Melvin Quah CHA
Ampang
Summary
Service-oriented and result driven with 28 years of specialized experience in General Management, Pre-Opening, Operations, Business Development and Sales & Marketing in the Hospitality Industry. Superior performance records include surpassing expectations and establishing strong product and customer recognition throughout various markets such as Malaysia, Singapore, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Turkey, KSA and Thailand. Moving forward, my aim is to continue my career growth in hospitality by representing a renowned hotel or property chain to extend my vast experience and knowledge gained from my various experiences working in challenging and growing markets worldwide. Skilled with credible expertise, extremely result driven and knowledgeable in the hotel, resort & serviced residence operations, management and sales & marketing, I am confident that I am an asset to any company’s growth and development in the hospitality sector.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager, Bella Vista Hotels & Resorts
BV Hotel Management
11.2024 - Current
- Returned to the Industry. Managing 4 properties owned by the Halim Mazmin Group. Properties include Bella Vista Waterfront Langkawi, Bella Vista Express, Dream Villa and Splash Out Water Park Langkawi.
- Managed financial budgets, forecasting, and reporting, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
- Controlled expenses and allocated financial resources to reach budget goals.
- Oversaw daily operations, maintaining strict adherence to quality standards and regulatory compliance.
- Developed successful strategies and policies, meeting organisational needs and implementing improvements.
- Analysed market trends and adjusted business strategies to capitalise on new opportunities for growth.
- Monitored operations to keep processes aligned with targets and matching forecasts.
- Led a team of 50+ employees, fostering a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
Managing Director
Metric Hospitality Pte Ltd
06.2016 - 01.2024
- Established business in January 2017, achieving profitability within first year.
- Relocated back to Malaysia, opened and operated a boutique apartment hotel with a cafe in the historic city of Melaka, Malaysia.
- Expanded operations to include multiple owned Homestay establishments across Melaka, enhancing local tourism offerings.
- Designed and renovated an empty space to accommodate hotel rooms and apartment suites with a contemporary styled cafe on the ground level.
Area Manager & General Manager (Thailand)
The Ascott Limited
09.2014 - 04.2016
- Relocated to Thailand to manage 10 operating properties, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Managed daily operations of properties in Thailand, ensuring consistent service quality and guest satisfaction.
- Directed operations at Somerset Park Suanplu Bangkok.
- Directed the planning and pre-opening activities for properties in the country.
- Oversaw pre-opening initiatives for Ascott’s The Crest Collection in Thailand, establishing brand presence in boutique markets across Europe and Asia.
- Engaged in decision-making processes on Thailand’s Executive Management Committee.
Area General Manager (Gulf Region)
The Ascott Limited
03.2011 - 08.2014
- Managed 4 operating properties and oversaw pre-opening of 4 properties, ensuring alignment with brand standards.
- Managing the pre-opening of Ascott Tahlia, Jeddah, Citadines Al Salamah Jeddah, Somerset Panorama Muscat and Ascott Olaya Riyadh.
- Promoted to helm the operations and pre-opening properties in the Gulf Region.
- Led business development initiatives in the Gulf Region, expanding market reach and enhancing brand presence.
- Fostered positive connections with owners to ensure effective communication and partnership. with the group and management company.
Area Manager (Qatar & Bahrain)
The Ascott Limited
01.2011 - 12.2011
- Promoted to Area Manager, responsible for 3 operating properties in Qatar & Bahrain.
- Oversaw operational departments and led sales & marketing efforts, enhancing property performance.
- Opened and managed Ascott Park Place, Dubai and Ascott Doha, Qatar, ensuring operational readiness and guest satisfaction.
- Achieved certification as Pre-Opening Champion, facilitating successful openings and management of new properties.
Residence Manager (Dubai, UAE & Qatar)
The Ascott Limited
01.2010 - 12.2011
- Oversaw operations as Residence Manager for Somerset West Bay, Doha – Deluxe Serviced Residences in Dubai-UAE and Qatar, ensuring high standards of service and resident satisfaction.
- Conducted regular inspections of property to identify maintenance issues and coordinate repairs.
- Facilitated regular meetings with residents to discuss concerns, updates, and future plans.
- Presented clients with alternative approaches to resolving identified problems using positive coping skills and methods.
