KEN Yeoh, 35, was once the man of the hour for the Malaysian budget hotel industry.
Within a span of two to three years, he managed to open more than 20 budget hotels.
Hence, many were caught by surprise when he suddenly withdrew from the hotel industry during its peak.
“Due to some factors, I did not get the support and trust of some shareholders. I chose to opt out, change my way of thinking, learn how to let go of things and be more open minded,” he said.
After a three-month break, he decided to start anew by founding 7 Days Hotel Management Sdn Bhd with three new partners.
The Green Hotel in Ampang is the company’s first budget hotel and is touted as Malaysia’s first hotel chain with an environmentally-friendly concept.
First attempt: The Green Hotel in Ampang is 7 Days Hotel Management Sdn Bhd’s first offering.
This marks Yeoh’s third foray in the industry and he gave himself a word of advice: Follow your goals, do not be affected by the views of others and persevere.
About 10 years ago, upon completing his courses in accountancy and finance, Yeoh ventured into the working world as a salesman, selling roof tiles and materials for canopies. A year later, he ventured into the renovation industry with some friends.
They invested around RM10,000 and the returns were bountiful. However, they began spending money like there was no tomorrow and racked up debts. When they realised that the company was in a financial crisis, it was too late.大
This was the first failure Yeoh, who was then 28 years old, encountered. Nevertheless, he persevered.
To save on expenses, he traded in his imported car for a second-hand car, collected debts everyday, and went around applying for a new job.
This lasted for a year, and with all the hardships he faced, it was the lowest point in his life.
Big plans: Yeoh plans to become a hotel consultant.
When he was 29, due to his frequent inter-state jobs, he realised that there were not many high quality budget hotels in Malaysia. Furthermore, many associated budget hotels with vice.
“So I thought, if only there were a well managed hotel that could provide guests a good night’s sleep in a safe environment.
“There must be good prospects for such hotels as many who have to travel for work only want a cheap hotel for a good night’s rest,” he said.
Thus, he invested the profits from his renovation business into the budget hotel business. Together with friends, he bought a motel and turned it into a decent looking hotel.
Within a year, they opened another four hotels and sold them off for RM1mil and got back their 40% share.
Yeoh realised tha,t to develop budget hotels, it is important to change the public’s perception of motels and budget hotels. Future plans include business hotels, and giving the hotels a facelift by changing the front desks, installing brighter lights and visible, glass entrances.
Since The Green Hotel’s opening in May, it is expected that three to five more Green Hotels will be launched this year.
Among its features are energy-saving air-conditioners, energy-saving LED lights, rainwater harvesting for the toilets, and the usage of natural plant-based detergents. The hotel will also change is mattresses, made from environmentally-friendly materials, every six years.
He believes that with these practices, he can shave RM30,000 off the RM400,000 needed to set up each hotel. However, the main aim of operating the hotel is to provide customers a comfortable place to rest.
The hotel is adorned with posters of its mascot, the “7 Days Baby”, to remind people of the importance of the environment, conservation, energy and water saving.
He added that the mascot’s concept originated from a China hotel chain that has more than 1,000 locations, and also serves as a reminder that he can reach the target of launching more hotels.
“In the future, we will introduce a soil-free cultivation method at the hotel so guests can purchase vegetable shoots or seeds to experience the joy of planting vegetables.
“If the guest is only staying for one night, the hotel employees will help to care for the plant and guests get see the growth process of the plant during their next visit. All vegetables will be sold and proceeds will be donated to charitable organisations,” he said.
The Green Hotel has 26 rooms, comprising of 22 double-bed rooms (from RM68 a night) and four family suites that can fit three to four people (RM118 a night). Extra beds will be charged at RM30. There will also be a TV room.
“We will introduce a membership card, so that members can enjoy special rates and collect points.
“In the future, we plan to collaborate with other businesses such as F&B outlets so that members can enjoy discounts there,” he said.
Yeoh is also contemplating changing his identify from “founder” to “hotel chain consultant”, to help others who are interested in opening their own hotel chains.
He truly believes that everyone has the opportunity to be an entrepreneur and with a clear goal and strong faith, dreams can come true.
The GREEN Hotel, 25-1, Jalan AWF1, Ampang Waterfront, Jalan Ampang, 68000 Ampang. www.thegreenhotel.com.my
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