Tag: Malaysia

International

Padma Shri Sadguru Brahmeshanand Acharya Swamiji Addresses Global Faith Leaders at Malaysia Summit

Tanisha Cardozo

In a significant moment for interfaith collaboration, Padma Shri Sadguru Brahmeshanand Acharya Swamiji delivered an inspiring address at the 2nd International Summit of Religious Leaders 2025, held in Malaysia 🇲🇾. The summit brought together spiritual leaders, global policymakers, and religious scholars with the collective goal of building pathways to peace, conflict resolution, and harmonious coexistence.

The event was graced by the esteemed presence of His Excellency Dato’ Sri Anwar bin Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, who reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to interreligious unity and dialogue. Also present were His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, and His Excellency Senator Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohammad Naim bin Haji Mokhtar, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Religious Affairs).

Representing the Indian spiritual tradition, Sadguru Brahmeshanand Acharya Swamiji emphasized the ancient yet ever-relevant values of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the belief that the world is one family. His speech highlighted the necessity of nurturing compassion, dialogue, and shared responsibility among all faiths to counter the divisive forces threatening global peace.

Swamiji’s presence at the summit underlined the vital role that India’s Sanatan Dharma plays in the global discourse on peace and spirituality. His call for practical action over rhetoric, and mutual respect over division, struck a chord with religious leaders and policymakers from around the world.

As conflict, intolerance, and polarization continue to challenge global societies, the summit served as a beacon of hope — showing that when spiritual leaders unite with sincerity and purpose, meaningful progress is not just possible, but inevitable.

The 2nd International Summit of Religious Leaders 2025 concluded with a renewed collective pledge to promote faith-based cooperation, preserve cultural heritage, and uphold human dignity worldwide.

Business

Kuok Hui Kwong Takes Over as CEO of Shangri-La Asia, Starting August 1

allycaralgoa

In a significant leadership reshuffle, Kuok Hui Kwong has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer of Shangri-La Asia, effective August 1. A prominent name in Asian business circles and the daughter of Malaysian billionaire Robert Kuok, she brings a wealth of experience, academic pedigree, and family legacy to the iconic hospitality brand.

Having joined the company in 2014, Kuok Hui Kwong has been deeply involved in strategic decisions, serving as executive director and chairman since 2017. Her appointment as CEO marks a consolidation of leadership roles that is expected to enhance strategic alignment and operational efficiency across the group.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in East Asian Studies from Harvard University and has served in leadership roles at SCMP Group and Bangkok Post, strengthening her profile in media and management before fully committing to the family’s hospitality empire.

Her employment contract includes a monthly base salary of USD 73,000, along with a discretionary bonus and pension, underlining the high stakes and expectations tied to her new role.

Her father, Robert Kuok, is known as Malaysia’s richest man, with a net worth of USD 12.4 billion (as of July 2023). He founded Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts in 1971, and the group has since grown into a major force in luxury hospitality.

Despite a modest 2% revenue increase in 2024, reaching USD 2.19 billion, Shangri-La Asia’s net profit declined by 12.3% to USD 161.4 million, highlighting the competitive and shifting landscape the new CEO must navigate.

Kuok Hui Kwong’s leadership is anticipated to inject renewed vision and execution strength into the company. As someone deeply familiar with both the operational and familial heritage of the business, she is well-positioned to steer Shangri-La into a new era of global relevance and resilience.