Redefining the Food and Beverage landscape by providing a visionary platform for entrepreneurs and building a sustainable ecosystem for the industry Page C Page 1 PubsNote The Concept of Change is to Focus your Energy on Building The New One of the essential qualities of As for our CSR programme, it hospitality is the concept of change. has been a year since we introduced Nothing remains constant for long a Chemo Graduation Ball for and the Hospitality Asia team is children who have completed their conscious of this, as we document chemotherapy treatment journey who and what is at the cutting edge at the University Malaya Medical of the food and beverage industry, in Centre (UMMC). Words cannot one of the most dynamic regions in express how my team and I felt to the world. see happy smiles on these children’s Change comes about through faces upon receiving their graduation breaking boundaries, individuals certificate – a small step taken by and organisations pushing limits HAPA to applaud their courage, and testing new techniques, determination and positive spirit, ingredients, styles and concepts. in undergoing such a challenging Collectively known as entrepreneurs, journey. we are constantly impressed with achievements made by Last year, HAPA raised a total of RM180,000 for people and organisations and, as such, we are launching the Chemo Graduation Ball whereby funds were also a new HAPA series to recognise the region’s innovative channeled to UMMC and Hospital KL for medication, entrepreneurs – The HAPA Entrepreneur Awards 2018- medical equipment, cancer research and chemo treatment 2019. Nominations are now being called with more details for children with cancer. It is time for a second graduation provided in this edition. and I humbly ask for all our hospitality friends to open Meanwhile, the HAPA Malaysia Awards 2017-2019 is your hearts and consider supporting this cause. These well underway with our team of voluntary auditors already children are our future and the HAPA team wants to do in the field assessing the best hospitality that Malaysia has their part in giving them hope and inspiration to live a to offer. life with purpose and confidence. Please join us in giving We have also recently introduced a networking these children HOPE. platform under the HAPA umbrella – the No Address I hope you enjoy the latest edition of Hospitality Asia Society by HAPA, an exclusive dining and networking and, as always, I welcome your feedback so that we can society for founders, entrepreneurs, investors and continue to serve you better. corporate leaders. The main objective is to build a strong and powerful network amongst successful business leaders and owners for business opportunities. Our plan is to expand this society regionally by establishing respective country chapters. Our first By-Invitation-Only non-official No Address Society dinner was attended by 50 founders, entrepreneurs, business owners, investors and corporate individuals last month. We are now planning for our Jennifer Ong official launch in June. Founder / Publisher 2 Page 3 troopers Founder / Publisher Jennifer Ong [email protected] Director of Marketing Janice Entaba offices websites [email protected] WAP INTL SDN BHD [564376-H] www.hospitalityasia.asia 3 Jalan 14/28, Section 14, 46100 Petaling Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia www.hapa.asia Tel : +60 3 7954 1911 Fax : +60 3 7954 3911 Editor Project Manager E-mail: [email protected] www.madasia.asia David Bowden Ruben Yap [email protected] [email protected] WAP SINGAPORE 10 Anson Road, #10-06 International Plaza Singapore 079903 Creative Director Project Executive Tel : +65 9067 4090 Pat Seow Derrick Tan www.facebook.com/HAPAAwards [email protected] [email protected] printing Director of Finance & Production Senior Admin & Circulation Executive PERcetaKAN LAI SDN BHD 1 Persiaran 2/118C, Kawasan Perindustrian Desa Tun Razak Rachel Law Nurul Sakinah Binti Sa’dan Cheras, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia [email protected] [email protected] Tel : +60 3 9173 1111 memberships and endorsements Penang Chefs Association of Malaysia Malaysian Food & Beverage Society of Professional Chefs (Singapore) Singapore Chefs Association The Society of The Golden Keys Les Clefs d’Or Thailand Chef’s Association Executives Association Singapore Indonesia (WACS) Association of Culinary Professionals Bali Culinary Professionals Macau Culinary Association Restaurant Association Baking Industry Training Centre Cambodia Restaurants Food & Beverage Managers Association Jakarta Indonesia of Singapore (Singapore) Association of Singapore Singapore Food Manufacturers Singapore Pastry Alliance International Bartenders Association of Bartenders & Sommeliers Sommelier Association of Malaysia Jakarta International