Meet The Team

The CEO Dude

Khun Asrul

Khun Asrul brings over a decade of international business development experience to Mar Raaka. His strategic work with the Jim Thompson Group saw him leading major projects across the UAE, Abu Dhabi, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

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His expertise extends into hospitality and global event management, having played a pivotal role in organizing prestigious events like the Monsoon Cup, a royal project for the state of Johor under the patronage of His Royal Highness TTJ Tunku Idris Iskandar.

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Recognition: EduFly Johor Visit

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Khun Asrul’s contribution to industry partnerships is also recognized in the education and training sector. During a professional engagement at EduFly Johor, Khun served as Vice President and a representative of Swiss Education Group. Their visit was warmly received and acknowledged for supporting future talents in the aviation and hospitality industries.

Director of Operations & Talent Aquisition

Effendy Azmi

Effendy brings over 25 years of leadership in aviation and hospitality, having served as Head of Cabin Crew in the airline industry and as Operations Manager for Michelin-affiliated restaurants and luxury hotels.

His career has been defined by driving operational excellence, world-class service standards, high-performance team management, and talent development in premium customer-facing environments.

In the airline industry, Fendi oversaw safety compliance, crew performance, and service delivery for over 150 team members, ensuring global recognition for operational excellence.

Within the hospitality sector, he led operations for high-end restaurants and hotels, fine-tuning guest experiences, strengthening workforce capabilities, and optimizing efficiency.

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Today, Effendy’s unique cross-industry expertise underpins his role as Director of Operations and Talent Acquisition at Mar Raaka. He shapes the operational backbone of the brand while championing talent growth—ensuring that our ventures, from gym to café, embody precision, professionalism, and premium service, whether on the training floor or at the table.

General Manager Operations and Strategic Initiatives

Hermeiza Salleh

Hermeiza serves as the General Manager of Operations at Mar Raaka Ventures, bringing more than 18 years of expertise across customer service, retail, and F&B management.

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She is recognized for her strong leadership, operational excellence, and a people-centric approach that fosters high-performing teams and delivers outstanding guest experiences. With a proven ability to streamline operations and drive business growth, she ensures efficiency without compromising on quality.

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Her vision is to harmonize global best practices with local authenticity, enabling Mar Raaka’s ventures to operate seamlessly while building sustainable, high-quality brands that leave a lasting impact.

Director of Business and Cultural Strategy

Shahid Haron

Shahid is a strategic leader and cultural authority specializing in the intersection of Malay heritage and hospitality innovation. In his role as Director of Business and Cultural Strategy, Shahid translates deep-rooted culinary traditions into commercially viable and culturally authentic guest experiences.

His expertise spans the curation of heritage-led menus, the management of large-scale culinary events, and the seamless integration of performing arts into the hospitality landscape. By bridging the gap between historical preservation and modern brand strategy, Shahid helps organizations create immersive, multi-sensory environments that resonate with diverse audiences.

He is a dedicated ambassador of Malay identity, committed to elevating the regional narrative through the powerful synergy of gastronomy and cultural performance.

Beverage Consultant & Lead Mixologist

Faz

Faz is the Beverage Consultant & Lead Mixologist at MarRaaka Consulting Group (previously Beverage Manager with the Jim Thompson Group), known for blending Thai heritage with contemporary technique to craft luxury, story-driven cocktail programs.

His expertise spans beverage concepting and seasonal menu curation, bar operations and staff training, and high-impact event mixology—elevating guest experience with refined service rituals and cohesive brand storytelling.

Guided by a East-meets-West philosophy, each drink is designed as a memorable cultural experience that deepens brand identity and keeps guests coming back.

Head Chef & Culinary Consultant (Malay Cuisine)

Adli Nizam

Chef Adli Nizam is a Head Chef & Culinary Consultant with 20+ years across Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Specializing in Malay cuisine, high-volume banqueting, and luxury hospitality; his track record spans leadership roles at Sunrice GlobalChef Academy (Senior Sous Chef), Bintan Lagoon Resort (Senior Executive Sous Chef), Empire Hotel & Country Club (Senior Banquet Chef/Banquet Chef), Singapore Island Country Club (Senior Sous Chef), and The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur (Chef de Tournant).

Previously, he led large-scale banquet operations, mentored teams, elevated food safety and hygiene standards, and designed signature menus that modernize tradition; he currently consults with MarRaaka Consulting Group on culinary innovation and staff development.

Head Chef & Culinary Consultant (Western & Fusion)

Amirul

Chef Amirul (Mohamad Amirul Firdaus bin Sabri is a Head Chef & Culinary Consultant specializing in Malay, Western, and fusion cuisine.

Currently consulting with MarRaaka Consulting Group on menu innovation and operations, he has led two restaurant outlets as Head Chef.

Chef Amirul is recognized for creative fusion menus, strong kitchen leadership, cost control, HACCP-standard hygiene, staff mentoring, and high-volume service execution—delivering consistently strong customer satisfaction; fluent in Malay and English.

Head Chef & Culinary Consultant (Thai Cuisine)

Ejoi

Chef Ejoi was Chef de Cuisine at Jim Thompson Group, uniting Thai culinary heritage with modern innovation by honoring authentic flavors through refined techniques and thoughtful presentation.

His expertise spans authentic Thai cuisine, menu innovation, culinary leadership, cross-cultural gastronomy, and event/banquet mastery—driving memorable guest experiences that balance tradition with contemporary craft.

Guided by a clear philosophy, every dish is designed to nourish and inspire, capturing a strong sense of place and culture that lingers long after the meal.