For 33 years, Lee was the pillar of Concorde KL, promoting the art of finding joy in making others happy.
As the general manager, Lee epitomised leadership that went beyond managing a hotel.
He held that no decision was too small to involve him personally. “What we try to create are experiences,” he preached. “It’s the experience, ultimately, that is the product.”
Making his daily rounds, the general manager had a greeting for every employee who he came across.
When the hotel’s restaurants and lobby bar were full, he was in the crowd, shaking hands, ensuring that every guest was recognised and warmly looked after.
Lee’s warmth and welcome are no longer. The 73-year-old Singaporean, one of the best known figures in Malaysia’s hospitality industry, died of cancer on Wednesday at the Sunway Medical Centre.
Tributes to the man, with 48 years of hotel experience and variously described as “The Boss”, “Mr Generosity” and “Mentor”, poured in after his death was announced.
The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, said he was immensely proud of Lee’s outstanding achievements during his time as general manager of Concorde KL.
In an Instagram post, he said Lee was a prominent and experienced hotelier, who will be remembered for his professionalism and dedication to his career.
Sultan Sharafuddin noted that Lee’s kindness and friendship with his fellow colleagues and friends alike were exemplary.
In extending his condolences to Lee’s wife, June Ng, he said: “I am glad that my wife and I were able to see him the day before his demise at the hospital, and we hope that your family would stay strong during this time of difficulties. We will truly miss him.”
Ampang Hotel Sdn Bhd, which owns Concorde KL, is linked to Sultan Sharafuddin, entrepreneur Syed Yusof Syed Nasir, and Singaporean tycoon Ong Beng Seng through Singapore-listed Hotel Properties Ltd.
Consummate professional
Syed Yusof said Lee had a real sense of hospitality, as well as joy, intelligence, benevolence and an eye for detail.
Lee sought to grow and expand the business by doing things differently than the competition, he said.
Syed Yusof said: “He served with distinction, always optimistic about the hotel’s future. Thanks to his strong leadership and vision, we remain a top destination in the city.
“His accomplishments are testimony to how much he loved Concorde and its spirit, and how he and his staff could capture that,’ said Syed Yusof.
“He was a wonderful boss and a remarkable man who achieved a great deal in building a business that has provided a foundation for every employee and, in turn, support for their families.”
He added Lee was a highly regarded mentor, with hundreds of industry professionals passing through his hands over the years.
Lee was in the pre-opening team of Concorde KL as resident manager in 1991, bringing with him his expertise of opening new hotels. He was appointed general manager three years later.
Concorde KL was rebranded from the former Merlin Hotel. The 19-floor, four-star hotel with 581 rooms is located along Jalan Sultan Ismail here.
Syed Yusof recalled that Lee was instrumental in the hotel’s successful hosting of numerous celebrities, including superstar Miichael Jackson who staged two sold-out concerts at Merdeka Stadium in 1996.
Lee, he added, had also given the hotel a “sports feel” by making it the hub for major events such as the hockey world cup in 2002.
Syed Yusof said even though Lee was a Singaporean, he had no problems immersing himself into the local social scene, which some say has been crucial to its success.
He said Lee had asked to be buried here, and his wish will be fulfilled when he is laid to rest today at Semenyih Memorial Hills.
The cortege will leave for Semenyih at 10am from Nirvana 2, Level M2, Diamond Suite, Jalan Dewan Bahasa, Kuala Lumpur.
Forever in their hearts
Lee’s leadership went beyond managing a hotel — it was about building a family, according to a statement from Concorde KL.
It stated: “He devoted his life to creating unforgettable experiences and fostering a strong sense of community within our hotel.
“His genuine care for the staff was evident in every interaction, nurturing a culture of respect, support, and growth.
“Gary’s approach was rooted in kindness and authenticity, creating lasting relationships with both guests and staff.
“His dedication to the local community and his commitment to uplifting those around him are values we will forever cherish.
“Gary’s legacy lives on in every connection he made, and we are committed to upholding the standards of excellence he set for all of us. Gary Lee, you will be forever in our hearts.”