Sharing his leadership principles, professional experiences and vision for Crowne Plaza Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuljit Singh had a recent chat with NiagaTimes, revealing his career evolution, challenges in management philosophy and his long-term aspirations for growth.
Kuljit Singh, a certified chartered accountant, began his professional journey in finance. After graduating in Australia, he returned to Kuala Lumpur to work with one of Malaysia’s most prominent audit and accounting firms. However, after a few years in finance, he sought a new challenge and transitioned into the commercial sector, joining a local conglomerate’s hotel division. This move sparked his passion for the hospitality industry, leading him to fully immerse himself in hotel operations. With 22 years of experience, Kuljit took on his latest role in March 2023 as the General Manager of Crowne Plaza KLCC.
One of the world’s largest upscale hotel brands under InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Crowne Plaza has a storied history in Kuala Lumpur. Originally established as Crowne Plaza Mutiara, the hotel was one of the city’s landmarks before its closure in 2013. Now, a decade later, the prestigious name has returned, featuring a blend of contemporary chic and Malaysian tropical rainforest-inspired design. “Every detail of the hotel embodies an earthy aesthetic, from the interiors to the furniture. Even the function rooms reflect this natural theme, named after native Malaysian woods, such as Balau, Nyatoh, Jati and Cengal,” explains Kuljit.
“Crowne Plaza offers a balance of work and play,” Kuljit remarks. Situated in the heart of the city, it provides guests with unparalleled convenience, being just minutes away from Kuala Lumpur’s major tourist attractions. Its modern and spacious rooms, designed for both comfort and efficiency, are another key highlight. “Our contemporary rooms play a big role in securing people’s hearts,” he adds, emphasising their appeal to both business and leisure travellers.
A standout feature of the hotel is Le Midi, the rooftop French dining concept located on the 32nd floor. With classic brasserie fare and elegant design as its signature elements, this recently award-winning restaurant offers an exquisite culinary escape. The hotel also boasts extensive co-working spaces, versatile meeting rooms and a grand ballroom, making it a distinguished choice for business meetups, corporate events and celebrations.
Kuljit credits the success of Crowne Plaza KLCC to the dedicated efforts of various stakeholders. He expresses his deep gratitude to Yuk Tung Properties Sdn Bhd, the hotel’s owner, for their commitment to making Crowne Plaza their first successful hotel venture. He also acknowledges IHG for its global reputation and support in ensuring excellence. Most importantly, he commends his team. “Our staff have poured their blood, sweat and tears into maintaining the hotel’s high standards. Together, we strive for success,” he asserts.
As a leader, Kuljit believes in empowering his team rather than micromanaging. “That is not my style,” he says with confidence. He trusts his executive committee and senior leadership team to manage operations efficiently, fostering a systematic and cohesive work environment. His leadership philosophy is based on collaboration and trust, ensuring the hotel runs smoothly even in his absence.
Despite his demanding role, Kuljit understands the importance of maintaining a work-life balance. “I make time for myself, knowing that a strong team is in place to handle hotel operations seamlessly. This balance enables me to bring renewed energy and focus to my responsibilities,” he says.
Looking ahead, Kuljit envisions Crowne Plaza KLCC becoming a leading five-star premium hotel, not just in Kuala Lumpur but across Malaysia. “With a commitment to excellence and a clear vision for the future, we are determined to elevate the hotel’s standing in the luxury hospitality market,” says Kuljit. Under his leadership, Crowne Plaza KLCC is poised to achieve remarkable success, offering guests an exceptional stay in the heart of the city.
