The Familiar Faces: Wandi & Nina Behind the Amari Kuala Lumpur Experience
At Amari Kuala Lumpur, refined hospitality is expressed through precision, care, and the people who deliver it every day.
Two of those individuals are Erwandi Rahman (Wandi), Food & Beverage Team Leader, and Nursyamin Amanina Bt Syabrani Leong (Nina), Amari Host—both guided by the belief that guests remember not just what they experience, but how those experiences are delivered.
For Erwandi Rahman, hospitality has always been a calling. Trained initially as a chef and once stationed at a demanding wok station, he moved to front-of-house service more than 15 years ago because, as he shares, “I like to connect with the guests. I like to talk to them, share stories, and meet people from different countries.”
Today, as a Food & Beverage Team Leader, Wandi’s responsibilities extend well beyond daily operations. He leads service on the floor, ensuring standards are met through meticulous preparation—from mise en place and polished glassware to music, ambience, and guest flow.
Reflecting on his journey, he says, “Hospitality is challenging, but it’s deeply rewarding.” Language barriers, cultural nuances, and unexpected requests require calm professionalism, something he encourages in his team: never assume. Ask, observe, and respond thoughtfully.
His attentiveness is evident in small yet meaningful gestures: adapting cocktail recipes for allergies, offering warm water with refreshing lime to guests who feel unwell, or noticing personal habits such as a guest’s preferred hand for cutlery. As Wandi puts it, “Guests don’t just remember the room or the food. They remember how we made them feel.”
At the forefront of the guest journey is Nursyamin Amanina Bt Syabrani Leong, known as Nina, who has spent nearly three years as an Amari Host.
Her role centres on recognising, anticipating, and refining the experience of VIPs, return guests, and those celebrating special moments. “Hospitality is not just service—it’s about making people feel happy and understood,” she explains.
From remembering pillow preferences and favourite teas to arranging personalised welcome amenities or discreet birthday surprises, Nina works closely with teams across the hotel to ensure every detail aligns seamlessly.
Her pride comes from recognition that lasts beyond checkout: “When returning guests ask for me by name, it shows they truly appreciate the effort.”
Together, Wandi and Nina exemplify Amari Kuala Lumpur’s approach to hospitality—elegant, attentive, and thoughtfully delivered, with every detail designed to leave a lasting impression.
Story: Sue Rattanamahattana • Photography: Nabil Izhar Johar
ABOUT HEARTMADE
Created to celebrate the 60th anniversary of ONYX Hospitality Group, Heartmade is a series of heartfelt stories inspired by the people who make every stay memorable, from dedicated team members to cherished guests across Amari, OZO, Shama, Oriental Residence, as well as our spa and dining brands.
Through personal memories, meaningful connections, and moments of genuine care, the series celebrates the warmth and spirit of hospitality that have brought people together for six decades. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from the Heartmade series.