To commemorate its 50th anniversary, the Shangri-La Group has unveiled a special edition book titled From the Heart: Celebrating 50 Years in Asia. This book is a tribute to Asia and its people, highlighting their contributions to the region’s growth and prosperity. The book also reflects the spirit of Asian hospitality that began with the Group’s founder, Mr. Robert Kuok.
Hui Kuok, Chairman of the Shangri-La Group, expressed that the book is a heartfelt tribute to Asia, celebrating the pioneering spirit of hospitality that has driven the region’s transformation over the last fifty years. In the prologue, Hui Kuok emphasizes the Group’s commitment to creating an environment where guests feel warmly welcomed and genuinely cared for, encapsulating the essence of Asian hospitality.
READ MORE: IHG® Hotels & Resorts Announces First voco Hotel in Kashmir
The book starts with a chapter by Mr. Robert Kuok, chronicling the fifty-year journey of Shangri-La’s deep affection for Asia. Despite the Group’s expansion to over 75 destinations worldwide, the book focuses on six key locations integral to its history: Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, and the Philippines. Through the voices of local hosts, ranging from business luminaries to inventive chefs and cultural ambassadors, the book shares personal stories and unforgettable moments tied to Shangri-La hotels. These hosts, who are long-time friends of Shangri-La, discuss their personal connections and the unique, heartfelt hospitality the Group has perfected over the decades.
Notable personalities sharing their stories include food writer Violet Oon and entrepreneur Forrest Li in Singapore; Allan Zeman, known as the “Father of Lan Kwai Fong” in Hong Kong; interior designer and architect André Fu; engineering professor Li Zexiang from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; award-winning actress Tang Wei; documentary filmmaker Chen Xiaoqing; globally acclaimed pianist Lang Lang; contemporary artist Zeng Fanzhi; Trip.com co-founder James Liang; distinguished conductor Yu Long in China; and entrepreneur Ramon S. Ang in the Philippines. Additionally, Singapore’s former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong contributed a foreword.
From the Heart: Celebrating 50 Years in Asia is available in two editions—Legends and Icons. The Legends Collection features a silk hardcover and a luxurious slipcase, making it a collector’s item. The Icons Collection offers a more compact version while preserving the full narrative spirit. The book’s cover showcases Shangri-La’s signature ‘S’ logo created from a mosaic of photographs of its employees across the region.
The book is available for purchase through Shangri-La Circle’s official WeChat account in Mainland China and at designated Shangri-La hotels including Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, Makati Shangri-La, Manila, and Shangri-La Singapore. Excerpts and video interviews with the local hosts can be viewed at Shangri-La’s website.
About Shangri-La Group
Shangri-La Group is a leading developer, owner, and manager of hotel and investment properties, including office buildings, commercial real estate, and serviced apartments/residences. The Group also offers hotel management services and property development for sale. With over 100 hotels in more than 75 destinations globally, the Group operates under the brands Shangri-La, Kerry, JEN by Shangri-La, and Traders. Its significant presence in Asia is complemented by a pipeline of upcoming projects in Australia, Mainland China, Cambodia, and Japan. For more information, visit Shangri-La Group’s website.
READ MORE: Sheraton Opens Its 100th Hotel in Greater China in Lanzhou
