Panel of Speakers
Ivan Chong
President, Malaysian Vacation Rental Services Management Association (MVR)
Ivan Chong is a pioneer in Malaysia’s vacation rental industry.
As President of MVR, Ivan aims to unite members and strengthen the industry by promoting excellence in guest experience and homeowner satisfaction through education and professional development.
A strong believer in giving back and lifelong learning, he serves on the advisory boards of HELP University, MCKL, and TAR UMT to help nurture future leaders.
His contributions have earned him recognition as a Top 30 winner in the 2017 JCI Creative Young Entrepreneur Awards and as a finalist in the 2018 China Xiamen One Belt One Road Startup Accelerator.
Nai Chun Lei
With a passion for hospitality and tourism, Nai is dedicated to providing high-quality and affordable accommodation options for both travelers and locals.
Nai holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Université de Paris VII Denis Diderot. This academic background provides him with strong analytical skills and data analysis capabilities, which he leverages to optimize performance and ensure customer satisfaction.
Nai oversees a portfolio of over 500 apartments for short-term rentals in Malaysia. His responsibilities encompass managing the operations, marketing, and financial aspects of the business, as well as the talent development and retention of staff.
Mary Chang
Mary, founder of Feel Home Malaysia and a member of ACCA, left her Senior Manager role in banking in 2017 to venture into the short-term rental industry. She currently manages over 200 vacation homes in Kuala Lumpur.
Feel Home Malaysia positions itself as the No.1 family-friendly homestay brand. Stay at Feel Home with your kids—parenting made easy.
They specialize in transforming large investment properties into high-performing family homestays, helping investors effortlessly increase rental returns by 20% to 50%.
Feel Home Malaysia: A Home for Everyone!
Alex Fong
Founder, Perfect Host
Alex Fong is the Managing Director and Founder of Perfect Host, one of the pioneer and largest short-term rental (“STR”) management company in the industry, with an average client size of 600+ STR units and a further 1000+ hotel units. For 2 years in a row for 2023 and 2024, Perfect Host have been awarded as the Best Home Operator by Booking.com. Alex also spearheaded the expansion of the group into the luxury villa, wellness resort and pet friendly accommodations. Alex is also the Director and Founder of Decorzo Space that specialises in Interior Design and Build that have experience in multiple luxury Hotels, short term rentals, restaurants and office projects. Prior to this, Alex Fong was an investment banker and have overseen various initial public offering and merger and acquisitions deals.
Jing Cho Yang
Founder, Bukit Vista Bali
Raised in California, Jing Cho Yang earned a degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from UC Berkeley. After traveling extensively, he settled in Bali, where he met his co-founder and wife, Wayana.
Starting with a single villa, Jing quickly grew his business into Bukit Vista, now managing over 180 properties across Bali. As CEO, he leads innovation in tech-driven hospitality, focusing on revenue management, operations, brand storytelling, and AI-enhanced property performance.
Jing is a recognized thought leader, having spoken at UC Berkeley’s Richard Newton Lecture Series and honored as a Berkeley Changemaker for blending academic insight with real-world business success.
Alvin Wee
Founder, Veeduhauz
Alvin Wee is an experienced short-term rental operator and the co-founder of Veedu Hauz and Archos, leading Airbnb and OTA-based accommodation brand in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Specializing in the master lease model, Veedu Hauz offers property owners guaranteed returns while Alvin’s team takes full control of operations — from design and setup to pricing optimization and guest experience. By leveraging dynamic market data and platform trends, Alvin ensures each unit achieves peak occupancy and competitive nightly rates without burdening owners with operational responsibilities. Over the years, he has built a scalable portfolio for over 200 units across prime Kuala Lumpur locations, positioning Veedu Hauz as a trusted name for both reliable property returns and memorable guest stays.
Loi Kean
Business Development, Associate Manager, Maplehome
Kean is part of the Business Development team at Maplehome, the largest short-stay management company in Malaysia that provides end-to-end solutions for property
owners — from renovation and setup to full operational management.
