Nick Mah Siew Chean graduated from Sydney University in 1999 and has over 18 years of Hospitality and managerial experience.
As the group’s Managing Director, he was directly involved in the group’s investments strategy including the acquisition of many of the group’s assets.
Nick’s first foray into the group’s business started with the acquisition of the Airport Sydney International Inn. He was then General Manager of the hotel for the next 2 years. He then ventured into China where he was actively involved in several property investments in Shanghai and Kunming. In 2004, he negotiated to purchase a hotel in Kunming Yunnan and proceeded to refurbish and rebrand the hotel into the Mercure Kunming China.
In 2005, he returned to Malaysia and was involved in the acquisition and refurbishment of the Novotel Kuala Lumpur and Hydro Hotel Penang.
In 2007, he was appointed as the Executive Director of Pulai Group. Since then, Nick has been in charge of all of the Group’s corporate and financial activities, which included the privatisation of the company and subsequent delisting of the company from the Stock Exchange. He was also instrumental in the recent membership buyback.
Despite his demanding schedule and numerous commitments, Nick took time out to sit down with The Iskandarian for an exclusive interview, where he shared insights into his latest projects, personal reflections, and what’s next on his journey.
1. Congratulations on your close to two decades at Pulai Group. What were some of the most remarkable changes throughout the years that you personally hold dear?
Thank you. It has truly been a rewarding journey. Over the years, Pulai Springs has transformed from a popular golf resort into a more diversified group spanning hospitality, property, and now healthcare. We’ve adapted to economic changes and shifting market demands—especially through digital transformation, facility upgrades, and navigating the pandemic. One thing I hold especially dear is seeing our loyal guests return time and again. That continued trust and support from the community means a lot to us.
2. You were responsible for the privatisation of Pulai Group and the membership buyback. Could you share the challenges involved and how the idea for the buyback came about?
It was a tough but necessary decision. Both the company’s shares and the resort memberships were no longer delivering value to stakeholders. As the major stakeholder, we felt a responsibility to provide an exit strategy for our members and shareholders. The traditional membership model, once popular, no longer aligns with today’s consumer preferences—most golf courses now operate on a pay-per-play basis.
The buyback idea came after extensive analysis and consultation. We aimed to ensure fairness for members while creating the flexibility we needed to restructure and reposition the business. The biggest challenge was communication—ensuring that stakeholders understood the rationale and felt reassured throughout the process.
3. Pulai Springs Resort sustained itself gracefully through the COVID-19 pandemic, a testament to effective management. How do you envision the resort positioning itself as a key hospitality player in light of the upcoming Johor-Singapore SEZ and RTS developments?
The pandemic taught us to be agile. We adjusted our operations, refocused on the domestic market, and reimagined our services. With the upcoming Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and the Rapid Transit System (RTS), Johor is becoming increasingly interconnected.
Pulai Springs is well-positioned as a resort-style destination offering both leisure and wellness. We plan to enhance our facilities and services to cater not only to tourists but also to business travellers and healthcare-focused guests. We see ourselves becoming a key player in the region’s evolving landscape.
4. There’s growing anticipation for the Pulai Springs Healthcare Centre, especially following the visit by the MBIP Datuk Bandar. Can you share more about the plans for the centre?
We were honoured to welcome the Datuk Bandar of MBIP, and his visit reinforces our commitment to serving the community. The Pulai Springs Healthcare Centre is designed to offer reliable, affordable, and accessible medical services in a comfortable and welcoming setting.
In the initial phase, we’ll provide general outpatient services, health screenings, and consultations with experienced doctors. As we grow, we plan to expand into minor specialist services and wellness offerings. Our vision is to deliver healthcare that combines medical professionalism with the warmth and hospitality Pulai Springs is known for.
5. What inspired you to expand from hospitality into healthcare with Pulai Springs Healthcare Centre?
It felt like a natural evolution for us. Years in hospitality have taught us that wellness and comfort are fundamental human needs—and bringing healthcare with hospitality is a meaningful way for us to give back to our community.
We also recognised a clear gap in accessible, quality healthcare in the area. With the right team and infrastructure, we saw an opportunity to make a positive impact while purposefully diversifying our business. It’s a step that aligns with our values and long-term vision for integrated wellness.
6. What is your hope for the healthcare centre once it starts operating?
Our aim is to become the preferred local healthcare provider—known for personalised service with experienced medical professionals, and a calming, welcoming environment. We want every patient to feel genuinely cared for, not just medically, but emotionally as well.
Looking ahead, we plan to introduce more preventive healthcare programmes and, in time, integrate wellness initiatives in collaboration with the resort. This reflects our broader vision of delivering care where hospitality meets healthcare—bringing warmth, comfort, and compassion into every patient experience.
7. Could you share any future plans for Pulai Springs Resort that the hospitality industry and the public should be aware of?
One of the most significant developments in our pipeline is a 100-bed general hospital and specialist centre. This will complement our existing healthcare offerings and fulfil our vision of becoming the leading healthcare provider in Skudai and Senai region.
With this addition, we aim to provide a comprehensive and high-quality medical services to the surrounding communities—strengthening our position as both a hospitality and healthcare destination. Our hope is to become the preferred neighbourhood healthcare provider—known for personalised care, experienced doctors, and a calming environment. We want patients to feel cared for both physically and emotionally.
Pulai Springs Healthcare Centre is currently hiring staff for its clinical and non-clinical services. Kindly send in your resume to recruitment.acc@pulaisprings.com or contact +607-2911999 / +6019-7322121.
