PRI²DE Outstanding Employee Awards – Winner Stories at a Glance

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31 Jul 2026

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At HKR International, excellence extends far beyond job titles. The recipients of the 2025 PRI²DE Outstanding Employee Awards perfectly exemplify what it means to go above and beyond. Representing diverse roles across the organisation, they all share one defining quality: turning ordinary moments into extraordinary contributions through exceptional care. Here are their inspiring stories:

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Outstanding Employee Team Award

Discovery Bay Recreation Club Pickleball Team - Showcasing Discovery Bay on Internation Stage with Dedication and Passion

For the second consecutive year, the Discovery Bay Recreation Club secured hosting rights for the World Pickleball Championship, bringing this international tournament to Discovery Bay. Over three days, more than 800 players from 16 countries and regions competed in over 1,600 matches. Beyond the impressive figures, the achievement reflects the team’s ability to deliver with remarkable efficiency. Within five months, one tennis court was transformed into five pickleball courts, with lighting and surfacing works completed in parallel. Drawing on lessons from 2024, phased setups, enhanced cleaning, and rapid recovery strategies were implemented to minimise operational impact.

The tournament drove the total court bookings to skyrocket by around 175% - alongside an increase in membership growth and F&B revenue. More significant than the figures was the inter‑departmental friendly match, which brought colleagues from the Discovery Bay Golf Club, Lantau Yacht Club, and Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong on court. This is a great example of how a well‑planned event driven by “Devotion” can serve as a powerful catalyst for community cohesion.

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My Favourite Outstanding Team Award

Summer Canvas Pavilion Pop-Up Café Team – Showcasing the Strength of Cross-Departmental Synergy

Through the collective efforts of Sales & Marketing, F&B, Events, and Housekeeping teams, the wedding‑exclusive Pavilion was successfully re‑positioned as the Summer Canvas Pop-up Café. Operating during weekend from 2–7pm, the café saw a steady rise in footfall over its 20-day run, while generating impressive light refreshment revenue and widespread media exposure.

Centred on the “Summer Canvas” narrative - portraying the Pavilion as a blank canvas for dreamy experiences – the venue was transformed into a popular photo spot. Siezing this momentum, the Events team further engaged visitors by sharing the rich heritage of the Pavilion and promoting wedding packages, resulting in a continuous flow of inquiries after the campaign concluded. Through this innovative pop-up event, the team showcased true “Devotion” to service excellence and the power of cross-departmental synergy.

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Outstanding Employee Award Winner and My Favourite Outstanding Employee

Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong: Florist Supervisor Housekeeping - Florist & Gardening

Luby Poon – Discovery Bay’s “Master of Floral Design”

Luby is not only a florist but a storyteller who breathes life into floral design. From romantic weddings at The Pavilion to the floral arrangements gracing the hotel lobby, guestrooms, restaurants and Lantau Yacht Club, she manages every aspect of design, sourcing, and execution with precision. During Halloween, her “Día de los Muertos” creations captivated Mexican guests, beautifully evoking treasured memories of home. Festive occasions such as Christmas, Lunar New Year and Easter served as her dynamic platforms to showcase “Innovation”.

In her pursuit of excellence, she visits local flower markets and sources unique materials through online platforms. Equally inspiring is Luby’s seven-year practice in sound-bowl therapy; with support from her supervisor, she has woven this passion into the hotel’s holistic wellness workshop. Luby’s work transcends decoration – she transforms spaces into memorable experiences that guests are inspired to capture, revisit and cherish.

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Runner up

The Sukhothai Bangkok: Director of Engineering, Engineering

Anucha Triphathan - The Hotel’s “Protector of Sustainability”

Anucha is both an engineer and a steward of the environment. Having dedicated 35 years of service to The Sukhothai Bangkok, he has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to energy efficiency and waste reduction technologies, while leading various sustainability initiatives.

Between 2024 and 2025, he led two major sustainability projects: the installation of a high-performance chiller plant and an advanced wastewater treatment plant utilising MBBR technology. Collectively, these projects have reduced carbon emissions by approximately 867,000 kg annually and recycled around 150 cubic metres of reclaimed water daily for landscaping, significantly lowering operational costs and eco-impact. These achievements have earned the hotel national recognition, positioning it as a benchmark for sustainable development in Thailand’s hospitality sector. Consequentially, the hotel was invited to showcase its outstanding practices at a national seminar hosted by Thailand’s Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, Thailand. Anucha’s “Innovation” has not only elevated the hotel’s ESG performance but has also set new benchmarks for innovation in sustainable hospitality.

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Runner-up

DBTPL / Passenger: Engineer I

Fung Wai Man - A “Trusted Maritime Mentor” with 24 Years at Sea

Mr. Fung is a seasoned engineer who, despite his senior rank, has remained humble and approachable. Over the past 24 years, he has navigated not only vessels but also knowledge sharing. Upholding a consistent attitude towards lifelong learning, he has progressed from engineer to one of the fleet’s most respected leaders.

In the company’s new staff training programme, he served as a mentor and storyteller, simplifying complex concepts with clarity. During ferry guided tours, he is consistently valued by students for his warm smile and patient explanations that inspire the next generation’s love for the sea. He exemplifies the corporate value of “Respect” - safeguarding vessels while nurturing team spirit and a culture of learning.

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Runner-up

The Sukhothai Shanghai: Public Area Attendant, Housekeeping

Kate Yan – The Hotel’s “Silent Guardian”

Although Kate cannot hear the world’s noise, she perceives it with exceptional observation – reading the subtle expressions of both guests and colleagues. In 2025, she calmly reassured a distressed mother via text messages, assisting her locate her 3-year-old missing son and comforting the child until the family was reunited. On another occasion, she worked well past midnight to retrieve the dental appliance that lost by a guest, gracefullyl resolving a potential service complaint.

In her daily responsibilities, she thoughtfully adjusts cleaning schedules to minimise disturbance and shared practical cleaning tips to enhance team efficiency. Kate has demonstrated that service excellence does not always require speech; a heartfelt smile or a gesture of “Devotion” can go a long way.

Conclusion

Each award recipient has demonstrated that true excellence is not just about fulfilling duties, but about going above and beyond to deliver a lasting and positive impact for their teams, guests, and the wider community. This spirit lies at the heart of PRI²DE and will continue to be a driving force behind our progress.