Residence Manager (Dubai, UAE)
The Ascott Limited
01.2007 - 12.2010
- Managed turnaround strategy for Somerset Jadaf, Dubai, enhancing business operations across Dubai and GCC.
- Oversaw operational departments and directed sales & marketing efforts, driving property visibility and guest engagement.
- Conducted regular inspections of property to identify maintenance issues and coordinate repairs.
- Facilitated regular meetings with residents to discuss concerns, updates, and future plans.
- Presented clients with alternative approaches to resolving identified problems using positive coping skills and methods.
Deputy Director, Sales & Marketing (Gulf Region)
The Ascott Limited
03.2007 - 12.2007
- Led sales and marketing initiatives across Gulf Region.
- Created and managed sales and marketing plans and budgets for The Ascott properties in Gulf Region.
- Developed strategies to position business to shape and capitalise on emerging customer and market needs.
- Facilitated regular sales meetings to review targets, strategies, and team performance, driving continuous improvement.
- Analysed market trends and competitor activity to inform and adjust sales strategies effectively.
Director of Business Development
EMAAR Properties
02.2006 - 03.2007
- Company Overview: Served as a key representative for Nuran by EMAAR Properties
- Directed pre-opening activities for Sales & Marketing department of newly established serviced residence segment at EMAAR Properties PJSC, ensuring successful launch and operational readiness.
- Developed comprehensive Sales & Marketing Plans and budgets for each new property, aligning strategies with organisational goals.
- Head of Department and responsible for delivering sales budgets for the group.
- Led, trained, and managed sales team, fostering motivation and accountability to consistently achieve sales targets.
- Planning, budgeting, executing and monitoring sales performance by the sales team members.
- Created new accounts and fostered relationships with potential accounts across different target markets.
- Sales personnel training and development.
- Nuran by EMAAR Properties
Director of Sales & Marketing (Malaysia)
The Ascott Limited
01.2003 - 02.2006
- Head of Department and responsible for delivering sales budgets for the cluster of properties within Kuala Lumpur.
- Managed and motivated sales team to achieve sales objectives and enhance team effectiveness.
- Created sales & marketing plan and budget to align with cluster objectives.
- Planned, budgeted, executed, and monitored sales performance to meet targets.
- Yield management and inventory control to improve performance of both properties: The Ascott Kuala Lumpur and Suasana Sentral Residences.
- Oversaw Central Reservations Kuala Lumpur, which managed reservations for all properties in the Kuala Lumpur cluster and The Ascott Group.
- Conducted training and development for sales personnel.
- Represented company at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, UAE, to enhance brand visibility and establish partnerships.
Senior Sales Manager (Malaysia)
The Ascott Limited
01.2002 - 01.2003
- Achieved sales targets, driving revenue growth and strengthening market presence.
- Key Account Manager for major MNC accounts in Malaysia and Singapore.
- Managing a portfolio of accounts locally, in Singapore and the Middle East.
- Trained and supported sales team to enhance product knowledge and sales techniques.
- Supported Director of Sales & Marketing in daily operations of Sales & Marketing department to ensure smooth workflow.
- Attend major trade exhibitions: Arabian Travel Market held in Dubai, UAE, AIME Australia, EIBTM Europe.
Sales Consultant (Asia-Pacific)
Springer-Miller Systems MY/USA
06.2000 - 12.2001
- Managed a diverse portfolio of hotel and serviced apartment accounts across Asia Pacific, ensuring strong client relationships and satisfaction.
- Spearheaded growth initiatives for Springer-Miller-Systems across Asia Pacific, enhancing market presence and client engagement.
- Drove yearly sales targets in the Asia Pacific region for this hospitality property management software company, based in Vermont, USA.
- Business development and account servicing of existing contracts in Asia including Fraser Suites in the Philippines and Singapore, The Ascott Jakarta, Palace of the Golden Horses, Mines Beach Resort and Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong.
- Planned, budgeted, executed, and monitored sales performance while training teams to achieve targets.
- Supervise and conduct product trainings and 'go-live' situations for newly migrated properties.
- Represented Asia Pacific office at trade shows in the USA and Asia to promote brand visibility. the Asia Pacific office in trade shows organized in the USA and Asia – Florida, Los Angeles and Hong Kong.
