The Executive Chairman of Hong Leong Group and one of Asia's most prominent hotel owners, Kwek Leng Beng, will be the headline speaker at Wired 2005: Asia Travel Matrix, the online travel distribution and marketing conference, being held in Singapore this October. 

Mr Kwek, 64, will take part in an interview session with travel journalist, Yeoh Siew Hoon, during the opening session themed "East Meets West, Or Does It? Finding Your Own Way."

Wired 2005 will be held at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront, Singapore on October 20-21.

With more than US$20 billion in diversified premium assets spread worldwide, an annual turnover of US$4.55 billion, 9 listed companies trading on stock markets around the world, and a worldwide staff strength of over 30,000, the Hong Leong Group is a global player with unparalleled professional management expertise engaging in a wide range of businesses in Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

In addition, the second-generation leader has transformed the Group's hotel interests (with only five properties in 1989) into one of Hong Leong Group's core businesses through Millennium & Copthorne Hotels plc (M&C).

M&C Hotels, the global hotel arm of the Group, was listed in London in 1996. It owns, asset manages and/or operates 91 hotels in 15 countries around the world. It is the 39th largest hotel group in the world* and is also Singapore's largest international hotel chain.

Said Ms Yeoh, who is also the event organizer, "Mr Kwek commands great respect in the global business community. He will be sharing with our audience his vast experience and knowledge of the business world, as well as his vision and plans for M&C Hotels."

The Singapore Tourism Board and M&C are the two foundation sponsors of Wired 2005. Other sponsors include Akamai Technologies, Amadeus, Abacus International, Cendant, Pegasus Solutions, TravelCLICK and WORLDHOTELS.

Wired 2005 will also feature a host of industry leaders who will share their experience and knowledge of the dynamic Asia/Pacific online travel marketplace.

An early bird registration rate of US$388 is being made available at www.wiredasia.biz until August 31, 2005.

Background:
Yeoh Siew Hoon is a respected industry commentator whose stories appear in numerous publications and websites throughout Asia. She is also the former editorial director of Travel Weekly, Travel Asia and TTG Asia, and has extensive experience in creating and running events. She recently launched www.shy-connection.com, which features ‘Mile High', a travel e-zine with a difference.

Martin Kelly runs TRAVELtech, Australia's benchmark annual technology and distribution event, and the highly successful Search Engine Room online marketing conference. He recently founded www.traveltechasiapacific.com - a regional travel technology news service.

Working with them on Wired 2005 as event manager is Vera Lye, an experienced travel technology journalist, based in Singapore.

Further Information:
Yeoh Siew Hoon                                                       Martin Kelly
Phone: 65-6342-4934                                              Phone: 612-9882-1575
Mobile: 65-9680-1460                                             Mobile: 61-414-774-978
Email: yeoh.sh@pacific.net.sg                                Email: mjk@iform.com.au

Vera Lye
Phone: 65-97467377
Email: vera@allrave.com

*If you require a high resolution photo of Mr Kwek, please email Vera Lye.