His role focuses on building strategic partnerships and driving business growth by collaborating with property owners, real estate agencies, and developers. Kean works closely with stakeholders to identify opportunities, create win-win solutions, and maximize property value and returns.
With a strong understanding of the short-stay market, Kean aims to connect the right people and resources to unlock sustainable and scalable business opportunities.
Sean Chiah
Head of Business, WIT Ventures (Five Senses Experience Suites)
Sean is part of the leadership team at WIT Ventures, the hospitality management company behind the Five Senses Experience Suites. WIT Ventures works with developers and property owners to transform residential assets into hospitality-driven living spaces that appeal to modern travellers and urban residents.
WIT integrates smart technology, hotel-grade services and lifestyle amenities to create a stay experience built around comfort, design and personal wellbeing. Through the Five Senses Experience Suites, WIT aims to elevate the value of properties, introduce stronger hospitality standards and support long-term asset appreciation for its partners.
Sean contributes to WIT Ventures’ expansion by building relationships with developers and industry partners, supporting market entry efforts and helping shape the brand’s positioning in Malaysia and the region. His focus is on strengthening WIT’s presence in key cities, enhancing the guest experience ecosystem and supporting sustainable business growth.
With a growing portfolio of managed units and planned regional expansion, WIT Ventures continues to develop its hospitality model and service offerings to meet the evolving needs of guests, property owners and the communities it serves.
David Low
Founder, Guestonic
A visionary entrepreneur with deep expertise in real estate and a passion for creating meaningful spaces, David combines academic excellence with diverse business experience to craft accommodations that evoke emotion, spark creativity, and leave lasting impressions.
Renowned for his strategic leadership, David guides the Guestonic team with a clear vision and deep market insight, fostering a culture of growth, learning, and innovation.
At Guestonic, the team is dedicated to building long-term relationships and delivering unmatched value in property management. Every project reflects elegance, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to quality — ensuring exceptional experiences for both clients and guests
Yen Hong Tan
Co-Founder, ALV Group
An entrepreneur, technocrat and a qualified lawyer with specialisation in constructing business partnerships, accelerating business growth, digital marketing and banking litigation.
Over 10 years of cross industry experience in hospitality, digital transformation, manufacturing and banking litigation.
Currently holding positions as Business Director / Co-founder at ALV Group; Business Director at Tact Coach & Seat Manufacturing Sdn Bhd.
Specialist at constructing business deals and partnerships, integrating technology, data analytics, and digital strategic planning to drive revenue growth and organisational improvement for businesses.
More than 7 years of experience in spearheading the Revenue & Business Development Team in the ALV Organisation.
Specialist at managing & optimising hotel digital systems—including PMS, CRS, booking engines, and channel managers—paired with technical and management experience in SEO, paid media, OTA management, and direct-booking optimisation.
Gyn Voong
Gyn is the founder of Bridgmen Group and Managing Director of ALMA, specializing in transforming high-end real estate into high-yield hospitality assets. With a background in architecture and design from Curtin University, Australia, he began his career working closely with property developers, gaining deep insight into what drives successful property performance.
In 2016, he entered property entrepreneurship with the launch of LUMA, which later evolved into Bridgmen Group. Today, the group manages over 1,000 high-end residences valued at more than RM1 billion across Kuala Lumpur through its lifestyle brands: LUMA, ALMA, and HOLMA.
Bridgmen Group was among the first in Malaysia invited to Airbnb’s exclusive Plus Program in 2018, recognizing its commitment to quality and design. Under Gyn’s leadership, the group continues to expand into new sectors, including wellness accommodation through a strategic collaboration with KL Wellness City, supporting Malaysia’s growth in medical and wellness tourism.
Yap Zer Ken
Co-Founder & CEO at Plush Services
With a passion for entrepreneurship and hospitality innovation, Zer Ken is dedicated to transforming property management and providing high-quality rental experiences for both homeowners and travelers.