Sales Manager (Malaysia)
Palace of the Golden Horses
01.2000 - 05.2000
- Consistently exceed budgeted revenues set for rooms and functions.
- Increased room nights production, exceeding annual budget targets.
- Managed portfolio of accounts across Kuala Lumpur and Middle East, fostering client relationships.
- Secured new memberships for MINES golf course, enhancing member engagement.
Assistant Sales Manager (Malaysia)
Dorsett Regency Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
06.1999 - 12.1999
- Generated room nights and consistently met or exceeded annual budget targets.
- Managed client portfolios across Malaysia, Singapore, and the Middle East, ensuring tailored service and client satisfaction.
- Maintained friendly and professional customer interactions.
- Managed sales pipeline efficiently, ensuring consistent flow of business and meeting of sales objectives.
- Educated customers on available processes and services.
Sales Executive (Malaysia)
Dorsett Regency Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
01.1999 - 05.1999
- Achieved room night and budget targets set for the year.
- Managed accounts portfolio across Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
- Managed customer relationships through consultative sales techniques to attain individual sales goals.
- Achieved company targets by implementing successful sales strategies.
- Resolved customer issues and complaints with quick-thinking problem-solving.
Education
Certified Hospitality Administrator (CHA)
American Hotel & Lodging Association
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia2025
Hotel Star Raters Certification - Kedah/Perlis
Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture
Malaysia2025
Brevet de Technicien Supérieur - Hotel Management
Taylor’s College School of Hotel Management
Malaysia/France01-1997
Member - Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH)
Kedah/Perlis ChapterMember - Malaysian Assoc. of Theme Parks (MATFA)
Accomplishments
- Met and surpassed sales budgets annually.
- Market leader for serviced apartments in Kuala Lumpur in terms of REVPAR, occupancy and average rates.
- Achieved a budget surplus of 15% in 2004 and 10% in 2003 for both properties, The Ascott Kuala Lumpur and Suasana Sentral Residences.
- Contributed to the “Country Excellence Award” clinched by the Malaysia Team and awarded by The Ascott Group for achieving the best results in property performances for The Ascott Kuala Lumpur and Suasana Sentral Residences.
- Achieved year-on-year growth in revenue from the Middle East market through extensive sales calls, trade shows and marketing activities in the Middle East. The annual revenue growth was recorded at 5% in 2003, 8% in 2004 and 12% in 2005.
- Pre-opening preparation for Somerset Seri Bukit Ceylon including Marketing and Public Relation activities leading up to the opening.
References
Available on request.
Timeline
General Manager, Bella Vista Hotels & Resorts
BV Hotel Management
11.2024 - Current
Managing Director
Metric Hospitality Pte Ltd
06.2016 - 01.2024
Area Manager & General Manager (Thailand)
The Ascott Limited
09.2014 - 04.2016
Area General Manager (Gulf Region)
The Ascott Limited
03.2011 - 08.2014
Area Manager (Qatar & Bahrain)
The Ascott Limited
01.2011 - 12.2011
Residence Manager (Dubai, UAE & Qatar)
The Ascott Limited
01.2010 - 12.2011
Deputy Director, Sales & Marketing (Gulf Region)
The Ascott Limited
03.2007 - 12.2007
Residence Manager (Dubai, UAE)
The Ascott Limited
01.2007 - 12.2010
Director of Business Development
EMAAR Properties
02.2006 - 03.2007
Director of Sales & Marketing (Malaysia)
The Ascott Limited
01.2003 - 02.2006
Senior Sales Manager (Malaysia)
The Ascott Limited
01.2002 - 01.2003
Sales Consultant (Asia-Pacific)
Springer-Miller Systems MY/USA
06.2000 - 12.2001
Sales Manager (Malaysia)
Palace of the Golden Horses
01.2000 - 05.2000
Assistant Sales Manager (Malaysia)
Dorsett Regency Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
06.1999 - 12.1999
Sales Executive (Malaysia)
Dorsett Regency Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
01.1999 - 05.1999
Certified Hospitality Administrator (CHA)
American Hotel & Lodging Association
Hotel Star Raters Certification - Kedah/Perlis
Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture
Brevet de Technicien Supérieur - Hotel Management
Taylor’s College School of Hotel Management
Member - Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH)
Member - Malaysian Assoc. of Theme Parks (MATFA)