Shangri-La Asia Ltd Announces Leadership Change

On July 16, 2025, Shangri-La Asia Ltd, a prominent player in the Consumer Discretionary sector, announced a significant leadership change. Kuok Hui Kwong, the daughter of Malaysia’s wealthiest individual, Robert Kuok, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company. She will assume her new role on August 1, 2025.

Kuok Hui Kwong has been with Shangri-La Asia since June 2016, serving as the company’s executive director. In January 2017, she took on the role of chairman. Her appointment as CEO follows the retirement of the previous CEO, Lim Beng Chee, who stepped down at the end of 2022. Lim remains on the board as a non-executive director.

The decision to combine the roles of chairman and CEO under Kuok’s leadership is expected to enhance strategic cohesion and operational execution. This move aims to ensure a unified and consistent vision across all levels of leadership within the company. Shangri-La Asia, which is dual-listed on the Hong Kong and Singapore stock exchanges, anticipates that this leadership structure will drive the company’s strategic priorities more effectively.

Under her current employment contract, Kuok Hui Kwong is entitled to a monthly base salary of HK$576,000 (approximately S$94,300), along with discretionary bonuses and pension benefits. She holds a significant stake in the company, with a total direct and indirect shareholding of 95.57 million shares, representing 2.7% of the company.

Founded in 1971 by Robert Kuok, Shangri-La Asia began with the launch of the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore. As of its 2024 annual report, the company operates over 100 hotels, owning 81 of them, across its four main brands: Shangri-La, Kerry, Hotel Jen, and Traders Hotel.

Kuok Hui Kwong brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having previously served as the CEO of SCMP Group from 2009 to 2012. Since Lim Beng Chee’s retirement, she has been actively involved with the executive team, driving key decisions and overseeing the company’s strategic priorities.

This leadership transition marks a new chapter for Shangri-La Asia as it continues to expand its global presence in the hospitality industry.