Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik is a man of vision and is no stranger to creativity and innovation. As the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, he has been leading the charge to bring the tourism industry in Malaysia to new frontiers. It is his aspiration to put Malaysia firmly on the world map of top tourist destinations and also to establish sustainability measures for Malaysia’s cultural and heritage resources. In a recent interview with Asean Food and Travel, the dynamic and affable Bakhtiar talks about his background, the on-going efforts of his Ministry, his plans and aspirations for the tourism industry of Malaysia and Visit Malaysia 2020.  Muhammad…

It has been a record-breaking season for the Lexis Hotel Group, with a slew of awe-inspiring awards, two world records and impressive market growth all-round. President Mandy Chew Siok Cheng reveals to ‘Asean Food & Travel’ the secrets of the Group’s success. Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson (Lexis Hibiscus) opened its doors in 2015 amid much fanfare. Targeted at the young, eclectic crowd, it was unlike anything they have seen before. The iconic hotel designed after the national flower, clinched two Guinness World Records™ titles for “Most Swimming Pools In A Resort” and “Most Overwater Villas At A Single Resort” on 14 October 2016. These achievements come in the wake of…

The food and beverage industry is indeed an exciting one that beckons to many an entrepreneur who wants to be in business. But it is a highly competitive one too. Over the years, the Serai Group has successfully captured the ‘stomachs’ of its customers from all walks of life with mouth-watering delectable offerings and top-notch dining experiences. To date, it has established more than five restaurants and is highly regarded by its customers, the numbers of which are ever-growing, as their go-to food paradise. In a recent interview with AFT, the enterprising duo – the prominent individuals behind this accomplished homegrown brand, Rina Abdullah and her son-in-law, Najib Abdul Hamid,…