Zer Ken holds a Master’s degree from Monash University Malaysia. This academic background provides him with strong business development and analytical skills, which he leverages to optimize operations and ensure customer satisfaction.
Zer Ken oversees a portfolio of over 500 apartments for short-term rentals across Malaysia. His responsibilities encompass managing the operations, marketing, and financial aspects of the business, as well as the talent development and retention of staff.
Steven Chuah
He believes great guest experiences don’t magically happen at the front desk—they usually start with teams who are clear, supported, and not secretly stressed behind the scenes.
He works closely with organisations to improve how teams communicate, collaborate, and run day-to-day operations more smoothly. Practical by nature (and allergic to overcomplication), he believes this is proof that the strongest guest experiences are built long before the guest ever arrives.
Ken Teo
Property Manager and Principal & Founder of Gather Building Management
Mr. Ken Teo is a Registered Property Manager and Principal & Founder of Gather Building Management Sdn. Bhd., a BOVAEP-registered firm in Malaysia. With industry experience since 2015, he specialises in managing stratified properties, particularly complex, high-risk, and distressed developments.
A strong advocate for public education in strata and property management, Mr. Teo is a long-standing Mandarin-language columnist across major media platforms, including Nanyang Siang Pau, Sin Chew Daily, Star Media Group, 8TV, and FM988. He holds a Malaysia Book of Records title for the most strata management articles published in newspapers and is also the author of two books on strata management.
Mr. Teo actively contributes to professional training as a trainer for BOVAEP CPD programmes and HRD Corp–accredited courses. In 2025, his firm received ASEAN Records recognition for excellence in digitised maintenance operations, reflecting his commitment to innovation and operational excellence.
Mavis Yap
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, BYON Premium Suites & Hotels
Mavis Yap is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of BYON Premium Suites & Hotels, formerly known as The Flash Group. Born in Ipoh, Malaysia, she leads one of the region’s most established short-stay and hospitality management groups, overseeing over 1,000 units and 1,200+ rooms across Malaysia and selected international markets.
With a background in marketing, property development, and real estate, Mavis is known for her strong focus on transparency, homeowner trust, and long-term value, supported by clear systems and an owner portal. Under her leadership, BYON has been recognised by ASEAN Records as the First & Largest Cross-Border Short-Stay Property Management Company.
Datin Sri Jasmine Chan
Group Director, PNG Group, Founder & CEO, IKAN & Co
Jasmine Chan is a Group Director at PNG Group, a leading land development company specializing in residential and commercial projects across Selangor. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Master of Business Administration (MBA), which forms a strong foundation in human behavior, strategic thinking, branding, and consumer decision-making.
She began her career as a researcher with a political think tank, where she was deeply involved in research, strategic communications, and social media management. Over the years, she has worked with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government ministers, corporate organizations, SMEs, and community initiatives such as women empowerment groups, including Lean In Malaysia.
From 2016 to 2019, Jasmine ventured into entrepreneurship in China, where she co-founded a wellness and health products business. Leveraging Malaysia’s natural bird’s nest resources, she introduced the product to the Chinese market, gaining first-hand experience in cross-border business development, sales and marketing strategies, and consumer behavior in China.
In 2022, PNG Group expanded into the tourism and hospitality sector with the establishment of IKAN & Co, which oversees IKAN Residence and IKAN Glampsite. Launched in March 2025, IKAN Glampsite introduces the concept of “Glamping Reimagined” to the Malaysian market, redefining traditional glamping through design-led spaces, curated experiences, and strong lifestyle branding. Jasmine currently spearheads the branding, business development, and strategic growth of IKAN & Co, with a strong focus on lifestyle-driven accommodation and destination-driven tourism.
Rui Ong
Rui Ong has over 10 years of experience in property makeovers and STR management. As a property investor herself, she started with the aim to unlock value from vacant properties in Kuala Lumpur. Trained in finance and asset management, Rui left her corporate career to pursue her passion for hospitality and to build worry-free return solutions for property investors.
