Mohd Ilyas is AHRA's new president

THE Asean Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHRA) recently elected Datuk Mohd Ilyas Zainol Abidin as its new president for the term 2011-2013.At its annual general meeting in Cambodia, AHRA members expressed confidence that Mohd Ilyas, who is also the group general manager of De Palma Hotels, will bring the hospitality industry in Asean to greater heights.

Set up 40 years ago, AHRA is an umbrella body that promotes hotel and tourism development in the region and endeavours to provide a platform for sharing of ideas and information among the national hotel and restaurant associations in Asean.

Mohd Ilyas started his career with the Kuala Lumpur Hilton where he held various operational and management positions since 1972.Throughout his 20-year term with Hilton International, he had opportunities to interact with various portfolios, including marketing, front office, development, renovations, food & beverage management, maintenance and security.

His active involvement in the hotel industry led him to become the president of the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) in 2002.Mohd Ilyas also serves as a board member of Tourism Malaysia and Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Bhd.

Source = thesundaily