Asia is one of the world’s most dynamic regions of the world for travel, tourism and hospitality. It’s Food and Beverages (F&B) sector has exploded in recent years, evolving rapidly with restaurants, hotels and venues constantly trying to find new ways to innovate. This is led by a few key leaders, such as Sonia Cheng, Loh Lik Peng and Phua Cheng Wan, seeking to take the sector to new heights through growth, unbelievable concepts, and heightening the consumer experience.
These figures often operate behind the scenes, with a focus on investment, growth, and market expansion. Their visions are the key to the success of the industry on the continent and its continued success. They include:
Loh Lik Peng is the CEO of the Unlisted Collection. A former lawyer turned hospitality innovator, Peng’s award winning portfolio of restaurants and hotels each demonstrate his commitment to pushing the envelope of what is possible and deliver an unforgettable guest experience. Based in Singapore, his brand combines modern dining with heritage buildings.
Christopher Mark and Syed Asum Hussain are the co-founders of Black Sheep Restaurants. Together, the pair have re-invented the Hong Kong F&B industry and now operate some of the city’s best restaurants. Each restaurant has a dedicated concept and offers consumers a unique narrative-driven culinary experience.
Phua Cheng Wan is a Singaporean investor and entrepreneur within the F&B industry, with a specific focus on concept development, growth strategy and market expansion. His operations have drawn significant recognition across Asia and have a focus on innovation in the rapidly evolving F&B market.
Duangporn ‘Bo’ Songvisava & Dylan Jones are the couple at the heart of Bo.lan, a Thai restaurant seeking to return the best Thai food to Thailand. The have established themselves as sustainability pioneers in the Thai dining scene. Working closely with local farmers and adapting its menu to lessen its environmental impact. Through its work, Bo.lan is preserving Thai culinary heritage and making an unforgettable dining experience.
Atchara Burarak is the founder and creative director of the Iberry Group. What started with an ice cream shop in 1999 has now expanded to over 100 branches and 13 different brands. Each of Burarak’s restaurants has a unique feel and specialism, focused on promoting individual elements of Thai cuisine.
Sonia Cheng is the CEO of the Rosewood Hotel Group in Hong Kong and the executive director of the New World Development and the Vice-President of her family’s Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group. She oversees more than 40 properties in operation across 20 countries. Known for getting intricately involved in the design of the each of the hotel restaurants, she has been celebrated for her style and was named among the Hospitality Institute’s Global 100 most powerful in hospitality in 2022.
Yenn Wong is a Singaporean restauranteur and CEO of JIA Group and runs 12 restaurants across Hong Kong. Wong She build JIA, which means “home” in Mandarin, in 2010 and now boasts the Michelin-starred Ando, Duddell’s and Louise. She has said the key to her success is to not to play too safe, and “don’t be afraid to stand out and make a splash.”
Each one of these dynamic individuals has been key to the success of the Asian F&B market and each will be crucial as the industry looks to grow in the coming years.
