CEKKMATE - Cititel Express KK

We recieved more items today. Our Purchasing Officer, AR was busy receiving and storing them. Chairs, tables, vacuum cleaners, filing cabinets are just a few of these items.

Housekeeping custom made filing cabinet was installed by the supplier. Then TV brackets for all rooms on 1st floor were also installed by the supplier and our Engineering staff. On the front drive way, the special design floor tiles with Kadazan motif also begins to take shape. The room number sign was also finalised. It has silver background with black number.

PCS was scheduled for the week of 22-26 June in Boulevard Hotel. All configuration and system set up will be done in KL and the machines will be shipped out by 28/06/09. I flew to KL on 24th morning and we wrap up everything on 26th. The idea is to have a system that is able to capture all the essentials yet do not burden the staff with all the processes. Although the Opera System is the "Lite" version, it is sufficient. Together with Elaine Wong of Micros Fidelio, Serena Tan, Thevan and Lily put in hours of work to complete the tasks.

I have the privilege to attend The Gardens Hotel & Residences one year anniversary cake cutting at the Executive Lounge on 25th June 2009.

On 26th June morning, Jeane and I had a discussion with TBL over the outlook of 2010. The labour cost issue was discussed. The marketing of CEKK over the internet is a significant factor. TBL emphasize on the key factor that the hotel must be clean, comfortable and safe. CEKK will be the model for future Express and thus all the pitfalls and success stories are to be shared.

The yearly GM/FC Conference was held at CMV. Mr R. Tan gave the opening address which was followed by picture taking. In his address, Mr. Tan expressed his desire to venture into China for a big scale hotel and all GMs were told to be mobile.

Our MD posed the question on our position in the travel trade industry. Are we silent in this area? Another issue is on guest recognistion program which the group would like to embark but with minimum management. He also spoke about the need of yield management in the group.

During the conference, Marketing and Rooms, Engineering, and Finance made various presenations. On line booking, cross selling and advertsement campaign in the various media were discussed. Marketing plan, accuracy and timely submission were emphasized by Group FC. Central Purchasing and group procurement was another topic that was shared.

The conference also allowed the various GMs to present an overview of their respective hotel. Best practices, opportunites and challenges faced by each hotel were also shared.

In the closing remark, the MD spoke about the need to outsource certain services. However, with the expanding of the group, insource is also a possibility. He also announced that the GM and RM for St Giles Makati has been identified and the hotel is due to open in early 2010.

A cocktail dinner was later held at Ri-Yakitori. We all had fun as Tony, Jimmy and Jessie shared their jokes and stories. It was a satisfactory enjoying yet thought provoking day.

JL and GC flew in to conduct interview for the Marketing and Security posts that are still vacant. GC also refined the CCTV plan of the building.

We have the interview in Hyatt lobby lounge and it was succesful as we are able to finalised on the key positions.

In the afternoon, GC and I paid a courtesy visit to OCPD Sufi at Karamusing Police station. OCPD was courteous and warmly welcomed us to his office. OCPD mentioned that crime rate in KK is under control and we assured him of our co-operation in carry out our civic duty. As we are only a stone throw away from each other, we will be good neighbour.

Dato EL and KS came on June 4th and we have a good tour of the building and held discussion on issues such as lock set, office lay out, cable and CCTV plan, parking space outsource, delivery schedule and medical welfare for staff.

On 5th June, TBL came for a day trip. We had a meeting with all the contractors and sub-contractor and the major issue of having power supply from SESB was ironed out and settled. Our sub-station will finally be connected.

BL also had separate discusion with us. He was briefed on our manning guide and hiring schedule as well as our plan in preparing the rooms. As far as marketing the hotel, he was excited to offer rebate to guest who made on line booking with choices such as early check out or late check in.

Our concern is the delivery of lock set, linen, mattress and all the necessary amenity on the first week of July as TBL and company will check in and stay in the hotel in mid-July for 2 nights. They will be the first unofficial guests to test the hotel.

The mailbox is exploding with applications as the closing date of 25th May 2009 came. The mailbox was so full that many more applications was hand delivered to the construction Clerk of Work on site. As I Spent another two days on 25th and 26th May to short list and interviewed staff. Unfortunately the air-cond in the office broke down and I felt sorry for the lady who kept wiping her brows as her make up melted under her sweat.

Also spent the week replying and calling the unsuccessful candidates. Again, all of them are courteous and took the negative news well.