Last updated on December 25, 2025
SINGAPORE: From the luxury corridors of Shangri-La to the tropical villas of Pimalai, Asia’s family-run hotel groups are seeing a new generation of female leaders take the helm. These women are combining family legacy with modern strategy to shape the future of hospitality across the region.
The latest to join this ranks is Kuok Hui Kwong, appointed CEO of Shangri-La Asia on Aug 1, 2025. The daughter of Malaysia’s richest man, Robert Kuok, she is the sixth of his eight children and has been the group’s executive director since 2016 and chairwoman since 2017. A Harvard graduate and former CEO of the South China Morning Post, she oversees a portfolio of more than 100 hotels worldwide.
Below are the 10 women redefining leadership in Asia’s family-led hospitality groups:
Kuok Hui Kwong — Shangri-La Asia
Background: Harvard-educated, former CEO of South China Morning Post
Family: Daughter of Robert Kuok Hock Nien
Portfolio: Over 100 hotels under Shangri-La, Kerry, Hotel Jen, and Traders
Note: Group owned 81 of these properties as of FY2024
Wee Wei Ling — Pan Pacific Hotels Group
Background: Nanyang University political science graduate, 36 years in hospitality
Family: Daughter of late UOB banker Wee Cho Yaw
Role: Oversees asset management and sustainability strategy for Pan Pacific, Parkroyal Collection, and Parkroyal brands
Other Work: Co-founded charity Extra.Ordinary People
Nikki Ng — Sino Group
Background: Yale graduate, joined Sino Group in 2002
Family: Eldest daughter of Robert Ng Chee Siong, granddaughter of Ng Teng Fong
Role: Non-executive director and director of philanthropy
Notable Initiatives: Hong Kong Innovation Foundation, Farm Together
Sonia Cheng — Rosewood Hotel Group
Background: Harvard-trained in applied mathematics; banking and finance career before hospitality
Family: Granddaughter of Cheng Yu-tung (New World Development, Chow Tai Fook)
Role: CEO since 2011; expanded portfolio globally
Innovations: Launched Rosewood London, Asaya wellness, Rosewood Explorers Club, Carlyle & Co.
Lee Boo-jin — Hotel Shilla
Background: Yonsei University graduate; ranked ninth-richest person in Korea (Forbes 2025)
Family: Daughter of Lee Kun-hee (Samsung Group), sister of Lee Jae-yong
Role: CEO since 2011; operates 19 luxury hotels and duty-free stores at Incheon and Changi airports
Ho Ren Yung — Banyan Group
Background: London School of Economics graduate
Family: Daughter of Banyan Group founders Ho Kwon Ping and Claire Chiang
Role: Deputy CEO; oversaw 18 hotel openings in 2024
Other Work: Co-founder of Kennel co-working space; active in Asia Gender Network
Naphaporn Bodiratnangkura — Nai Lert Group
Background: Studied at University of Surrey and Parsons School of Design
Family: Fourth-generation leader of Nai Lert Group
Role: CEO; expanding family’s hospitality, real estate, education, and cultural ventures
Dawn Teo — Amara Hotels and Resorts
Background: Wharton School graduate; 15 years in banking before hospitality
Family: Great-granddaughter of Amara founder Teo Teck Huat
Role: COO; oversees Amara Singapore, other regional properties
Other Work: Co-founder of Objectifs – Centre for Photography and Film
Charintip Tiyaphorn — Pimalai Resort & Spa
Background: Career in auditing; master’s in marketing and management
Family: Daughter of Pimalai founder Anurat Tiyaphorn
Role: Owner-representative; leads sustainability-focused luxury resort on Koh Lanta
Carolyn Choo — Worldwide Hotels Group
Background: Former bank management trainee; joined family business in 2002
Family: Daughter of billionaire hotelier Choo Chong Ngen
Role: CEO and managing director; oversees Hotel 81, Novotel Singapore on Kitchener, Mercure Icon, and 11 other Asia-Pacific hotels
Disclaimer: This article may include information sourced from official statements, regulatory filings, public disclosures, or third-party reporting. The Ledger Asia provides editorial context and regional relevance where applicable. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, not all data or claims cited may be independently verified at the time of publication.
