For the Borneo Rainforest Lodge (BRL), the annual Sabah Hospitality Fiesta (SHF) serves as a crucial platform to gauge their standards.
“It is important to view this competition as a benchmark of the current quality of service that BRL can provide.
“This also reflects what it can become in the future of Malaysian hospitality,” said BRL Chief Operating Officer Freddie Coleman at the recent 24th Sabah Hospitality Fiesta 2024, held at the Sabah International Convention Centre.
BRL’s emphasis on youth development was put to the test, he noted.
The spirit of Bornean hospitality was ignited as the team showcased their skills against a competitive field of talent in the industry.
The outcome was encouraging, as BRL bagged a total of two silver and two bronze awards, finishing in 15th place out of 29 competing teams, including Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, who emerged as the overall winners.
“The success was a testament to their teamwork and dedication,” Coleman added.
They won a silver award in the P15 Black Box category, with the team led by Human Resources Manager Bernard Majawai, along with Chef Jack Haley, and supported by Junior Sous Chef Jaireh Johanis, who also won a bronze award in the P13 Black Box: Chef de Partie (CDP) category.
Frederick Liwu Yohanis from the Housekeeping Department secured a bronze award in the P17 Bed Making Challenge, while Banjey Sarun from the Property Maintenance Department earned a silver in the P18 Engineering Challenge.
According to Coleman, BRL designs training programmes annually for the team in collaboration with learning institutions such as University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF) and the Human Resource Development Department (JPSM), with the aim of producing quality hoteliers.
“The team must immerse themselves in experiences and challenges to reach their highest potential and capabilities,” he said.