Hotels Association Association of Association Association (IBA) Singapore (SOMLAY) Indonesia Rooms Division Executives Hotel Public Relations Association Malaysian Association of Club Managers Association Indonesia Club Managers Association Asian Golf Course Owners Federation Bali Spa & Wellness Association Kuala Lumpur Tourist Association of Thailand Housekeepers (Singapore) Hospitality Purchasing Malaysian Association of Hotels Association of Singapore Housekeepers Singapore Association of Food Equipment, Berjaya University College of Association (Singapore) (Penang Chapter) Manufacturers & Suppliers Stamford College Hospitality Page 4 Page 5 8 CENTRESTAGE On the cover ~ Rhombus Connexion... Redefining the Food and Beverage landscape by providing a visionary platform for entrepreneurs and building a sustainable ecosystem for the industry. Redefining the Food and Beverage landscape by providing a visionary platform for entrepreneurs and 20 THE VERDICT building a sustainable ecosystem for the industry Phuket’s magical allure of sunshine, relaxed pace and variety of holiday activities attracts travellers from all around the globe. 28 EXPOSE Asia’s best contemporary dining establishments revealed. 33 BUBBLING TRENDS Andrew Hoadley from La Violetta Wines in Denmark, Western Australia is a small production winemaker who is making people sit up and pay attention. 38 MINDSET Thinking of setting up a restaurant or going into the F&B Industry? HA gets insight from several entrepreneurs to learn of their experiences. 55 VIEWPOINT HA speaks to industry leaders to get their views on property development, management and expansion. 66 LUXE LISTINGS Lists the most energetic hotel developments in Malaysia. 77 HAPA SUPPLEMENT Highlights from the recent HAPA Regional 2016-2018 Series. Page 6 Discover The True Meaning of Luxury. For our delectable Menus, please call: +603 - 2181 4488 | +6012 - 672 2641 | +603 - 2181 7700 saviniitalian saviniKL Savini Ristorante Italiano (1136684-A) Lot 2-05, 2nd Floor, Intermark Mall, 348 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur Page 7 centrestage Rhombus Connexion Redefining the Food and Beverage landscape by providing a visionary platform for entrepreneurs and building a sustainable ecosystem for the industry. Rhombus Connexion, or RCX is a purpose-driven organisation powered by like-minded entrepreneurs for F&B entrepreneurs. While the organisation positions itself as a platform to empower and propel entrepreneurs, it is also the company behind some of the region’s iconic restaurants, cafes and nightlife spots. Under its portfolio, RCX owns, manages and operates 19 brands and over 40 outlets in Malaysia, Singapore, Japan and Myanmar. Hospitality Asia spoke to the five co-founders of RCX to find out more about this promising organisation. 8 centrestage financially and consumes time, something the co-founders knew all too well. The individual entrepreneur has to do almost everything from management to day-to-day operations such as balancing the books, managing staff, preparing menus and even unclogging blocked drains! Andre Shum, Co-Founder and Lead Partner, Restaurants and Cafés (Asian) Division, shares his experience in running Rama V, one of Kuala Lumpur’s most celebrated Thai fine-dining restaurant. “Entrepreneurs do what they do best and this does not necessarily mean being a good accountant, chef or even plumber. However, when you go at it alone, you get willingly or unwillingly dragged into managing these issues as the business is dependent upon it. But this means being less involved in entrepreneurial activities which is what you know you do best,” claims Shum. That is how, essentially RCX is built on, a visionary platform to address how can entrepreneurs be left to their own devices and enable them to create their magic. RCX’s Sustainable Ecosystem Looking to address the loophole of the industry, RCX strategically created and built its pillars and shared services that are made available to entrepreneurs who join the Group. “It is a support system that complements entrepreneurs and completes the RCX ecosystem,” explains Kent The idea came about, not so long ago, Chua, Co-Founder and Lead Partner of the Nightlife and when the five of us got together and we’ve Entertainment Division. The pillars, Chua refers to are Education, Food been out and about this industry for quite Production and Brand and Marketing, areas that are some time. The big question raised was, essential for an F&B entrepreneur to grow their brands ‘What’s next for F&B?’ More concepts? More and outlets. The F+B Academy, under the Education pillar outlets? Where is this going to land us? is the Group’s investment into business education which started last year. It is a platform that focuses in training ~ Tham Lih Chung, Co-Founder