Tew: Zenith Aim Group plans to grow its hospitality division by building beachfront resorts

 By Sharen Kaur - Published in NST Property on June 17, 2022 

Datuk Sri Tew Kim Thin, the founder and executive chairman of Zenith Aim Group, wants to build beachfront resorts on Malaysia's east coast, as well as in Sabah, Sarawak, and Langkawi. Photo/Sharen Kaur

sharen@nst.com.my

Zenith Aim Group, a private homegrown property developer, intends to build three to five new hotels and resorts, to expand its hospitality division.

Datuk Sri Tew Kim Thin, the group's founder and executive chairman, told NST Property that he is considering building a five-star beachfront hotel with more than 250 rooms on the border of Pahang and Terengganu.

According to him, Zenith Aim Group is working on a plan to develop roughly 60 acres of land on Chendor Beach.

The property developer and entrepreneur from Banting is also planning beachfront resorts in Langkawi, Sabah, and Sarawak, as well as a business hotel in Kuantan, Pahang.

"We currently own a city hotel, a lakefront hotel, and a highland resort. What we lack is a beachfront resort. We have land on Chendor Beach and are looking for suitable locations in Langkawi, Sabah, and Sarawak. We hope to have more properties in three to five years." he said.

Tew has ruled out purchasing existing resorts and hotels.

"We are not interested in taking over existing or abandoned properties. It's not worth it because we have to spend a lot of time fixing up the property and it can be stressful. We prefer to build from the ground up using our concept and design," he said.

Zenith Aim Group was founded in 1989 as an earthwork and infrastructure company by Tew and his brothers.

The Putrajaya-based group gradually established itself as a prominent property developer and management firm.

Zenith Putrajaya opened in 2018 and is popular with both business and leisure travellers, as well as weddings and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions). Photo/Sharen Kaur

Zenith Aim Group currently owns and operates Zenith Kuantan in Pahang (opened in 2010), Zenith Putrajaya (opened in 2018), and Zenith Cameron Highlands in Cameron Highlands (opened in 2021).

All three are five-star eco-friendly properties that operate under Zenith, the group's in-house brand.

It also operates a shopping mall in Kuantan and convention centres.

"Our goal is to build the brand and expand our hotel network. We like the hotel business. It will do well if you build a hotel in a good location that is easily accessible, has a good concept, and is close to leisure and entertainment centres. All of our hotels are popular with both business and leisure travellers. They're also popular for weddings and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions).

"We took a brave step by opening Zenith Cameron Highlands amid the pandemic, and I am pleased to say that it is doing well. Our core intention is to provide and deliver better service and more convenient accommodation for the people and visitors who come to Cameron Highlands. Now that the country has reached the endemic stage, the leisure and corporate sectors are picking up," he said.