Department on cash flow and payments scheduled prior to payments being issued

Destination Manager – Indonesia

PACIFIC WORLD
07.2000 - 09.2013
  • Confirmed numerous groups operated in Malaysia the year or years prior to Indonesia.
  • Manages day-to-day office administrative and operational flow of the country for MICE, Events, Operations, IT, Finance and Jakarta Sales Office.
  • Leading strategic organic growth, operations and product development
  • Handles all country sales budget targets and related matters
  • Source and ensure there are sufficient leads and business for the country from both international and not limited to domestic market
  • Represents the country for any Public Relations matters
  • Maintains rapport with NTOs, Incentive House, Conference Organizers and PCOs.
  • Supervise daily movements of the MICE Department and Sales Offices
  • Handles all Human Resources related matters of the division
  • Conducts site inspections and operates groups where necessary
  • Conducts Sales Calls on the company behalf for MICE Market
  • Design Marketing Plans and budget for the branch
  • Monthly forecasting for the country inclusive of carrying through
  • Implementation and following through globalization implementation of company policies

Senior Meeting Services Manager

SHANGRI-LA'S RASA RIA RESORT
09.1998 - 07.2000

Manager, Incentive and Convention Sales

NEXUS KARAMBUNAI RESORT
05.1998 - 08.1998

Senior Membership Manager

BANKERS CLUB, KUALA LUMPUR
07.1995 - 04.1998

Customer Service Manager

HYATT REGENCY SAUJANA, KUALA LUMPUR
10.1989 - 06.1996

Secretary to Directors

HENRY BUTCHER LIM & LONG SDN BHD
02.1989 - 09.1989

Education

Certified Meeting Planners (CMP) -

Public Relations Course - undefined

Stamford Group of Colleges
06.1989 - 12.1989

Private Secretarial Course - undefined

Goon Professional Institute
04.1987 - 05.1988

Malaysian Certificate of Education (MCE) - undefined

St Mary's Secondary School
Kuching, Sarawak
01.1985 - 01.1986

Lower Certificate of Education (LCE) - undefined

St Mary's Secondary School
Kuching, Sarawak
01.1982 - 01.1984

Skills

  • Efficiency improvement oversight

  • Client relationship management

  • Effective team leadership

  • Project coordination

  • Staff supervision

  • Performance improvement

  • Operations oversight

  • Customer retention

  • Business development

  • Quality management

  • Project planning

  • Goal setting

  • Budget analysis

  • Strategic planning

  • Client relations

  • Contract negotiations

  • Relationship building

  • Financial administration

  • Organizational development

  • Risk management

  • Cost analysis and savings

  • P&L management

  • Account management

  • Business administration

  • Recruitment

  • Customer relations

  • Branding

  • Process improvements

  • Staff management

  • Problem resolution

  • Analytical skills

  • Cost reductions

  • Supply chain management

  • Performance evaluations

  • Market analysis

  • Interpersonal skills

  • Administrative skills

  • Total quality management

  • Inventory control

  • Deadline oriented

  • Human resources management

  • Vendor relationships

  • Client account management

  • Bilingual

Projects Worked

