Mana Mana Suites, a growing force in the Malaysian hospitality industry, has successfully bridged the gap between serviced apartments and hotel-style experiences. Under the leadership of Suki Tan, the company has redefined the concept of serviced apartments and carved out a unique space as a third-party hotel operator.
With plans to expand regionally and eventually to go public, Mana Mana Suites is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory, offering top-tier service to both property owners and guests while contributing to the growth of Malaysia’s tourism sector.
A Journey From Airbnb to a Recognised Brand
Tan's vision for Mana Mana Suites is clear: offering a hotel-like experience in serviced apartments. The company operates in a manner similar to well-known hotel management companies, acting as a third-party operator, much like how different hotel chains use the Marriott brand but with varying ownership.
“Our serviced apartments are designed to be more than just short-term rentals. These suites come with 24-hour front office management, customer service, and all the conveniences of a hotel — from concierge services to tourism recommendations, everything is taken care of,” she said.
The main difference lies in obtaining the permission from the property owners to use their units for this purpose, ensuring an elevated stay for guests while delivering value for investors.
Tan’s journey into the world of hospitality started back in 2016 when she noticed the growing number of condominiums and serviced apartments in the city centre of Kuala Lumpur, when she was a real estate agent. Yet, tenancy rates were low, and owners struggled to find reliable tenants. Recognising this gap, she launched Mana Mana Suites in 2017, initially using Airbnb as a platform to test the concept.
Like many entrepreneurs, the first few years were filled with trial and error. But the turning point came in 2020, when Malaysia's Movement Control Order (MCO) created a greater demand for serviced accommodation solutions. With people looking for more flexible, hassle-free living arrangements, Mana Mana Suites began to fill the need for quality short-term stays. By 2022, the company had grown to manage 1,000 properties in Kuala Lumpur, offering a tailored experience that satisfied tourists and guests.
Creating Peace of Mind for Property Owners
One of the key selling points of Mana Mana Suites is the peace of mind it provides to property owners. With Tan's team handling everything — from marketing and guest services to cleaning and maintenance — owners no longer have to worry about the day-to-day management of their units.
This comprehensive service is also a boon for investors, who previously struggled with low returns on rental properties. By partnering with Mana Mana Suites, owners are seeing increased property valuations and better ROI, thanks to the brand’s reputation and 24-hour customer service that feels like a hotel stay.
“In addition, we have received feedback from the buildings’ management committees and they have noticed that the presence of Mana Mana Suites helps improve the overall quality of the building. The consistent presence of the team adds value and creates a more attractive environment for both owners and tenants,” said Tan.
Looking ahead, Tan and the Mana Mana Suites team have ambitious plans. The next step in their evolution is to move beyond serviced apartments and into the realm of boutique hotels. They are eyeing the acquisition of smaller budget hotels and plan to partner with established boutique hotel operators. Together, they will create a new brand, elevating the hospitality experience in Malaysia.
This strategic move will allow them to enhance the guest experience further and meet the growing demand for unique, high-quality stays in Malaysia’s popular tourist destinations.
Tan’s team and their innovative approach towards growing the hospitality sector has earned them the SME100 Award in 2024, securing them more opportunities and more brand exposure.
A Strong Company Culture Focused on Growth
At the heart of Mana Mana Suites' success is its team. Tan places a great deal of trust in her employees, believing that fostering a culture of collaboration and transparency is essential for long-term growth. By empowering her team and encouraging them to contribute to the company’s strategy, she ensures that everyone shares in the company’s success.
The company also values a balanced approach to work-life integration and rewards employees for their contributions. The company’s strong focus on maintaining a positive company culture has helped to build a virtuous cycle, where everyone is motivated to work toward a common goal — offering exceptional service to guests.
In 2023, Mana Mana Suites ramped up its focus on digitalisation, incorporating AI tools to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
“By leveraging AI, the team is able to quickly address challenges, improve customer service, and save time on administrative tasks. This use of technology frees up the team to focus on higher-level planning and decision-making, ultimately enhancing the guest experience and the company’s operational capacity,” she said.
Planning for the Future: Regional Expansion
Regionally, Mana Mana Suites is already eyeing expansion into several key markets, including Ipoh, Penang, Kuantan, Port Dickson, Terengganu, Johor, and Sabah. With over 100 employees, the company is poised for growth, positioning itself as a leader in the serviced apartment and hospitality sector.
Mana Mana Suites has also formed a strong working relationship with Tourism Malaysia. The company actively participates in international tourism campaigns, including the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign in China, where they promote Malaysia as a top tourist destination. These efforts will continue with upcoming trips planned to China in September 2025.
In addition to managing serviced apartments, Mana Mana Suites is collaborating with property developers to create new properties that can be converted into vacation suites. While these projects are still in the works, they represent an exciting new direction for the company and the broader tourism and real estate sectors in Malaysia.
Tan’s advice to other SMEs is also very straightforward: know your position in the market and focus on your core competencies.
“As an entrepreneur, it’s crucial to understand your customer base and avoid spreading yourself too thin,” she said.
In a competitive market, Tan believes in prioritising quality and service over expansion. The key to success is delivering exceptional value to your customers, and Mana Mana Suites has mastered this philosophy, making it one of Malaysia’s most promising hospitality brands.
Want to know more about Mana Mana Suites? Head on to their official website, Facebook and Instagram pages.
This series of Business Stories is in collaboration with Golden Bull Award.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
