By Vincent D’Silva

JOHOR BAHRU: In a proud moment for Johor’s growing tourism and hospitality landscape, Ponderosa Golf & Country Resort, has been named the winner of the “Leading Innovative Golf Resort – Malaysia” category at the Asian Tourism & Hospitality Awards 2025.

The award, presented on May 14, 2026, at Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur, marked a significant milestone for the long-established resort, which has steadily transformed itself from a familiar golfing address into a more dynamic lifestyle and hospitality destination.

The recognition was hosted by TIN Media in conjunction with MAH Hospitality Week and the Hospitality Suppliers Expo 2026, bringing together key players from across Asia’s tourism, hotel, travel and leisure industries.

For Ponderosa, the accolade was more than a trophy. It was a recognition of years of quiet planning, patient upgrading and a clear determination to keep pace with the changing expectations of today’s golfers, guests, families and corporate visitors.

The Asian Tourism & Hospitality Awards (ATHA) is a regional recognition platform dedicated to celebrating outstanding achievements across Asia’s tourism and hospitality industry. This year’s awards drew more than 250 nominees from nine countries, attracted over 100,000 public votes, and honoured more than 60 winners during the gala event.

The judging panel comprised distinguished representatives from Malaysia’s media, including BERNAMA, as well as the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the Association of The Indonesian Tours & Travel Agencies (ASTINDO) and Vietnam’s DECA — Danang Events, Exhibition, Congress, Convention and Art Spaces.

The awards were supported by the Malaysian Association of Hotels, PATA Malaysia Chapter, SKÅL International Kuala Lumpur and the Danang Events and Convention Association Vietnam.

For Ponderosa Golf & Country Resort, the win in the innovative golf resort category carries special meaning. The category recognises destinations that go beyond the traditional boundaries of golf by redefining the guest experience through forward-looking concepts, enhanced engagement, improved services and strategic development.

It celebrates resorts that are not content merely to preserve their legacy, but are willing to evolve with the times — creating new benchmarks for the industry while staying true to the soul of hospitality.

General Manager Tan Kai Yang said the recognition reflected the resort’s continuous efforts to enhance its facilities and services while strengthening its role within Johor’s tourism ecosystem.

“Over the past few years, Ponderosa Golf & Country Resort has undertaken a comprehensive transformation and enhancement programme carried out in phases, aimed at elevating its facilities, sustainability efforts, operational efficiencies and the overall guest experience,” he said.

“These initiatives reflect the resort’s continued commitment towards innovation, service excellence and long-term value creation for its members, guests and stakeholders.”

His words capture the spirit of an establishment that has chosen to grow not through spectacle alone, but through thoughtful renewal. At a time when travellers are seeking destinations that offer both comfort and character, Ponderosa’s evolution reflects the wider shift taking place in Johor’s hospitality sector.

Golf resorts today are no longer judged only by the quality of their fairways or the beauty of their greens. They are increasingly viewed as places where friendships are renewed, business conversations are nurtured, families gather, and visitors encounter a fuller sense of destination.

Against this backdrop, Ponderosa’s recognition comes as Johor Bahru continues to rise in regional prominence. The city’s position as a southern gateway, its expanding infrastructure, growing hospitality portfolio and increasing appeal to domestic and international visitors have all contributed to a renewed sense of confidence in the state’s tourism future.

Tan said the award had arrived at a meaningful time for both the resort and Johor Bahru.

“This recognition also comes at a timely juncture as Johor Bahru continues to experience significant growth and increasing regional prominence,” he said.

“This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our shareholders, who have been instrumental in shaping our success. We also extend our sincere appreciation to our stakeholders — our business partners, members and dedicated team — for their continued trust and commitment throughout this journey.”

Behind every hospitality award lies the labour of many hands — from management teams and service staff to groundskeepers, chefs, event coordinators, maintenance personnel and frontline employees who carry the daily responsibility of making guests feel welcome.

For a golf and country resort, this human touch is especially important. It is felt not only in the polished presentation of facilities, but also in the small gestures that define memorable hospitality: a warm greeting, a well-kept course, a smooth event experience, or the quiet attentiveness that turns an ordinary visit into a lasting impression.

The award also strengthens Ponderosa Golf & Country Resort’s positioning as Johor prepares for the momentum of Visit Johor 2026 and Visit Malaysia 2026. With tourism expected to play an increasingly important role in the state’s economy, hospitality players are being encouraged to raise standards, embrace sustainability and create experiences that are distinctive, inclusive and future-ready.

Ponderosa’s latest recognition reinforces its commitment to service excellence, innovation and the development of sustainable golf tourism in Johor. It also places the resort within a wider regional conversation about how golf destinations can remain relevant in a changing travel landscape.

As Johor’s tourism industry looks ahead with renewed ambition, Ponderosa Golf & Country Resort’s achievement stands as a reminder that transformation is often built over time — through vision, discipline and the willingness to improve without losing one’s identity.

For the resort, the award is not the end of a journey, but another marker along the fairway — a moment of pride, gratitude and renewed purpose.

And for Johor Bahru, it is yet another sign that the city’s hospitality story is still being written, one milestone at a time, with its best chapters still ahead.