KUALA LUMPUR: UOA Hospitality Sdn Bhd will be launching a hotel in Bukit Ceylon, Kuala Lumpur, according to its head of hospitality Anita Khoo.

“We are planning to launch a hotel in Bukit Ceylon in the third quarter of this year. Its name is currently in the process of being trademarked,” Khoo told The Edge Financial Daily at the media viewing of Connexion@Nexus at Bangsar South on Wednesday.

Khoo said UOA is looking into operating the hotel instead of engaging a hotel operator.

The move is in line with UOA Group’s foray into the hospitality industry. Its hospitality arm was established in 2011.

UOA’s first hospitality venture was in 2012 with the development of a hotel residence in Camellia Serviced Suites at its flagship Bangsar South integrated development. The hotel is operated by Singapore-based Frasers Hospitality Pte Ltd under the brand, Capri by Fraser.

The group has since expanded further with the opening of Connexion@Nexus less than six months ago.

Connexion@Nexus is on the highest floor of the Nexus in Bangsar South and covers a floor space of approximately 150,000 sq ft. It has three ballrooms, four function rooms, a 297-seater auditorium, outdoor space with views of the surrounding area, and a gazebo room.

The ballrooms combined can accommodate up to 2,600 people for big events, conferences, banquets and weddings. The function rooms come with a seating capacity of 250 each. An executive lounge is due to open in September.

“Our intention was to offer an alternative venue for our surrounding community, be it for corporate, social or private settings and to cater to any capacity. Connexion@Nexus is designed to provide the best service complemented by top-notch facilities,” said Khoo.

Connexion@Nexus offers basic meeting packages with prices starting from RM140 per person. “We were able to break even in the past six months,” said Khoo, commenting on Connexion@Nexus’ performance since its opening.


This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on May 16, 2014.


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