BrandLaureate’s man and brand of the year
AN enclave that sits amid Ipoh’s limestone hills and virgin forests – the almost ethereal getaway known as The Haven Resort Hotel exists because of Peter Chan’s labour of love.
Some forty-five local and international accolades later, it is hard to believe that the luxury resort was not part of Chan’s initial vision.
“We were not so distinguished and outstanding to go to Ipoh to establish a resort,” said Chan.
During an exclusive interview with theSun’s Alyssa J. Oon, the CEO of The Haven shared that the development, originally intended for low-cost housing, found success relatively quickly. “From there we discovered there was potential in Ipoh, developed the potential, and soon everybody realised how idyllic, how attractive Ipoh is.”
The Haven is not your average run-of-the-mill luxury resort. It was envisioned as a getaway, ideated with three generational families in mind. “Grandparents cannot be left in any retirement home,” Chan humours and adds, “If you want your grandparents in a retirement home, put them in The Haven where they can enjoy themselves and have their grandchildren visit them.”
For a small company, it was a huge vision to materialise says Chan who shares (off the cuff) about the many challenges he faced and overcame. “We were conditioned of the fact that we were not big. We knew that. We were also not of the affluent and moneyed society. Our shareholders are not filthy rich, hence, we are not funded by a lot of money; we basically had to push hard all the way,” he reveals.
Thinking back, he shares that it was the hands behind the company “who has done and still does, everything on our own. This has made us become very hands-on.”
Just last week, Chan was honoured with two awards at the annual SMEs BestBrands Awards ceremony. Despite having swept up some of the most prestigious awards in the world, Chan was still moved and honoured.
“I was expecting an award,” he says, “but surely not two top awards,” he adds in jest.
Sincere and humble in demeanour, Chan believes he was given recognition for the many challenges he faced and overcame. A man of devout faith, he is known by industry associates and peers for his perseverance, gumption, mentorship, affability and vision. His response to that: “In my life, I’ve always tried to do the right thing. Whatever comes, I persevere to do the best and what’s right.”
For more information on this year’s winners, visit the BrandLaureate website.