As one of Malaysia’s pioneers STRA operators since 2015, Rui has developed deep insight into the industry’s evolution. Navigating multiple market cycles, she has grown Sleepy Bear Group with a strong emphasis on operational efficiency, automation, and revenue optimisation to deliver sustainable performance and margins.
Over the past decade, Rui has helped more than 700 local and international property investors generate income through STRA and co-living strategies and has worked with prestigious developers to transform underutilised inventory into turnkey short-stay products.
Sleepy Bear Group is known for its curated stay experiences and distinctive, Instagram-forward design language that stands apart from mainstream hospitality.
David Loh
Khai How Tan
Managing Director of ASDEH Group, a Malaysia-based hospitality and asset-management brand operating across multiple residential projects nationwide.
ASDEH Group manages multiple hospitality-related brands within a shared operating ecosystem. Our work goes beyond short-term rental management, focusing on end-to-end hospitality operations that integrate guest experience, technology, asset performance, compliance, and long-term operational stability.
Our services cover the full lifecycle of a unit, including ID & renovation, hospitality operations, pricing, automation systems, regulatory compliance, and ongoing asset optimisation.
We work closely with homeowners, investors, property agencies, and developers who value professional hospitality standards and sustainable performance over short-term gains.
Andy Ten
Founder of Horizon Homes
Andy Ten is the Founder of Horizon Homes, a fast growing short stay and hospitality management company in Malaysia. He has over 20 years of professional experience in the international banking and corporate sector, having worked with global financial institutions including Citibank, HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank. During his banking career, he held senior roles in sales, marketing and business development, where he was involved in driving revenue growth, customer acquisition and market expansion.
After banking, Andy served as Marketing Director of a well known international vacuum cleaner company, leading brand strategy, direct sales operations and nationwide market development. In June 2023, he entered the short stay industry with just four units. Through strong execution, systems driven management and hands on leadership, Horizon Homes expanded rapidly. Within one year, the portfolio grew to over 100 rooms and has since surpassed 200 rooms, mainly across Genting Highlands and Kuala Lumpur. The company is headquartered in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, with a continued focus on operational excellence and sustainable growth.
Debbie Leow
Managing Director of Mana Mana Hospitality
Debbie Leow is a senior hospitality executive with 18 years of experience across established international brands including YTL Hotels, Marriott, and Vistana. Her professional expertise encompasses revenue optimization, sales leadership, and guest experience management, supported by a strong track record of driving commercial performance and cultivating long-term client relationships.
Her global exposure through living and studying abroad, combined with extensive experience managing multi-cultural teams and stakeholders, has equipped Debbie with strong communication and leadership capabilities across diverse environments. She is recognized for her ability to align operational execution with strategic objectives while fostering collaborative, high-performing relationships.
With nearly a decade of experience in the hospitality and travel sectors, Debbie has held key leadership roles at MyKey, including five years as Managing Director, where she oversaw both operational and strategic functions for 1200+- units.
She currently serves as Managing Director of Mana Mana Hospitality with 4 new opening Hotels and 3200+- units assuming expanded responsibilities at a larger organizational scale. In this role, she works closely with developers, agents, owners, investors, and strategic partners to deliver sustainable growth and optimal outcomes for all stakeholders.
Gary Tan
Gary Tan is a dynamic and results-driven Director in the homestay management industry, known for transforming residential properties into high-performing, guest-focused hospitality assets. With extensive experience in property operations, revenue strategy, and team leadership, Gary has built a reputation for delivering sustainable growth while maintaining exceptional service standards.
With years of hands-on experience in short-term rental and homestay management, Gary leads with a clear vision: to create a seamless balance between profitability for property owners and memorable stays for guests.
His believes that successful homestay management is not just about occupancy rates — it is about consistency, trust, and long-term partnerships.
