Marriott International in Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) today unveiled the Artisan Award, a new merit-based recognition platform designed to celebrate exceptional talent across Food & Beverage (F&B) and Culinary.
Launched in celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, the inaugural edition honors women in Marriott who are shaping the future of hospitality through creativity, leadership, and measurable business impact.
Across Marriott’s APEC portfolio, women represent 40% of the growing force in F&B and Culinary, across kitchens, bars, restaurants, and operations. The Artisan Award creates a regional spotlight to share their stories, elevating their influence beyond their individual properties and onto a broader stage.
The debut edition received close to 100 nominations from properties across the region, reflecting both the depth of talent within Marriott’s F&B community and the pride properties have in celebrating these individuals. Each winner was selected through a rigorous, merit-based evaluation process, recognizing individuals who delivered clear commercial, operational, and guest experience results.
Celebrating the 2026 Artisan Award Winners
1. Aaira Monica – Restaurant Manager, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, MALAYSIA
She consistently delivers strong revenue results and exceptional guest experience while fostering high performing, engaged teams. A champion of innovation and sustainability, Aaira has also introduced initiatives such as zero-proof wellness beverages and home-grown herbs to minimize waste.
2. Amrita Biswas – Sous Chef, The Westin Hyderabad Hitec City, INDIA
Known for her innovative, inclusive, and sustainable approach, empowers her team through training and mentorship while creating memorable guest experiences, demonstrating how operational discipline and sustainability can drive both culture and commercial success.
3. Pakpilai Chianman (Som) – Executive Sous Chef Banquets, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, THAILAND
Known for combining operational excellence with creativity, Chef Som leads large-scale culinary programs that drive both guest engagement and revenue. Her disciplined approach to banquet operations, innovative culinary storytelling, and team leadership demonstrate how artistry and strong financial performance go hand in hand.
4. Quynh Trang Pham Thi – Lounge Manager, Vinpearl Landmark 81, Autograph Collection, VIETNAM
Known for her thoughtful, approachable leadership, Trang empowers her team of baristas, mixologists, and sommeliers through training, curiosity, and continuous improvement. She drives luxury hospitality with sustainable initiatives – from eco-conscious wines to closed-loop coffee programs, strengthening innovation amongst her team while elevating guest experience.
5. Sue Sein Chai – B&F Manager, W Singapore – Sentosa Cove, SINGAPORE
Known for her data-driven, hands-on leadership, Susan combines strategic beverage initiatives with disciplined commercial execution. She empowers her team, strengthens brand presence, and creates memorable guest experiences, consistently delivering measurable operational and financial results.
Five inaugural winners were recognized in Bangkok during Marriott’s Women in Leadership event, reinforcing the company’s continued commitment to advancing opportunities for women at every level of the organization. Together, these recipients reflect the strength of female representation across Marriott’s F&B and Culinary discipline in APEC and the growing influence of women redefining hospitality leadership across the region.
The women-focused debut of the Artisan Award aligns with Marriott’s broader Women in Leadership initiative in APEC, which champions mentorship, development pathways, representation goals, and inclusive workplace practices. Across the region, Marriott continues to strengthen programs that empower women from entry-level roles through executive leadership, ensuring sustained access to opportunity and advancement.
