Speaking with Adrian Chua feels like catching up with an old friend who is deeply passionate about gastronomy and happens to be a great credit to the Malaysian hospitality field. He warmly shares about his favourite restaurants in Penang and enthusiastically recounts his memories from his 34-year career. Robb Report Malaysia caught up with the recently appointed Multi-Property General Manager of Marriott International, who stewards three Marriott Bonvoy brands within one integrated development—the first of its kind in Southeast Asia—comprising Penang Marriott Hotel, Marriott Executive Apartments Penang, and Marriott Residences Penang. It has been aptly named the Penang Marriott Complex, which was also recently officiated by David Marriott at its grand opening.
With his extensive international career and experience, Chua stands out from other leaders in the field by his deep commitment to his team. “As Resident Manager of the Shangri-La Hotel Wuhan during the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, I chose to remain with my team to lead operations and support our guests, although I was given the chance to evacuate to Malaysia,” he remembers. “For this, I was honoured with a personal commendation from Kuok Hui Kwong, Chairman and CEO of Shangri-La Asia.”
He has also showcased exceptional leadership by orchestrating operations for a 2,400-guest Chinese banquet. “It was no small feat,” he recalls, “as I had to break down the entire operation into segments, which is very different from managing a pre-prepared buffet.” A defining highlight of his career was “the honour of serving former US President Barack Obama during the 2015 APEC Summit in Beijing”.
However, Chua didn’t get to his current position overnight. “My journey in hospitality began humbly in my hometown of Batu Pahat, where I started working as a bellboy after finishing high school. It was a role that first ignited my fascination with hotels, service, and guest interaction,” he recounts. Now, he is among a select assembly of Malaysian-born hotel general managers across the country. “Local talents should embrace every opportunity, from cross-functional roles to international exposure, to broaden their perspectives,” Chua says. “I aim to inspire, connect, and create meaningful experiences for both guests and team members. With the right mindset and long-term commitment, I hope to empower local talents to thrive and lead with authenticity.”
At the age of 51, Chua is just getting started. “I envision the Penang Marriott Complex becoming the benchmark for hospitality in northern Malaysia, leading in guest satisfaction, sustainability, and talent development. We’ll launch destination dining experiences, forge creative local partnerships, and pioneer eco-conscious operations,” he states. “I also plan for it to be the training ground of four more upcoming Marriott International properties in the Pearl of the Orient. Ultimately, I want it to be a place that inspires guests and the industry alike.”
Photography by Norlman Lo