  • Sabah, Abercrombie & Kent Private Jet Around the World with Geoffrey Kent – 58 pax, Abercrombie & Kent Private Jet Wildlife Safari Around the World – 54 pax, Microsoft USA APAC Incentive – 650 pax, Oracle APAC Incentive – 2,800 pax, Oracle APAC Incentive – 600 pax, Hagemeyer Australia– 800 pax, Magic Carpet Ride – Choices Flooring – 430 pax, Choices Flooring Australia Incentive – 220 pax, Tricon Sales and Finance Meeting – 400 pax, British Telecommunication – Sales and Finance Meeting – 400 pax, Bristol Meyers Australia Incentive – 650 pax, Ericsson Sweden Rumble in the Jungle – 50 pax, Ericsson Sweden Incentive – 200 pax, Sony Ericsson Sweden Incentive – 20 pax, Land Rover Expedition for Launching of Defender TD5 – 4 rotations of 25 pax, Eco Challenge Borneo 2000 – VIP and Sponsors only, MCI Media Conference – 850 pax, Mercedes Benz Spain Incentive – 80 pax, Bristol Myers Conference – 230 pax, Lancome Monthly Trainings – 20 pax per session, Ms Malaysia Universe, Various Passengers Cruises – Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, P&O, etc – ranging from 800 to 8000 pax
  • Kuala Lumpur, Ageas APAC Partners and Business Meeting – 240 pax, Launching of Japanese School officiated by Prime Minister of Malaysia, Launching of Matsushita R&D Centre, GE Electric Conference– 200 pax, Malaysia Petroleum Golf Classic – 300 pax, Nestle Trainings and Product Launch – 40 to 400 pax, HSBC Trainings – 18 to 50 pax, Stanford Business Study Group – 28 pax, Various Passengers Cruises – Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, P&O, etc – ranging from 800 to 8000 pax
  • Sarawak, Carlsberg Denmark Incentive – 60 pax, Cruise ships, Yale NUS – 85 pax
  • Langkawi, Feu Vert Incentive – 240 pax, Glaxosmithkline Beecham Managing Director Reward Trip – 14 pax
  • Brunei, Various Passengers Cruises – Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, P&O, etc – ranging from 800 to 8000 pax
  • Bali, Western Union Partners International Summit – 300 pax, Microsoft USA APAC Incentive – 650 pax, CA USA Incentive Group – 140 pax, Mercedes Benz Platinum Incentive – 140 pax
  • Jakarta, Capital Group Investors Meeting – 50 pax
  • Singapore, Banca Mobilia – 85 pax, BMW UK Incentive group – 200 pax
  • Maldives, Cult Music Festival – 800 pax, Bitcoin Convention – 200 pax, Psychologist Conference – 200 pax, Trilateral Coast Guards Agreement – 180 pax

Handphone

+6 016 899 7328

NATIONALITY

Malaysian

Training

  • Hilton – Numerous Trainings on Sales & Marketing
  • EXO Academy, 2018-10-01
  • EXO Academy, 2017-04-01
  • Pacific World MICE Forum, 2002-10-01
  • Winning International Meetings!, 1999-10-01
  • Membership Management, 1995-08-01
  • Selling Techniques Course, 1994-05-01

Timeline

General Manager

CULINART SDN BHD
01.2023 - Current

Head of Events Sales and Management

TRITERRA HOSPITALITY SDN BHD
10.2022 - 12.2025

Cluster Director of Sales – MICE

CROSSROADS MALDIVES
07.2020 - 12.2021

Events Manager – Malaysia & Singapore

ASIA TOP TEAM TRAVELS SDN BHD
05.2019 - 03.2020

Events Manager – Malaysia & Brunei

EXO TRAVEL MALAYSIA SDN BHD
06.2016 - 05.2019

Destination Manager – Indonesia

PACIFIC WORLD
07.2000 - 09.2013

Senior Meeting Services Manager

SHANGRI-LA'S RASA RIA RESORT
09.1998 - 07.2000

Manager, Incentive and Convention Sales

NEXUS KARAMBUNAI RESORT
05.1998 - 08.1998

Senior Membership Manager

BANKERS CLUB, KUALA LUMPUR
07.1995 - 04.1998

Customer Service Manager

HYATT REGENCY SAUJANA, KUALA LUMPUR
10.1989 - 06.1996

Public Relations Course - undefined

Stamford Group of Colleges
06.1989 - 12.1989

Secretary to Directors

HENRY BUTCHER LIM & LONG SDN BHD
02.1989 - 09.1989

Private Secretarial Course - undefined

Goon Professional Institute
04.1987 - 05.1988

Malaysian Certificate of Education (MCE) - undefined

St Mary's Secondary School
01.1985 - 01.1986

Lower Certificate of Education (LCE) - undefined

St Mary's Secondary School
01.1982 - 01.1984

Certified Meeting Planners (CMP) -

Aina Lai Director Of MICE Services