1. Chatrium is one of Yangon’s treasured landmarks. What are the key factors behind its long-standing success and sustainable service in the heart of the city? How has your team contributed to building and preserving this legacy?

Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon is indeed a treasured landmark in the city. Its long-standing success and ability to maintain sustainable service, even through various challenges the industry is facing right now, can be attributed to a combination of key factors. As Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon is situated at the prime location right by the serene Kandawgyi Lake and adjacent to Kandawgyi Natural Park, the hotel offers a tranquil "city resort" atmosphere. Many of its guestrooms and public areas offer breathtaking, unobstructed views of the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, especially stunning at sunrise and sunset. This iconic view is a major draw for both international tourists and local staycationers. Secondly, the hotel's classic and elegant design, inspired by English Colonial style with Asian influences, gives it a timeless and grand appeal, contributing to its landmark status. The hotel also has a wide range of facilities that appeal to various guests: multiple dining options (international, Japanese, Chinese), a large outdoor swimming pool with a resort-like feel, a well-equipped fitness center, spa services, a hair and beauty lounge, and extensive meeting and banquet facilities. This makes it a self-contained destination for business travelers or holiday makes. “Dedicated and Friendly Staff”, “Exceptional Service and Local Hospitality”, “Genuine Myanmar hospitality creates memorable experiences” …. These are perhaps the most consistently highlighted factors in our guests’ reviews. We also have invested in several training programs (including annual free hospitality training program for young locals) to develop their skills and empower front-line staff to make decisions for quick customer service. This fosters a strong, committed local team. With the Customer-Centric Approach, the team conducts regular surveys to review customer experience journeys and aims for high guest satisfaction

I am very honoured and proud to be part of the legacy of Chatrium.

2. What makes Chatrium Hotel unique in Yangon’s hospitality scene, and what are some of the values or principles that guide your team’s service?

At Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon, excellence is not just a goal—it’s a way of life. The hotel’s distinctiveness stems from a deeply rooted set of values and principles that shape every guest experience -such as Customer-centric Culture, Family Spirit, Excellence in Every Role, Attention to Details, Proactive Communication and collaboration among team members. The hotel embodies our Corporate Principles “ETHOS” —Engagement, Teamwork, Honesty, Ownership, and Satisfaction—in every interaction. This framework empowers staff to take initiative, act with integrity, and deliver joy to every guest. Together, these principles create a hotel experience that is not only luxurious but also deeply personal and authentically Myanmar. Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a place to feel truly cared for.

3. As a woman in a leadership position, what are some challenges you've overcome and the accomplishments you are most proud of?

In my earlier years of my career, I have heard that there is a glass ceiling for women leaders in Hospitality Industry. Until today, Hospitality is still a traditionally male-dominated Industry though many women leaders have made their ways up to the top leadership roles. If I may recall, some of the challenges I’ve faced as a woman in leadership is navigating traditional expectations, understanding the underlying preconception during the business dealings, and I also often had to prove my credibility twice as hard—especially when leading strategic initiatives or negotiating with senior stakeholders. Another challenge is making my voice heard in high-stakes meetings—especially when surrounded by more dominant personalities or traditional mindsets where I had to be more assertive and strategic to ensure my contributions were acknowledged. To overcome those challenges, I got to prepare thoroughly prior to any meetings, building allies and learning to speak with clarity and confidence.

It is important for women leaders to stay grounded in their values, building strong relationships, and continuously investing in personal growth.

One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is mentoring and developing numerous women leaders throughout my career, helping them grow both professionally and personally.

4. How does Chatrium Hotel contribute to the local community or promote sustainability within the tourism and hospitality industry?

Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon demonstrates our commitment to the local community and sustainability within the tourism and hospitality industry through employment, talent development, and direct support for social and educational initiatives. Simultaneously, it promotes sustainability within industry through a comprehensive "Think First, Think Earth" strategy that addresses environmental impact, responsible sourcing, and adherence to international sustainability frameworks like the UN Global Compact.

Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon, aligning with the broader "Think First, Think Earth" philosophy of the Chatrium Hotels & Residences group. Some of the initiatives of our overarching sustainability philosophy “Think First, Think Earth" Program are Waste Reduction and Recycling, Energy Conservation, Water Management, Responsible Sourcing, Greener Spaces and Tree Planting, and Environmental Awareness training to all staff members. As part of our on-going effort to reduce single use plastic, hotel has removed all plastic drinking water bottles at the meetings and events over the past years.

Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon has been a signatory of the UN Global Compact since 2015. This is a significant step towards institutionalizing sustainable practices and this also signals dedication to responsible business practices.

Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon was awarded ASEAN Green Hotel Standard award (for 2024-2026), ASEAN MICE Venue Standard, Event Venue Category (for 2024-2026) and ASEAN Spa Service Standard (for 2025) and Best Performance Award at FDI/JV Hotel Category awarded by Ministry of Hotels & Tourism (for 2024).  Winning these awards signifies our adherence to regional environmental standards, our commitment to sustainable practices within the event operations and Spa Services.

Chatrium Academy offers free vocational hospitality training for 33 students every year. The program consists of 1 month classroom training and 3 months internship program. Currently we are running our 13th Batch.

5. What role do you see FMCCI playing in supporting the hospitality and tourism sector, especially in challenging times like these?

Myanmar's hospitality and tourism sector is currently facing significant challenges due to several factors including political, economic and social. In such an environment, the French Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FMCCI) can play a crucial role in supporting the sector. During my tenure as Chairperson at Myanmar Tourism Marketing in 2019, MTM and FMCCI collaborated for #COMETOMYANMAR Video Campaign which was a great success. FMCCI has been continuously supporting Human resources, talent and skills development which support the business continuity of many organizations in Myanmar. Given the current circumstances and challenges, the scopes might be limited but FMCCI can keep playing vital role in sustaining all the infinitives and contribute to the eventual recovery of hospitality and tourism sector.  

6. How do you personally stay motivated and lead your team through uncertainty or change, especially in challenging times like these?

I have been through ups and downs of hospitality industry in past 3 decades and probably this is the toughest and most challenging time. Staying motivated and keeping your smile is not easy. Trust me, I did have many moments of “don’t know what to do anymore” ! During those moments, I reflected, reminded myself and reconnected with my passion and purpose. Most importantly, I’ve also learned that challenges are not roadblocks—they can be opportunities to grow, innovate, and lead with empathy. That mindset keeps me going, even when the path ahead isn’t clear." In time of darkness, you can be the light that shows up with hope, resilience, and purpose.

7. Any advice you’d like to share with young professionals who aspire to take on leadership roles in hospitality?

"Hospitality is a wonderful industry built on service, empathy, and human connection. For young professionals aspiring to lead, my advice is to start by leading yourself—develop discipline, emotional intelligence, and a strong sense of passion with purpose.

Be curious. Learn every aspect of the business, from front-of-house to back-end operations. The best leaders understand the details and respect every role.  Stay humble, but don’t be afraid to speak up. Your ideas matter, and your voice can shape the future of hospitality. Build relationships, not just networks. Leadership is about people—how you inspire, support, and grow with them.

And finally, be the Light. In moments of challenge or change, let your values guide you. Lead with integrity and always strive to leave the legacy behind you."