KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – 10 May 2024 – Marriott International in Malaysia launched “Kumandang”, a first-of-its-kind collaboration with renowned Malaysian artiste Alif Satar & The Locos to showcase Marriott’s hospitality excellence through the power of music.
The campaign started as a spirited songwriting competition for the associates of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of hotels and resorts in Malaysia, inspired by Marriott’s service culture and its seven hospitality principles of Warmth and Welcome, Attentiveness, Efficiency, Empathy, Communication, Flexibility and Consistency. Amidst an impressive array of over 35 entries, Fairfield by Marriott Bintulu Paragon emerged as the winner and was featured in the “Kumandang” song and music video with Alif Satar & The Locos.
The launch ceremony, supported by Global Payments, was hosted by Ramesh Jackson, Area Vice President for Indonesia & Malaysia, Marriott International and graced by Manoharan Periasamy, Director-General for Tourism Malaysia, along with Alif Satar and The Locos – Efry Arwis, Faliq Auri, and Tam Cobain. Among the other notable attendees were Robin Rangel, Country Manager of Global Payments; George Varughese, Multi-Property Vice President of Putrajaya & Greater KL, Marriott International; and Sabrina Abdullah, Country Director of Human Resources, Marriott International.
“We have been doing business here in Malaysia since 1996, a time when Malaysian hospitality was at its peak and renowned world over. We were known for going above and beyond to serve our guests. And everything we did was from the heart, with a great sense of pride and enthusiasm…and always, always with a smile,” said Ramesh Jackson, Area Vice President, Indonesia & Malaysia, Marriott International.
“We needed to be reminded of the qualities that made us who we are in the first place and recommit to the values that define us. In simpler words, we want to be the best and to look after our guests as they truly deserve. Malaysia welcomed almost 6 million foreign tourist arrivals into Q1 this year, a growth of 32.5% compared to last year. In 2025, 32 million tourists are forecasted to arrive, spurred by Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN that will be held that year. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to rekindle the spirit of Malaysian hospitality and this collaboration exemplifies our hotels and resorts’ ongoing commitment to exceeding guest expectations, fostering deep connections, and championing hospitality excellence,”
Experience the harmony of ‘Kumandang’ by viewing the music video on YouTube titled “Kumandang X Alif Satar & The Locos.”
#MarriottBonvoy #MarriottInternational #MarriottKumandang #MYKumandang
“Kumandang” will be followed by Marriott International’s upcoming employer branding initiative, Marriott Bonvoy Be Bus campaign very soon. This is also a first for Malaysia as Marriott International embarks on a nationwide roadshow to bring employment opportunities to potential talents.
