HK-based Kosmopolito Hotels eyes Sabah market

KUALA LUMPUR: Hong Kong-based Kosmopolito Hotels International Ltd (KHI) is eyeing Sabah to strengthen its foothold in Malaysia.

Dorsett Regency Hotel Kuala Lumpur general manager, Christina Toh, said KHI's focus was on Asia-Pacific.

"We want to grow and see opportunities in China, Thailand and Indonesia. In Malaysia, the consideration is looking into the Sabah market," she said.

Toh said this to reporters after a graduation ceremony of the Coaching and Mentoring Professional (CCMP) Programme.
KHI owns and manages four key hotel brands in different market segments -- upscale Hotel Kosmopolito, boutique series by Kosmopolito, mid-scale business hotel Dorsett Regency and economy hotel Silka.

In Malaysia, KHI managed five hotels -- Dorsett Regency Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Grand Dorsett Subang, Grand Dorsett Labuan, Dorsett Johor and Maytower hotel and serviced residences.

Toh said KHI would managed two hotels in Jalan Imbi and Cheras early next year. In Jalan Imbi, she said, KHI would convert a serviced residences into a budget hotel.

"Approval has been given by the local authority and construction works would start early next year," she said.

For the hotel in Cheras, Toh said, it would be under the Silka brand. "It would be a three-star hotel in Cheras (Phoenix Plaza). Malaysia Land Properties Sdn Bhd (Mayland) is opening a shopping mall and it is scheduled for soft opening early next year," she said.

The Phoenix Plaza shopping mall is undergoing a makeover and Mayland plans to reopen the 16-year-old complex under a new name -- Cheras Central Shopping Mall

Mayland, which has Hong Kong-based tycoon Tan Sri David Chiu as its major shareholder, acquired the 880,000 sq ft mall in 2008. Besides Malaysia, Toh said, KHI operated 22 hotels throughout Asia, including Shanghai, Wuhan and Hong Kong, adding that Dorsett Regency Singapore would be opened end-2012.

On the CCMP Programme, Toh said, KHI was the first hotel operator in Malaysia to participate, collaborating with renowned international training provider, Institute of Training and Development.

The CCMP Programme was conceptualised to enhance the leadership abilities of managers within the KHI Group and its chain. -- Bernama