Business

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


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.

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Historic Appointment: Pope Francis Names First Woman to Lead Major Vatican Office


In a groundbreaking move, Pope Francis has appointed Sister Simona Brambilla, an Italian nun, as the first woman to head a major Vatican office. This historic decision marks a significant step in the Pope’s efforts to give women more leadership roles in the Catholic Church.

Sister Simona, 59, will lead the Dicastery for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, which oversees all Catholic religious orders, including the Jesuits and Franciscans. She brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as the second-in-command in the religious orders department since last year.

A New Era for Women in the Catholic Church

Pope Francis’ decision to appoint a woman to lead a major Vatican office is a significant milestone in the Catholic Church’s journey towards greater inclusivity and equality. While women have held important roles in the Church throughout history, this appointment marks a new era of leadership and recognition for women’s contributions.

A Leader with a Deep Understanding of Religious Life

Sister Simona is a member of the Consolata Missionaries religious order and has dedicated her life to serving others. Her experience and expertise will be invaluable in her new role, as she works to support and guide the many religious orders and communities that make up the Catholic Church.

A New Chapter for the Vatican

As Sister Simona begins her new role, the Vatican enters a new chapter in its history. This appointment is a testament to Pope Francis’ commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable Church, and marks an important step towards a brighter future for all Catholics.