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Ong Beng Seng to Step Down as Managing Director of Hotel Properties Limited After 45 Years

Ong Beng Seng steps down as Managing Director of Hotel Properties Limited after 45 years due to health concerns.

Singapore – Hotel Properties Limited (HPL) enters a new era as billionaire founder Ong Beng Seng prepares to step down as managing director at the upcoming annual general meeting on April 29. Ong’s departure closes a 45-year chapter in which he led the company since its inception in 1980 and shaped it into a global luxury hospitality powerhouse.

Ong exits as he faces legal proceedings tied to one of Singapore’s most high-profile political scandals. The 79-year-old Malaysian tycoon plans to plead guilty later this month to a charge of obstructing justice in connection with the corruption case involving former transport minister S. Iswaran. Authorities accuse Ong of giving Iswaran lavish gifts, including flights and hotel stays. A court sentenced the former minister in October 2024 to one year in jail.

In a filing to the Singapore Exchange, HPL stated that Ong “wishes to devote more time to manage his medical conditions,” aligning with reports that he is battling multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Bloomberg reported that the court granted Ong more time to enter his plea as he sought additional medical reports.

Ong continues to control a majority stake in HPL, holding about 60% of the company with his wife, Christina Ong. The company maintains a portfolio of 41 hotels across 17 countries, partnering with luxury brands such as Four Seasons, COMO Hotels & Resorts, and Marriott International.

HPL has not yet named a successor, but executive directors Christopher Lim and Stephen Lau will continue managing the company. Investors reacted positively to the announcement, sending HPL’s shares up, a signal of cautious confidence in the firm’s stability beyond Ong’s leadership.

Although Ong steps back from daily operations, he retains a significant role in shaping Singapore’s hospitality and business landscape.

Feature Image Via: Reuters

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Celebrate Eid Al-Adha with Authentic Maldivian Traditions at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Hosts Fun Cultural Eid Festivities

This June, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo invites travelers to experience Eid Al-Adha in a way that goes beyond the usual holiday. The adult-only resort has created a special two-day celebration that offers a hands-on look at Maldivian culture through storytelling, traditional crafts, and local flavors. It forms part of their ongoing ‘Discover Local’ program, designed to help guests truly connect with island life.

Learning the Ancient Art of Joali Weaving

One of the standout moments takes place on Saturday, June 7, when guests join a Joali weaving workshop. This craft involves weaving coconut rope into practical items and has been quietly passed down through island families for generations. Since resorts rarely showcase this tradition, this becomes a rare chance for guests to experience a living cultural art.

Mohamed Irshad, the Front Office Manager of Mercue Maldives Kooddoo, shares why it matters:

“We don’t want to just show our guests the Maldives, we want them to feel it through our traditions. Joali weaving is one of those rare crafts that tells the story of resourcefulness, connection to nature, and island life”

Eid Buffet and the Colorful Maali Parade

The celebration starts on the evening of June 6 with an Eid buffet featuring refined takes on local festive dishes. Here, the resort prepares everything using fresh ingredients sourced nearby, celebrating the Maldives’ rich culinary heritage.

Then, the following night, the resort comes alive with the Maali Parade, a lively procession inspired by traditional Maldivian folklore. Masked performers bring ancient stories to life right on the island.

Dining Under the Sun: The Sandbank Picnic Experience

No trip to the Maldives feels complete without a sandbank picnic, and Mercure Maldives Kooddoo offers a particularly memorable version. Set on a tiny, untouched island surrounded by crystal-clear water, guests enjoy an authentic meal served on tropical leaves. This picnic offers a tasting journey into Maldivian flavors, featuring local specialties like:

  • Gulha: Coconut and tuna fritters
  • Kulhi Kaajaa: Spicy tuna bites
  • Bajiya: Pastries filled with sweet and spicy mixes
  • Rihaakuru Kaajaa: Fritters made from rich fish paste
  • Dry Fish: Smoked tuna strips
  • Bodi: Sweet coconut treats with toddy syrup

Along with fresh coconut water, the food makes the meal both refreshing and deeply connected to the island’s culinary traditions.

Year-Round Cultural Experiences with ‘Discover Local’

Although Eid brings special energy to the resort, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo’s cultural offerings continue throughout the year. For instance, the ‘Discover Local’ program invites guests to try their hand at traditional sunset fishing, palm leaf art, and sampling cultural cocktails inspired by island ingredients.

The cocktail menu features creations such as:

  • Maldivian Green: A blend of gin, curry leaf syrup, lemon, and soda water
  • Ocean Breeze: Vodka infused with butterfly pea flower, peach schnapps, pineapple, and coconut syrup
  • Green Kooddoo: Rum mixed with Malibu, pandan leaf juice, pineapple, and coconut syrup
  • Mirus Rita: A spicy twist on the classic margarita using chili-infused Maldivian tequila
  • Coco Kurumba: Whisky combined with tamarind juice, coconut milk, and passion fruit syrup

These drinks add an extra layer to the island experience and let guests taste Maldivian flavors in a completely new way.

More Than a Vacation: A Cultural Journey

If you visit for Eid or explore Maldivian culture at any time, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo offers more than a stay. In fact, the resort invites guests to experience the Maldives as a vibrant, living culture, full of stories, flavors, and traditions that stay with you long after the trip ends.

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