Our Story
People
OUR PEOPLE ARE DIFFERENT, AND WE CELEBRATE THAT.
At Swire Hotels, people are the source of our inspiration. That is why we encourage our people to embrace their edges and express themselves in their own unique ways.
"Kristina, who is so incredibly attentive helped me take care of several things and it was like having an assistant, sister and partner all in one. The seamless delivery of the service, and the attention to detail was unique. I had many an occasion where I received some fruit, some fresh ginger, extra towels, only because they noticed what I was doing and what I needed." - Ann Marie Scichili
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“Genuine personal relationships are key to the Swire Hotels experience. We spend a lot of time getting to know guests as individuals so they truly feel our house is their home.”
Edward Tang, Director of Guest Experience, The Upper House
Edward began his journey as part of The Opposite House pre-opening team in 2007, eventually relocating back to Hong Kong in 2009 for The Upper House. Edward always goes the extra mile for guests – from sending holiday cards to coordinating quarantine care packages – in genuine acts of hospitality most recently recognised through his award as Front Office Hotelier of the Year in The Stelliers Greater China 2022 Hotelier of the Year awards.
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"At The Temple House, we offer a comprehensive and memorable culinary journey for our guests. We achieve this by infusing every aspect of their visit with our passion. We believe that engaging with local communities and forming strategic partnerships with global brands and Food & Beverage establishments is crucial for creating an unparalleled experience. Through these efforts, our restaurants and bar not only make a significant impact but also stand out in the market."
Jannick ten Hoor, Director of Restaurant & Bar, The Temple House
With a career spanning 14 years in China, Jannick ten Hoor has gained extensive experience and a deep understanding of the local hospitality market. At the Temple House, his efforts have been instrumental in enhancing the reputation, ensuring exceptional service and delivering high-quality dining experiences.
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“I’m happy that at EAST I can do what I love and deeply believe is great work.”
Kit Leung, Sous Chef at Domain, EAST Hong Kong
With more than two decades of pastry experience and a CV that includes three-Michelin-starred Joel Robuchon, Kit’s creativity has flourished during his time at EAST. When he’s not in the kitchen, you can find him surfing.
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"It is one of the greatest challenges and pleasures to come to work and make sure each guest is seen and taken care of. It is also what I hope for for the team when they come into work everyday; to be their authentic selves, and be seen and taken care of where they work. "
Gail Lanorias, Operations Manager at Salisterra, The Upper House
Gail's journey began at 19 when she decided to pursue a career in hospitality and leave behind her dream of studying ballet. It was at Yardbird that she met her mentor Elliot Faber, who introduced her to world of beverages. Under Elliot's guidance, Gail honed her skills as a sommelier and developed her unique style of creating minimal, elegant, and deceptively simple tipples.
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"Having been here since 2015, I'm a bit of a big sister or even mum to our team in the kitchen! It's a joy to work with and support all the young talent here."
Anne Li, Junior Sous Chef - Production Kitchen, The Temple House
Joining us as a chef de partie, Anne soon advanced to become a trainer for the department in 2017, and proudly stepped into her new role as junior sous chef in 2023. -
“Wellness is a holistic practice. It means exercise and diet, but also sleep, emotional wellbeing and many other aspects. Only by consistently cultivating good habits can we achieve an overall balance between mind and body.”
Kyle Zhou, Spa Manager, The Temple House
An integral part of the Mi Xun Spa team, Kyle has a passion for working sustainable practices and elements into the treatment process. -
“I see every room in a hotel as a story taking shape, some fun and wild leaving you absolutely stunned, and others sad yet touching – a full range of emotions and life. We, hoteliers, are a part of each story.”
Richard Fernandez, Executive Assistant Manager, EAST Miami
A hospitality professional through and through, Richard has been with Swire Hotels for the past seven years. When he’s not at EAST, he loves being outdoors, doing anything in or on the ocean and searching for locally kept secrets. -
“Guest satisfaction is the very foundation and backbone of the Houses’ success. We’re a group of individuals who happily and continuously strive for guests’ happiness. Nobody told us it would be this fun.“
Lewis Kim, Assistant Director of Guest Experience - The Middle House
After taking part in Swire Hotel’s operations management trainee programme in 2017, Lewis joined The Upper House and most recently took on the role of Guest Experience Liaison Manager. Originally from Seoul, he first grew interested in hospitality by the Korean Drama Hotelier. -
“Embracing change is one of the most important characteristics of our teams. Thinking Differently is what pushes the boundaries and makes us stand out from other hotels.”
Zelotes Lam, Assistant Director of Operations & Efficiency, Central Support Office
From management trainee to Assistant Director at our Central Support Office, Zelotes has worked at many of Swire Hotels’ properties over his eight years. He’s a natural-born leader, continually spearheading group initiatives to develop guest experience and productivity in our operations.
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“Work is a big part of my life, and I’m grateful it’s full of such joyous, memorable moments with our guests and my team.”
Ming Ng, Housekeeping, EAST Hong Kong
With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality world, Ming has been with EAST Housekeeping for more than a decade. And when she’s not at work, she enjoys playing with her dog and gardening at home.
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“Conventionally, we thought legal in-house is playing a supportive role to the business, but I truly believe we are here to help drive the culture, with efficiency, with passion and with hospitality to all those around us.”
Justen Li, Senior Legal Counsel, Swire Hotels
Aside from being the Legal Counsel for Swire Hotels, Justen is also a Chairman of Soap Cycling, works for multiple NGOs and the company’s Diversity and Inclusitivity initiatives, trying to chip in as much as possible in a world that needs supports.
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"Growing up, I was equally inspired by my mother’s traditional cooking and the international culinary influences of the city. I think this is why experimenting with unusual flavour combinations is such a big part of what I do at Sui Tang Li."
Tony Ye, Chef de Cuisine at Sui Tang Li, The Middle House
Born in Shanghai, Chef Tony has more than 20 years’ experience which he brings to Sui Tang Li's ever-evolving menu of creative and contemporary dishes influenced by Shanghainese, Sichuan and Cantonese regional cuisines.
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“Thank you to all Housekeeping teams I have worked with in my career to make me the person I am today.”
Lawrence Wong, Director of Housekeeping, The Upper House
Being part of the Swire Hotels family for over 12 years, Lawrence continues to bring his passion and expertise to lead his team every day. Recently, he has been awarded in The Stelliers Greater China 2021 Hotelier of the Year awards, a recognition well deserved.
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"A barber has long been the cornerstone of a gentleman's grooming regimen. A sharp haircut and a clean shave can completely transform a man's appearance and instil confidence. My mission is to do just that."
Herry Xu, Resident Barber at Mi Xun Spa, The Temple House
Herry has had a unique eye for fashion and beauty since childhood. After his graduation from the Hairdressing Institutes, he was invited to be the Technical Director of Action Hair Salon in Singapore for 3 years where the co-founder of Facebook, Mr Eduardo Saverin was one of his clients!
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"Genuine care is the key. We have built a bond with our guests and each time we welcome them back it feels like old friends reuniting."
K Ma, Assistant Director of Guest Experience, The Upper House
K Ma's nine year journey at the House has been meaningful and rewarding - starting from Guest Experience Assistant to Assistant Director of Guest Experience. His steadfast natrue, positive attitude and dedication have all played an integral role in nurturing relationships with guests that have grown and expanded into friendships.