Suki Tan
Suki Tan is the Co-Founder of the KLIQ Lifestyle Platform, a collaborative ecosystem supporting the growth of Malaysia’s short-term rental (STR) and hospitality industry through structured operations and responsible practices.
With over 15 years of experience in real estate and hospitality management, she has worked extensively with multi-property portfolios, focusing on operational systems, revenue optimization, and asset performance.
Suki is passionate about elevating STR standards and promoting collaboration among operators, property owners, and industry partners to build a more professional and sustainable hospitality ecosystem in Malaysia.
Mark Chan
Managing Director Asia Travel Technology Industry Association (ATTIA)
Mark Chan is the Managing Director of the Asia Travel Technology Industry Association (ATTIA), representing major online travel platforms operating across the Asia-Pacific region.
Mark works directly with governments to ensure that new rules for the short-term accommodation sector remain fair and practical. He focuses on the real-world impact of licensing, taxation, and consumer protection, making sure these policies work for both platforms and operators.
By bringing the industry and policymakers together, Mark works to maintain a stable environment that supports the growth of property managers, hosts, and the broader travel ecosystem
Muhamad Hilmy Bin Mohd Yazid
Associate Zaid Ibrahim & Co
Hilmy is an Associate at the Government Advisory Department of Zaid Ibrahim & Co., advising federal ministries, agencies, and statutory bodies. He guides end-to-end law reform initiatives and helps clients navigate complex regulatory frameworks.
He has contributed to the STRA and Sharing Economy regulatory landscape, including federal and state guidelines. In 2023, he supported Airbnb in developing reference by-laws for Joint Management Bodies and Management Corporations.
Muhammad Anwar Bin Ramli
Head of Physical and Landuse Unit, R&D, PLAN Malaysia
Muhammad Anwar Ramli is a seasoned Urban Planner with over 20 years of experience across the public and private sectors. Currently at PLANMalaysia Headquarters, he leads the Physical and Land Use Unit, focusing on planning guidelines and strategic spatial advisory.
He has contributed to key national initiatives including sustainable city frameworks, transit-oriented development (TOD), and housing strategies, reflecting his strong commitment to advancing sustainable urban development in Malaysia.
Panel of Moderators
Jayden Lee
President Malaysia Short Term Rental Association
Jayden Lee is the President of MySTRA, the Malaysia Short-Term Rental Association, where he works closely with industry players and public stakeholders to support a more
structured and responsible STR ecosystem.
Having experienced the challenges of the industry firsthand, especially during the pandemic, he understands both the opportunities and the concerns surrounding short-term rentals.
As Founder & CEO of HostPlatform, he brings a practical, ground-level perspective—helping operators improve standards, adopt technology, and align with evolving
regulatory expectations.
He believes the way forward is simple: “when industry and authorities move together, everyone benefits.”
Through MySTRA, his mission is to Lead, Facilitate, and Grow—building an STR ecosystem that is not only innovative, but also trusted, compliant, and sustainable for Malaysia.
Mohamad Izahar Mohamad Izham
Izahar is a Partner and Head of the Government Advisory Department of Zaid Ibrahim & Co. His practice focuses in the area of regulatory reform. This includes advising Federal and
State Governments on the ‘end-to-end’ law reform spectrum. He co-authored Corporate Governance and Ethics in Malaysia.
Within the STRA space, he has been involved in shaping it’s regulatory landscape through notable engagements including being a part of the Technical Working Group on
Home Sharing Economy (TWGHSE) in 2019 which formed the inception of Malaysia’s efforts in developing a robust regulatory framework, advising on the development of the Federal STRA Guidelines under the Tourism Productivity Nexus of the Malaysia Productivity Corporation, and advising state governments in the formulation of state-level STRA Guidelines.
In 2023, Izahar assisted Airbnb in developing a set of reference by-laws for Joint Management Bodies and Management Corporations, acting as the first industry-driven regulations on STRA.