Kuala Lumpur, March 2013: Pangkor Laut Resort is proud to introduce its dashing new Executive Chef, Hemant Dadlani. Joining the team end 2012, Chef Hemant has perfected his craft in various kitchens around the globe, such as the Fairmont in Bermuda, The Oberoi Hotels in India, Hotel Kura Hulanda in Curacao and more recently, the Rosewood Little Dix Bay, British Virgin Islands.

Hailing from India, he first pursued a Diploma in Hotel Management and Catering Technology. The decision to venture into the culinary world was made soon after he worked under a South Indian Master Chef as a part of his industrial training. His aspirations were further encouraged as he experienced the dynamics of a busy kitchen and the sheer artistry in producing each plate. Elements that have contributed to Chef Hemant's approach to cuisine comprise his classical training in French food and traditional Indian food, which he learned to cook at his mother's hearth.

The enigmatic 35-year-old champions cooking with fresh local produce, and is clearly excited about his task of revitalising the resort's seven dining establishments. He said, 'We are blessed with an abundance of seafood, brought in fresh by the fishermen who ply their daily trade at Pangkor Island'. This fresh catch often includes golden barramundi, plump lobsters and tiger prawns, which are showcased in the sea-facing open kitchens of Fisherman's Cove, The Straits and Feast Village.

Jamu Bar will continue to lean on the foundation of the health conscious Japanese diet. Uncle Lim's restaurant will also remain true to signature, helmed by Pangkor Laut's respected first ever employee, Uncle Lim, who specialises in Nyonya and Hock Chew cuisine. Chef Hemant has expressed an eagerness to explore and reinterpret the various ethnic flavours of Malaysia by tastefully weaving them into the cuisine at Chapman's Bar on the stunning Emerald Bay and the Royal Bay Beach Club by the infinity pool.

Another point of focus will be to further perfect the 32 magnificent private dining locations on the private island. Whether it's a romantic, candlelit proposal, an anniversary dinner on the rocks, or a family feast in a pavilion amidst the lilies and koi, an indulgent beach picnic or a barbecue on an antique Chinese junk, each nook offers a selection of menus ideal to the location and event.

The resort's popular Chef's Kitchen Experience has also been revamped, now including a visit through the markets of Pangkor Island to watch the local fisherman's bring in the day's catch and select a fish to cook back in the kitchens, dropping in to see the community's noodle maker at work and perusing the island's myriad of preserved seafood. The visit to the local village finishes off with a visit to a sustainable fish farm. The day culminates with a hands-on cooking class and a lunch feast facing the Straits of Malacca.

In addition to highlighting local produce, Chef Hemant also plans to develop a stronger 'farm to table' philosophy at the resort, with an onsite vegetable and herb garden in the works. Guests may also look forward to an all-encompassing gastronomic experience at Pangkor Laut later this year, with a three night getaway crafted to include accommodation and gourmet meals at each of the resort's restaurants, interspersed with culinary-based activities. For more information, updates and accommodation experiences at Pangkor Laut Resort, visit www.pangkorlautresort.com.  For reservations and enquiries, please contact the YTL Travel Centre directly in Malaysia by calling +60 3 2783 1000 or email travelcentre.my@ytlhotels.com).

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Pangkor Laut Resort

Pangkor Laut Resort is an exclusive luxury resort situated on a private island located three miles off the west coast of Malaysia. This piece of paradise is surrounded by secluded bays and pristine beaches, which house 140 luxury villas and suites as well as the award-winning Spa Village Pangkor Laut. Only a fraction of the island's 300 acres have been developed, leaving most of its two million year-old rainforest untouched. The Resort's numerous international accolades include 'Number One in the World' by Condé Nast Traveler UK.

About YTL Hotels

YTL Hotels owns and manages a prestigious collection of award-winning resorts, hotels, boutique experiences and Spa Villages in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Japan, France and the UK, including Pangkor Laut Resort, voted the world's best resort in 2003.

In July 2012, the company added Gaya Island Resort, a luxurious resort on the exotic tropical island of Borneo to the fold, while December 2012 saw the unveiling of The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, the second heritage jewel in the group's Classic Hotel collection.

With each new experience that it unveils, the company strives to embrace and highlight the natural essence of culture, character and tradition of its surroundings. YTL Hotels is the hospitality arm of YTL Corporation Berhad.

Visit www.ytlhotels.com for more information. For high-resolution images, please visit www.ytlhotels.com.my/mediagallery. For reservations and enquiries, please contact the YTL Travel Centre directly in Malaysia, call +60 3 2783 1000 or email travelcentre.my@ytlhotels.com

FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:

Ms Aja Ng
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Ms Mariana Escamilla
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Ms Felicia Lee
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