(L-R) Mr Saurabh Prakash (Interim Chief Operating Officer & Chief Commercial Officer, MHR); Mrs Cecilia Kwek; Mr Kwek Leng Beng (Executive Chairman, MHR); His Excellency Tun Dato' Seri Utama Haji Ramli bin Ngah Talib and wife The Honourable Toh Puan Raja Dato' Seri Utama Noora Ashikin binti Raja Abdullah; and Ms Jasmine Keh (General Manager of M Social Resort Penang).
M Social Brand
Opens A
New Chapter
In Malaysia
With Launch
Of M Social
Resort Penang
Previously known as Copthorne Orchid Hotel Penang, the newly opened M Social Resort Penang marks the Malaysian debut of Millennium Hotels and Resorts’ (MHR) bold and vibrant lifestyle brand, M Social. This milestone also represents the brand’s seventh property globally, launched in a milestone year as MHR celebrates its 30th anniversary.
M Social Resort Penang is well poised to set new standards in Malaysian hospitality and cater to the expectations of today’s generation of travellers.
M Social Resort Penang celebrated its debut in Malaysia with a grand launch on 9 July, fusing local heritage with contemporary flair. As the first M Social property to open in Malaysia, the event signifies a key milestone for the lifestyle-driven hotel brand and marks a new chapter for Malaysia’s hospitality scene. Attending the celebratory event were Executive Chairman of Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) Mr Kwek Leng Beng and his wife Mrs Cecilia Kwek.
A Grand Launch of Colour and Energy
The launch unfolded with a lively lion dance performance and firecrackers, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Governor of Penang, Tun Dato' Seri Utama Haji Ramli bin Ngah Talib and his wife Toh Puan Raja Dato' Seri Utama Noora Ashikin binti Raja Abdullah. Other notable guests in attendance included Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Yeoh Soon Hin, Deputy Chairman, Tourism Malaysia.
Chairman Kwek and Mrs Kwek sharing a chat with Tun Dato' Seri Utama Haji Ramli bin Ngah Talib and his wife, while Mr Chia and Mr Ng looks on.
Chairman Kwek and Tun Dato' Seri Utama Haji Ramli bin Ngah Talib at the digital signing ceremony with Mr Prakash and Ms Keh.
A digital signing ceremony was held in the resort’s Grand Ballroom, reaffirming the brand’s commitment to tech-forward innovation and community integration. The launch wrapped up with a soulful performance by the multi-talented singer and actress, Chelsia Ng.
That evening, the resort transformed into a stylish evening soirée featuring signature cocktails and curated canapés. Guests were treated to a night of entertainment that included a live performance by Elvira Arul, an LED violin show, and an electrifying set by DJ Nikki, igniting the night with rhythm and energy.
A Global Brand Finds a New Home in Penang
Part of Millennium Hotels and Resorts’ growing portfolio, M Social is a lifestyle brand known for its eclectic charm and immersive design. Located in Singapore, Paris, New York, Phuket, Suzhou and Auckland, M Social Resort Penang is the seventh M Social globally and the third in Southeast Asia.
Chairman Kwek presenting his biography Strictly Business to Tun Dato' Seri Utama Haji Ramli bin Ngah Talib at the event. 
Tun Dato' Seri Utama Haji Ramli bin Ngah Talib and his wife touring the hotel grounds and facilities, while enjoying a live guzheng performance.
“M Social was created to reimagine hospitality for a new generation of travellers – those seeking connection, inspiration, and a sense of place,” said Mr. Kwek Leng Beng, Executive Chairman of Millennium Hotels and Resorts. “My vision was to build a brand that is bold, expressive, and constantly evolving. In Malaysia, M Social Resort Penang brings this vision to life not only through its vibrant design and creative energy but also by embracing the country’s rich culinary heritage. At Beast & Butterflies, the flavours are inspired by my fondness for Penang’s diverse food scene, especially the distinctive and colourful Peranakan cuisine, creating experiences that truly reflect the spirit of this culturally dynamic destination.”
Mr. Kwek Eik Sheng, Executive Director of Millennium Hotels and Resorts, further elaborated, “At M Social Resort Penang, we are not only expanding our footprint in Southeast Asia, but we are also pushing the boundaries of what modern hospitality can be.”
“This property reflects our ambition to lead in digital innovation, sustainable design and lifestyle-driven travel, and is our blueprint for the next generation of hotels – smart, social and deeply rooted in place.”
Set Between the Hills and the Sea
Acquired in 1989, the 318-room Copthorne Orchid Penang was among Chairman Kwek’s earliest acquisitions when he began expanding the hotel business portfolio beyond Singapore. 
Now renovated and repositioned M Social Resort Penang, the hotel is MHR’s 7th M Social-branded property, set to raise the bar on hospitality standards in Penang today.
Nestled in the lively coastal enclave of Tanjung Bungah, M Social Resort Penang offers a serene escape and is just minutes from George Town, Gurney Drive, and Penang’s iconic street art and culinary hotspots.
The resort features 318 rooms and suites across two wings. The Sunset Bay Wing offers panoramic sea views and vibrant interiors, while the Azure Wing is ideal for families and groups with beachfront-facing rooms.
With 318 rooms housed across two wings, each room is designed to reflect Penang’s rich Peranakan heritage and fitted with modern amenities such as a 55-inch smart TV and Malaysia’s first in-room AI voice assistant, enhancing the experience of a tech savvy and lifestyle driven traveller.
Each room is thoughtfully designed to reflect Penang’s rich Peranakan heritage - from intricate geometric patterns to a lively palette of rose pink, sea green, and sky blue inspired by the island’s flora and coast.
Modern amenities include a 55-inch smart TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, and Malaysia’s first in-room AI voice assistant for effortless control. Guests can also enjoy a 24-hour gym, outdoor pool, and a Grand Ballroom ideal for special events and celebrations.
“M Social Resort Penang is a bold new chapter for the brand,” added Mr. Saurabh Prakash, MHR Interim Chief Operating Officer & Chief Commercial Officer. “This opening is more than just a launch—it’s a promise to deliver inspiring stays, seamless technology, and immersive design in a way that truly reflects the spirit of Penang. We’re excited to welcome guests into a destination that’s designed for discovery.”
The Social Hub is a lounge located on Level 8 that offers high tea and light snacks for unwinding or meeting with friends.
Embracing Penang Peranakan flavours, the Beast & Butterflies Penang restaurant is a vibrant dining space inspired by the rich culinary heritage of the region.
Flavours of Penang with a Twist
Dining at M Social Resort Penang is a celebration of creative flavours and artful presentation.
Beast & Butterflies, the brand’s signature restaurant, offers a vibrant fusion of local and international cuisines. The Social Hub presents a relaxed space for artisanal high tea and signature cocktails. Breezy Bites, located at the poolside, brings M Social’s playful spirit to life with light bites, refreshing drinks, live music, and interactive games.
“There’s no cookie-cutter formula here,” said Mr. Prakash. “Each M Social property is inspired and shaped by its distinct locations — and in Penang, that means blending heritage with innovation, and personality with purpose.”
The team that contributed to the success of M Social Penang’s opening.
