KUALA LUMPUR: Penang-based Iconic Worldwide Bhd aims to work with only the most desirable partners as it expands its presence in the hospitality industry, according to its founder and chairman, Datuk Seri Tan Kean Tet.

Tan founded Iconic Group in 2011 with the intention of focusing on property development. He entered the hospitality industry in 2016 to provide the group with recurring revenue and an additional income stream.

The 195-room Iconic Hotel in Seberang Perai, Penang, is the group's first hospitality asset, having opened in 2016.

Tan's second hotel project is the Iconic Marjorie Hotel in Bayan Lepas, which is reportedly expected to cost RM180 million in total.


Iconic Worldwide, through its subsidiary, Iconic Penang Sdn Bhd, has signed a franchise agreement with Marriott International for the five-star hotel, which is set to open in 2024.

"I believe our partnership will further unlock the potential value of Iconic's property and hotel assets, leveraging Marriott's extraordinary brand and presence," he said at the signing ceremony this week.

Tan said Marriott International is the world's largest hotel company and has consistently provided the highest levels of service, style, and sophistication.

"Joining forces with Marriott International will allow the Iconic Group to create a hotel that truly reflects Penang's status as a world-class destination for tourists and investors," he said.

Iconic Marjorie Hotel will be Marriot International's second Tribute Portfolio hotel in Penang. The first, Lone Pine in Batu Ferringhi, opened its doors in July this year.

Tan added that the 298-room hotel will generate hundreds of jobs and other valuable economic opportunities.

The Iconic Group's commitment to advancing sustainable real estate development is reflected in the hotel's adoption of industry-recognised environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.

It is poised to be Penang's first hotel to achieve the prestigious Gold standard under the Green Building Index (GBI) rating system.

Iconic Group is optimistic about the hotel's business prospects because it is located in Bayan Lepas, which is known as the "Silicon Valley of the East" due to the presence of international technology giants.

The hotel, with its various event spaces and meeting rooms, is uniquely suited for seminars, workshops, business talks, and conferences.

It would not only serve as a gateway to Bayan Lepas but also as a bridge to the Unesco World Heritage Site of George Town and the lovely Batu Ferringhi.