The Purple House (MY)’s Post

This past weekend, I had the privilege of attending a retreat that took us on an early morning journey at 6:45 am to Johor Bahru (JB) for a one-day event. The retreat was designed to foster stronger bonds among our cluster, and it did not disappoint. From the start, the day was filled with activities that required us to work closely together, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and mutual understanding. We had several missions to complete, and I’m proud to say that the green team emerged victorious in 2 out of the 4 events. Winning wasn’t just about individual effort; it was about aligning our goals, participating fully, and supporting one another every step of the way. Reflecting on the day, here are three main points that contributed to our winning mentality: 1. Alignment of Goals: We quickly realized that to succeed, everyone needed to be on the same page. Whether it was strategizing or executing our plans, our alignment ensured we were all moving in the same direction. 2. Full Participation: Success was truly a team effort. Every member of the green team stepped up, contributing their unique strengths to the missions. This collective participation was key to our victories. 3. Celebrating Small Wins: Throughout the day, we celebrated each milestone, no matter how small. This positive reinforcement kept our spirits high and motivated us to keep pushing forward. One quote that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the day is: “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success. The retreat was more than just a series of activities—it was a reminder of the power of collaboration and the strength we find in each other. I'm grateful for the experience and the bonds we strengthened during this retreat. Here's to more victories, together!

Thinking about moving to Johor Bahru? 🏡 One Singaporean's property journey started with a BTO. Shamir Wahid moved on to an HDB Jumbo flat, made it into a dual-key and eventually explored options across the Causeway. They’re not just looking to retire there—they’re considering a lifestyle shift. 💡 From splitting units for rental income to weighing the pros and cons of a slower-paced life, it’s a journey full of opportunities (and challenges). Remember, it’s not just about the property—it’s about the life you want to live. Have you ever thought about making a big move like this? What’s holding you back? 🤔

I took LRT Kelana Jaya and MRT Kajang to go to Bukit Bintang yesterday. Actually, this opening sentence is misleading, as it makes me sound like I am testing the rail network.   Public transport is important to me, and it will always be my preferred mode of transport. One, because it allows me to walk. I miss UM days when I had to walk everywhere. Two, because I get to listen to music and do nothing else. Trains are generally very noisy, so the journey is not conducive to work, reading, or playing video games. So I put my sunglasses on and explore new music. Three, I like that I actively work on minimising my carbon footprint. If you've known me for a while, you know that I have been using shopping bags, taking my own containers to tahpau food from Mamak, and recycling paper, packaging, and gift wrappers for as long as I could remember (my pen holders are empty sardine cans). Taking public transport is a natural consequence of this desire to live as simply as possible.   I don't drive, and ever since LRT Kelana Jaya opened up the line with its 50-sen tambang decades ago, I have used it very frequently. I make decisions about where to stay and work based on its proximity to public transportation. Proof:   OSK = LRT Ampang Park NESTLE = LRT Asia Jaya AIRASIA = LRT KL Sentral, then the LCCT bus to Sepang FIREFLY = Skypark Bus PRASARANA = LRT Bangsar MUKARAMI COFFEE = LRT USJ21   (I don't put Cancer Research on the list because SJMC is five minutes away, so I walk.)   Honestly, I make my CEO friends take LRT or MRT. So I would always choose rendezvous points that would make it hard for them to drive, such as Bukit Bintang and Chinatown. And if they offer to send me home, I tell them to drop me off at train stations rather than send me right to my doorstep.   Living in Subang Jaya, I have 2 stations at my disposal, i.e., LRT Subang Jaya and LRT SS15. And with MRT Kajang and MRT Putrajaya connectivity, visiting sisters in Seri Kembangan and Cyberjaya is no longer a crying game.   The journey yesterday was smooth and pleasant; the trains were clean, announcements were clear, and people were polite and gave up seats to kids and older passengers.   I arrived at MRT Pasar Seni smack during rush hour, so there were hundreds of people. The auxiliary police were hard at work monitoring the women's coach. And later that night, adik-adik in green vests under the Rail Ambassador initiative were helping to manage passenger flow.   All in all, it took me about 50 minutes one way, including walking to the stations. All was well, and I was rewarded with meehun and ayam goreng from Oriental Kopitiam by my tres gentil mon amie.   It was a good day.    

