"Dear Puan Sri, we have to say we are truly honoured to have this opportunity knowing you in person. You are one of the highly notable icons in tourism industry and among the top business awards recipient internationally. On behalf of the audience, please tell us more about yourself."
/Since young, I have always been an avid nature lover. I always preferred to spend most of my time outdoors and enjoyed being surrounded by nature. In Malaysia, we have some of the most beautiful and pristine forests. Our untouched rivers and lush jungles are so spectacular and out of this world. Malaysia is home to some of the most rare species of flora and fauna. However, many people are left uneducated and unaware of the devastating rise of illegal logging activities and deforestation in Malaysia, causing our virgin forests to decrease. That’s why, a mere 15 years ago I decided to take a stand and venture into the tourism industry.
The journey of Tanah Aina started about 15 years ago when I built the very first of my resorts, Tanah Aina Farrah Soraya from ground-up in 2010. All my eco-resorts were actually built from scratch and are named after my children and grandchildren. It was very much a challenge but with the help of my backbone that is my staff, we managed to build 4 beautiful eco-resorts without compromising the beauty of our natural surroundings. We also have 3 Cafe & Restaurants in the areas of Pahang and Selangor. Each Tanah Aina Resort has its own unique feature and offers the guests a very different but very rewarding experience.
Up to this point, Tanah Aina has received 15 international and 8 national awards. The most recent recognition that we achieved is the Malaysia Tourism and Business Heroes award in Malaysia Tourism Gold Summit given by the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia and Malaysia Tourism Council.
"We have received strong recommendation by our principal about Tanah Aina Eco-Tourism Resorts particularly on the different brand identities you have created since then. Please walk us through the profiles of Tanah Aina Eco-Tourism Resorts. What are the uniqueness of each resort?"
/All together Tanah Aina has four Eco-Resort: Whether your on business or holiday, Tanah Aina Resorts offer comfort.
Tanah Aina Farrah Soraya Eco-Resort (Pahang)
Tanah Aina Farrah Soraya is an exclusive resort nestled in the tropical jungle. The resort is accessible via an off-road path via 4x4 vehicles and is a perfect venue for team building sessions or as a romantic getaway. This is our most popular resort. Our activities are endless like JUNGLE TREKKING TO WATERFALL (LEAP OF FAITH), SAVE OUR RAINFOREST TRAIL (SORT), NIGHT WALK, MORNING WALK, PAINT BALL, FLYING FOX, KITCHEN MASTER, CAMP FIRE AND EXPLORE ACTIVITIES.
Tanah Aina Fahad Glamping Eco-Resort ( Ulu Dong, Pahang)
The 8-acre serene resort located next to the famous Lata Jarum waterfall in Ulu Dong, Raub is a glamping paradise. The resort consist of diffrent type of rooms including glamping, which are fully equipped with beds and electricity supply. The resort is facing the majestic Dong River, which is untouched.There's also a challenging jungle track course for those who are more adventurous.
Tanah Aina Farouq Durian Orchard Resort ( Raub, Pahang)
By far the largest resort of Tanah Aina.The resort sits on a 48 aches land. Tanah Aina Farouq is mostly our orchard for durians, rambutans, egetables and also we have fishes. There is a bungalow on top on the hill with 360 view of the surroundings. Perfect place to do a wedding or even just to relax.
Tanah Aina Farhana Beach Resort (Punggai, Johor)
Tanah Aina Farhana is different from other of Tanah Aina resort because its located in Pengerang, Johor. It is also set along the beach. The all suite resort has 6 luxurious bedroom accommodation that is able to host 20 guest at one time. Facilities at the resort icludes tennis/basketball court, kayak and ATV. The stay at Tanah Aina allows guests to immerse in nature in the most comfortable setting. Eco-tourism is more than just traveling; it is also a learning experience for guests.
"We understand that you are also running F&B businesses. Where are the cafe/ restaurants located? Kindly share with us the signature menu served in your cafe/ restaurant."
/Yes, I own three café and restaurant. Two in Shah Alam, Batu Tiga call Tanah Aina Café & Tanah Aina Banana Leaf Restaurant and also 1 in Lentang, Pahang call Tanah Aina Fareena Café & Restaurant. My café & restaurant is a mixture of western and Asian cuisine. We do not use MSG or any preservatives in our food.
I also sell durians, fruits and vegetable that we get from our very own farm in all three café and restaurants. Depending on fruit season as well.
"You have established successful businesses and indeed the role model to the youth community and similar peers. How did you maintain the momentum with the endless energies you had which most people look up to..."
/It was not an easy journey for me, to enter such a competitive industry and to introduce an eco-tourism experience, which is very much aimed at a niche market. Many years ago, I decided to start this journey mainly to help educate the public on how to conserve and preserve our natural resources and forests. Whilst at it, I also wanted to create awareness on the alarming rate of deforestation in Malaysia and to become an advocate on behalf of the people and the environment.
"This year is indeed challenging despite the uncertainties affecting almost everyone in businesses. How do you see year 2021 and what is your vision for your resorts?"
/In my many years of business, the most difficult situation that I’ve been faced with is the current pandemic. Since the wave of Covid-19 hit us in the recent years, the government has failed to provide aid for struggling businesses especially the tourism industry. With that being said, the pandemic has crippled the tourism industry in Malaysia and we’ve been struggling for the last 2 years.
Truth be told, there is no vision for the resort in 2021 whether its Tanah Aina or other business if inter-state cross isn’t allowed.
However, I sincerely hope that everyone who is struggling during this testing time, will come out of it stronger and wiser.
"Women entrepreneurship and empowerment are among the two main pillars you have successfully mastered to date. As a mom to your children, how do you empower them towards becoming successful person and gradually become the successor of your businesses..."
/ I believe that women are capable of doing much more than we are told. Too often, we are silenced for voicing our opinions and wronged for fighting injustice. It is my goal to empower and to pave the way for strong women to endure the hardships that we may be put through along our journey in this industry.