Dr Lo Ka Shui, executive chairman of Langham Hospitality Group, has received the 2026 HICAP Lifetime Achievement Award in Singapore.
The award recognises his contributions to hospitality across Asia Pacific and international markets. Organisers presented the honour during the 36th Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific, held from 20 to 22 October.
Lo’s recognition comes as Langham prepares new hotels in Bangkok and Venice. The projects will extend the group’s presence in two destinations that attract international leisure and business travellers.
The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok, plans to open in December 2026. The Langham, Venice, appears on the brand’s list of properties coming in 2027.
For travellers, those projects could add new luxury accommodation choices in established tourism markets. Their progress also illustrates the group’s approach to combining historic buildings with contemporary hospitality.
Four Decades Across Property and Hospitality
Lo’s career spans more than four decades across property, hospitality, finance, healthcare and public service.
He joined Great Eagle Group in 1980 after training as a medical doctor. He became managing director of Great Eagle Holdings in 1990 and chairman in 2006.
Since 2003, he has also served as executive chairman of Langham Hospitality Group. During that period, the group has developed its hotel brands across several international markets.
His medical education included a science degree from McGill University and a medical degree from Cornell University. He also completed specialist training in internal medicine and cardiology at the University of Michigan Hospital.
At the Singapore ceremony, Langham Chief Executive Officer Bob van den Oord joined Lo onstage. Their discussion covered his career, the group’s history and the future of hospitality.
London Heritage Shapes Langham’s Identity
The Langham brand traces its history to London, where its original hotel opened in 1865. The property remains a central part of the group’s identity and its appeal to international visitors.
Great Eagle acquired the London hotel during the 1990s. Subsequent investment helped modernise the property while retaining its historic character.
The hotel’s Palm Court also remains closely associated with afternoon tea. For visitors, that connection places a traditional London experience within the hotel’s wider dining offering.
The London property illustrates a challenge for historic hotels: meeting modern guest expectations while protecting the features that give buildings character.
That balance also appears in Langham’s plans for Bangkok and Venice. Both projects connect luxury accommodation with existing landmarks.
Bangkok Opening Adds Riverside Hotel Choice
The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok, forms a major part of the group’s upcoming expansion. Langham expects the property to open in December 2026.
The project brings a renovated Custom House and Post Office into the group’s hotel portfolio. The riverside site sits beside the Chao Phraya River in Thailand’s capital.
Langham has advertised an inaugural season beginning on 20 December 2026. Travellers considering a stay should confirm availability and opening arrangements before booking.
The hotel could appeal to visitors seeking accommodation with a connection to Bangkok’s architectural history. Its riverside setting also places it within a city that attracts international leisure and business travel.
However, the opening date alone does not establish how many additional visitors the property will bring to Bangkok.
Venice Project Continues Heritage Focus
Langham also lists The Langham, Venice, as a hotel coming in 2027. The project centres on a historic property on Murano, the Venetian island known for its glassmaking heritage.
The company describes the development as a renewal project combining modern luxury with Venetian character. Its opening would give travellers another accommodation option beyond Venice’s main island.
For visitors, a Murano stay may offer a different base for exploring the lagoon. Guests should check transport arrangements and confirmed opening details when planning a trip.
As with Bangkok, the project remains subject to its final opening timetable. A planned opening does not guarantee that rooms or facilities will become available on a particular date.
A Broader Portfolio for Different Travellers
Langham Hospitality Group operates several brands, including The Langham, Cordis, Eaton and Ying’nFlo.
The portfolio gives the company ways to serve guests with different travel preferences. Its hotels and resorts operate across markets including Asia, Europe, North America and the Pacific.
Cordis launched in 2015, with its Hong Kong property in Mong Kok. The brand’s presence also extends to destinations including Auckland and Shanghai.
For travel advisers and hotel guests, brand differences matter when comparing location, facilities and the style of service. Individual properties also reflect their own neighbourhoods and operating arrangements.
Recognition Beyond Hotel Development
The HICAP award recognises Lo’s long-term contribution to the hotel industry. The conference brings together participants from the hotel investment and development sectors.
Lo has also received the Gold Bauhinia Star from the Hong Kong government. The honour recognises his public service and community contributions.
His philanthropic work includes support through the Lo Ying Shek Chi Wai Foundation and the KS & Feili Lo Foundation. Their interests include early childhood development, education and music.
The Singapore award places his career in focus as Langham prepares its next openings. For travellers, the most visible developments will be the new places to stay when those projects welcome guests.
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