General Manager — EQ Kuala Lumpur

Justin
Lee Keng Wah

37 Years  |  Ultra-Luxury Hospitality  |  Kuala Lumpur

A hospitality leader who believes that exceptional hotels are built on people first, product second, and process third. Author, educator, and proud steward of one of Southeast Asia's finest independent luxury hotels.

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Justin Lee
37 Years Experience
#1 TripAdvisor KL
T+L World's Best
About

A Life Devoted
to Extraordinary

With 37 years across some of the world's most celebrated hospitality brands, including Ritz-Carlton, Fairmont, and One&Only, Justin Lee has dedicated his career to the art of creating memorable guest experiences and nurturing world-class hospitality talent.

As General Manager of EQ Kuala Lumpur, formerly Hotel Equatorial, at Equatorial Plaza in the heart of KLCC, Justin leads one of Malaysia's most acclaimed independent luxury properties. Under his stewardship, EQ has earned recognition from Travel + Leisure's World's Best Hotels, Tatler Asia, and the coveted TripAdvisor No. 1 ranking in Kuala Lumpur.

He holds an MSc in International Human Resource Management from Manchester Metropolitan University.

Beyond the hotel, Justin is an active member of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and brings a genuine passion for food, wine, and the culture of hospitality to everything he does.

Recognition

Travel + Leisure

World's Best Hotels

TripAdvisor

No. 1 Hotel in Kuala Lumpur

Tatler Asia

Asia's Best Hotels

Chaîne des Rôtisseurs

Member, International Gastronomic Society

Manchester Metropolitan University

MSc, International Human Resource Management

Leadership Philosophy

The Three Pillars

01 — People

People First, Always

Exceptional hospitality is a human endeavour. The highest priority of any leader is to recruit, develop, and inspire the very best talent, and to create an environment where every team member can deliver genuine, heartfelt service.

02 — Product

Obsessive About the Product

A luxury hotel is a living, breathing product that must be cared for with the same attention one would give a prized estate. Every room, every dish, every amenity must reflect a relentless standard of excellence.

03 — Process

Process as the Foundation

Great hospitality is never accidental. Behind every seamless experience is a thoughtfully designed process that empowers the team to perform with consistency, confidence, and grace under pressure.

Published Work

Leapfrog Leadership
in Hospitality

Leapfrog Leadership in Hospitality

Leapfrog Leadership in Hospitality distils three decades of hard-won insight into a practical framework for hospitality leaders who refuse to settle for ordinary. It challenges conventional thinking about how hotels are led, teams are developed, and service cultures are built.

Grounded in the People, Product, and Process philosophy, the book offers candid lessons from Justin's career spanning Ritz-Carlton, Fairmont, One&Only, and EQ Kuala Lumpur, and is designed to be immediately actionable for leaders at every stage of their journey.

Available as a full masterclass programme with participant workbooks, facilitated workshops, and a four-hour executive intensive. Suitable for hotel operators, ownership groups, and hospitality management schools.

Get the Book

Own Your Copy of
Leapfrog Leadership

A practical, candid, and immediately actionable guide for hospitality leaders who refuse to settle for ordinary. Written from three decades of experience across some of the world's most celebrated luxury hotel brands.

To order your copy, simply click below. Justin will respond personally with payment details and a QR code for secure checkout.

Leapfrog Leadership in Hospitality
Career

A Journey Through
Excellence

2016 — Present

General Manager

EQ Kuala Lumpur (formerly Hotel Equatorial)

Leading one of Malaysia's most acclaimed independent luxury properties at Equatorial Plaza, KLCC. Progressed from Director of Human Resources (pre-opening) through Hotel Manager to General Manager. Overseeing all aspects of the hotel's strategic direction, guest experience, and talent development.

Prior Experience

Senior Leadership Roles

One&Only Resorts  |  Fairmont Hotels & Resorts  |  Ritz-Carlton

Over 30 years across ultra-luxury global hospitality brands, building expertise in hotel operations, human resource leadership, and the development of five-star service cultures across multiple markets and continents.

Academic

MSc International Human Resource Management

Manchester Metropolitan University

Dissertation examined the impact of the gig economy on hospitality staffing across Malaysia, Australia, and the UAE.

Contact

Let's Connect

Whether you are an ownership group, a speaking engagement organiser, a journalist, or a fellow hospitality leader, Justin welcomes the conversation.

LinkedIn Email Speaking & Masterclass
Speaking at Aussie Beef culinary showcase, EQ Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia-Australia bilateral event
Presenting Leapfrog Leadership to a guest
Leapfrog Leadership 4-Hour Masterclass
Chaîne des Rôtisseurs — Kuala Lumpur
Travel + Leisure Luxury Summit Asia
Travel + Leisure Luxury Summit Asia