Marriott Launches Artisan Award in Asia Pacific, Honoring Women Shaping the Future of F&B
- Expats Lifestyle
- Mar 8
- 3 min read
Debuting for International Women’s Day 2026, the new recognition platform celebrates five standout female leaders redefining hospitality across the region
Marriott International has introduced a new regional recognition platform aimed at spotlighting the people shaping the future of hospitality across its Food & Beverage and Culinary teams. Launched in celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, the inaugural Artisan Award honors women across Marriott’s Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) portfolio whose creativity, leadership, and measurable business impact are helping redefine the industry.
Unveiled on 6 March 2026, the merit-based program highlights the growing influence of women across Marriott’s F&B ecosystem, from kitchens and restaurants to bars and operational leadership. Across the company’s APEC portfolio, women now represent around 40 percent of the workforce within F&B and culinary roles, reflecting a significant shift in a field historically dominated by men.
The Artisan Award was created to amplify the stories of these professionals beyond their individual properties, giving them a regional platform that celebrates innovation, operational excellence, and guest experience leadership.
The debut edition received nearly 100 nominations from Marriott properties across Asia Pacific, underscoring both the depth of talent within the company’s hospitality teams and the pride properties take in championing their colleagues. Winners were selected through a rigorous evaluation process recognizing those who demonstrated clear commercial results, operational excellence, and meaningful guest engagement.
Five inaugural winners were honored in Bangkok during Marriott’s Women in Leadership event, reinforcing the company’s ongoing efforts to expand opportunities for women at every level of hospitality.
“Our women associates play an invaluable part in driving innovation and performance across our F&B and Culinary disciplines,” said Petr Raba, Vice President of Food & Beverage for Asia Pacific excluding China at Marriott International. “The Artisan Award provides a regional platform to recognize those elevating guest experiences while delivering strong operational and business results in a highly competitive industry.”
The 2026 Artisan Award winners represent a diverse spectrum of hospitality expertise, spanning culinary artistry, beverage innovation, and service leadership.
Among them is Aaira Monica, restaurant manager at The Westin Desaru Coast Resort in Malaysia, whose career journey began as a host in 2014. Known for fostering strong teams while driving revenue and guest satisfaction, she has also championed sustainability initiatives such as zero-proof wellness beverages and home-grown herbs to reduce waste.
In India, Amrita Biswas, sous chef at The Westin Hyderabad Hitec City, has built a reputation for blending traditional Indian flavors with modern Western techniques. With more than a decade of culinary experience, she has played a key role in launching Marriott’s first all-women-driven hotel in Hyderabad while mentoring young chefs and advancing sustainable kitchen practices.
Thailand’s recipient, Pakpilai Chianman, known as Chef Som, serves as Executive Sous Chef Banquets at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park. A classically trained Thai cuisine chef, she has been instrumental in leading large-scale banquet operations while integrating creativity and storytelling into her culinary programs.
In Vietnam, Quynh Trang Pham Thi, lounge manager at Vinpearl Landmark 81, Autograph Collection, has reimagined The Cloud lounge as a dual-concept venue, transitioning seamlessly from daytime coffee culture to a vibrant cocktail destination at night. Her leadership approach blends team development with sustainability, including eco-conscious wine selections and closed-loop coffee initiatives.
Completing the list is Sue Sein Chai, B&F manager at W Singapore – Sentosa Cove. Recognized for her data-driven leadership and strategic beverage programs, she combines commercial insight with hands-on management to strengthen brand presence while delivering strong operational results.
The women-focused debut of the Artisan Award aligns with Marriott’s broader Women in Leadership initiative across Asia Pacific, which promotes mentorship, career development pathways, and greater representation in leadership roles.
As hospitality continues to evolve, the award signals a growing recognition of the women whose influence is shaping the next chapter of dining and guest experiences across the region.
[PHOTO: Courtesy of Marriott International]
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