Malaysian Hospitality - A tribute to Mr. Chong

On our field trip to Penang, Malaysia, we had the privilege of meeting Mr. Chong, a man whose energy, humour, and unwavering passion left a lasting impression on all of us. From the very start, he was not just an interviewee; he was a true mentor, going beyond his role to help us uncover valuable insights, pushing us to think deeper, and making every challenge feel like an opportunity. What set Mr. Chong apart was his genuine curiosity, not just about the work, but about us. He asked about our goals, our ambitions, and our dreams, sparking conversations that made us reflect on the paths we want to take. His passion for his business was infectious, and through his words and actions, he inspired us to strive for excellence, to embrace every experience, and to always take that extra step. Meeting Mr. Chong wasn’t just an encounter; it was a reminder that true passion and generosity create connections that last far beyond a single moment. As we move forward in our careers, his words and his spirit will stay with us, reminding us to choose our paths wisely and to always aspire to be the best versions of ourselves.

Mr. Chong is undeniably a highlight of the Penang fieldwork program. Apart from being helpful and providing valuable insight about the area and hospitality industry, he was also very enthusiastic in telling us about local traditions. While talking with him I didn’t feel he’s a CEO of a consulting company and the president of the Hotel Association. Quite the opposite, I felt like spending time with an old friend. His passion, positive energy and genuine care really motivated me to work more!

Mr. Chong’s advice: “find a job that you really love”. He shared this simple yet powerful idea during our time in Penang, and it has stuck with me ever since. Despite his busy roles as a CEO and president of the Hotel Association, he emphasised how important it is to find passion in your work. His words reminded me that success is not just about titles or achievements, but about doing something you truly enjoy. This advice has inspired me to focus on finding a career that excites me and motivates me to keep learning and growing. It’s a reminder that when you love what you do, everything else falls into place.

Mr. Chong was without a doubt one of the key jewels of Penang. More than his knowledge of the area, he was a true demonstration of locals' kind hearted and welcoming attitude to foreigners. With him it was also possible to have a true gastronomic experience, giving us better insights of this rich characteristic of Penang. Mr. Chong demonstrated that there is no age to be kind, approachable and respectful towards others and their cultures, being open about his own beliefs and backgrounds as well.

Mr. Chong stood out as a true gem. He wasn’t just a CEO of a consulting company or the president of the Hotel Association; he was a passionate ambassador of Penang’s culture, hospitality, and heart. From the moment we met, his warm and enthusiastic presence made it feel like we were reconnecting with an old friend rather than meeting a prominent industry leader. He shared local traditions with genuine excitement and offered insights into the hospitality world that were both practical and inspiring. His simple yet powerful advice—“find a job that you really love”—has stayed with us, reminding that true success lies in doing what fuels your passion. Beyond his professional wisdom, Mr. Chong gave us an authentic taste of Penang, both culturally and gastronomically, and showed us that kindness, humility, and curiosity know no age or status. His energy, openness, and respect for all cultures left a lasting impression, and for me, he became one of the most meaningful parts of the entire experience.

By: Fabio Murli, Leonid Kats, Madalena Fernandes Veludo, Melanie Gruppen, Tatum Willemse.

#senseofplace #unsungheroes #Penang

This blog is part of the fieldwork in phase 2 of the master’s programme Tourism Destination Management. Other master specialisations of this programme include Tourism and Hospitality Innovations and Urban Tourism and Mobility.