The night was buzzing with anticipation as high rollers of the hospitality line were all in attendance, equipped with their competitive spirits. HAPA Malaysia was definitely not short of enthusiasm with loud applauses and cheers echoing throughout the ballroom as the best of the best took their deserved places on stage.

The culinary skills of the chefs that helmed the flavourful courses of the night also received fair amount of recognition as many nodded their heads in praise with each savoured bite. Choosing to help a children’s charity at each awards night, HAPA this year teamed up with the Make-A-Wish Foundation in an attempt to fulfil the wishes of children with life threatening medical conditions.

The influential figures of Malaysia's hospitality and tourism industry who were in attendance to witness the awards including Dato' Marco and Datin Joanna Low; Minister of Tourism and Culture Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri and Tan Sri Vincent Tan, who was honoured with a lifetime achievement award.