September may have passed in a blur, but it’s left us with moments that make us pause and reflect. At SKS Hospitality, we’re not content with just moving forward - we want to move with meaning. This month marked the rollout of our #WhereYouBelong manifesto, and with it, a challenge to rethink the very foundations of what we do. We didn’t just travel from one townhall to the next, ticking boxes along the way. Instead, we opened doors to conversations that mattered - from Desaru to Nusajaya and Johor Bahru City Centre. Real moments, real questions, and the understanding that leadership is as much about listening as it is about leading. #WhereYouBelong isn’t just a brand manifesto - it’s a mindset. It’s about creating places where people don’t just feel comfortable; they feel challenged. Where their growth is encouraged, and where every small interaction contributes to something much larger. Here’s to building spaces where belonging means more than being present - it means being part of something that pushes boundaries and redefines what’s possible. Because when we belong, we don’t just work - we transform! #WhereYouBelong #SKSHospitality #TransformativeSpaces #BelongingAndBeyond

Three quarters of the year almost done, and The Ascott Limited has secured a bumper crop of 28 signings in Southeast Asia to date. The new signings will augment Ascott's portfolio in Southeast Asia to over 360 properties – both operational and in the pipeline; with Ascott's flex-hybrid business model continuing to pave the way for growth.   As an Asia-based hospitality company, Ascott has long established its roots in the region. So when it comes to navigating the local fields, our deep understanding of the region’s diverse market nuances and cultures enables us to forge strong relationships with our owners and partners. Supported by our 'glocal' approach which allows us to effectively broaden our reach with Ascott’s global brands while also delving deeper into the local destinations through our regional offerings, this strategic advantage not only fuels our growth within the region but also extends to markets beyond.    Riding on this growth trajectory, Ascott's portfolio is also expanding across a suite of new offerings including resorts, boutique heritage hotels, full-service city hotels as well as premium serviced residences, all designed to cater to the evolving preferences of today's guests. #TheAscottLimited #SoutheastAsia #Growth #NewSignings

The international student market in Malaysia, particularly in the rental sector around universities and educational hubs, plays a significant role and is expected to continue to do so, promising a bright future for the real estate sector. International students are in high demand for rental properties in major cities with renowned educational institutions, such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru. According to Juwai IQI Co-Founder and Group CEO Kashif Ansari: "During the pandemic, students from both secondary and tertiary institutions are increasingly choosing Malaysia. This trend is projected to make the country an international studies powerhouse by 2035, a testament to Malaysia's growing reputation in the global education landscape." Read more here: https://lnkd.in/grYZa44k #JuwaiIQI #IQIGlobal #realestate #global #property #realestatemarket #internationalstudents #university #college

The international student market in Malaysia, particularly in the rental sector around universities and educational hubs, plays a significant role and is expected to continue to do so, promising a bright future for the real estate sector. International students are in high demand for rental properties in major cities with renowned educational institutions, such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru. According to Juwai IQI Co-Founder and Group CEO Kashif Ansari: "During the pandemic, students from both secondary and tertiary institutions are increasingly choosing Malaysia. This trend is projected to make the country an international studies powerhouse by 2035, a testament to Malaysia's growing reputation in the global education landscape." Read more here: https://lnkd.in/grYZa44k #JuwaiIQI #IQIGlobal #realestate #global #property #realestatemarket #internationalstudents #university #college

I am deeply grateful to PAMSO for inviting me to speak at the Refleksi Seratus event. It was an honor to discuss "Revisiting Roots: Integrating Local Memory in Urban Placemaking," a topic that resonates deeply with the event's theme. Refleksi Seratus marked the 100-year anniversary of the Johor-Singapore Causeway, a pivotal link between Johor Bahru and Singapore. This celebration highlighted the historical significance of the causeway and the exciting future developments in the region. The ongoing construction of the new RTS station promises to significantly alleviate the daily traffic of 400,000 people, fostering even greater synergy between Johor and Singapore. My presentation emphasized the importance of designing sustainable urban spaces that respect and integrate local heritage. By revisiting our roots and incorporating local memory into urban placemaking, we can create vibrant, meaningful environments that enhance community identity and well-being. This approach not only honors the past but also paves the way for future urban developments that are both innovative and sustainable. As we move forward, it is crucial to embrace placemaking strategies that prioritize sustainability, community engagement, and cultural preservation. These elements are essential for creating urban spaces that are resilient, inclusive, and reflective of their unique histories. Together, we can shape cities that are not only functional and beautiful but also deeply connected to their cultural roots. #UrbanPlacemaking #SustainableDesign #RefleksiSeratus #JohorSingaporeConnection #FutureUrbanDevelopment #CulturalPreservation #CommunityEngagement

We're at Bett Asia with AQA Global Assessment Services. Come and talk to us about assessment and EdTech #assessment #edtech #BettAsia2024

Graduation Seminar of Sekolah Tinggi Pariwisata AMPTA Yogyakarta (18/10) In this time, we highlight theme "Bridging Dreams to Global Hospitality"