MALAYSIA. SSP Malaysia and HMSHost Malaysia were among the big winners at the Malaysia Airports Concessionaires Awards, presented by the airports company at its annual gathering of commercial partners on 20 November. The leading F&B companies won Best Overall Retailer (Malaysia Airports) and Best Overall Retailer (Sepang/KLIA), respectively. Full results appear below.
Retail, F&B and other service partners gathered for the Concessionaires Conference and Awards Night, a platform that recognises concessionaires’ contributions to the airport experience, and sets the commercial direction for the year ahead – Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026.
Anchored by the theme ‘Elevating Performance, Driving Growth’, the conference brought together industry players to exchange forward-looking insights, strengthen strategic partnerships and shape the next chapter of commercial growth for Malaysia and the wider region.
It also highlighted global travel retail trends and strategies that will drive greater innovation, collaboration and operational excellence across the airport ecosystem.
The conference opened with a keynote address by Malaysia Airports Managing Director Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani, who emphasised the central role of retail and service partners in shaping the airport experience.
“As the region’s aviation landscape expands and Malaysia prepares for VMY 2026, our priority is to strengthen collaboration and elevate performance together, ensuring our airports remain competitive, memorable and truly reflective of Malaysia’s identity,” he said.
Senior General Manager of Commercial Services Hani Ezra Hussin reflected on the collective achievements under the Commercial Reset strategy and the refreshed retail mix across the network.
“Our reset is not a final destination but a continuous journey,” she said. “We will keep building momentum by embracing new technologies, refreshing our brand mix and introducing innovative offerings that ensure our airports remain relevant and competitive globally.
“Looking ahead, VMY 2026 will also present a significant opportunity for concessionaires to build on our shared momentum and contribute to a more vibrant commercial landscape.”
Adding a wider industry perspective, m1nd-set Founder and CEO Dr Peter Mohn spoke about how a new generation of travellers are shaping travel retail’s landscape. His session highlighted shifting consumer expectations and the growing importance of data transparency, technology adoption and behavioural insights.
The event culminated in the Concessionaires Awards Night, themed ‘Mythical Malaysia: Where Legends Rise and Glory Reign.’
Inspired by Malaysian folklore, the gala featured contemporary design interpretation of local legends and celebrated outstanding achievement in travel retail.
The awards celebrated concessionaires who demonstrated “exceptional creativity, innovation, service and operational performance in enhancing the travel retail experience”.
Some 24 awards were presented, including the prestigious Best Overall Retailer and new categories such as the Entrepreneurial Awards and Compliance Excellence.
The full list is as follows:
Best Product Category, Retail Core (KLIA*): Cigar, KLIA Terminal 1 (Dimensi Eksklusif)
Best Product Category, Retail Core (MASB**): Green Earth, Langkawi International Airport (Pemborong Bumihijau Duty Free)
Best Product Category, Retail Fashion & Accessories (KLIA): Hugo Boss, KLIA Terminal 1 (Hugo Boss Malaysia)
Best Product Category, Retail Fashion & Accessories (MASB): Sunglass Hut, Penang International Airport (SGH Optics Malaysia)
Best Product Category, Retail Essentials, Gifts & Others (KLIA): Bacha Coffee, KLIA Terminal 1 (Envico Travel Retail)
Best Product Category, Retail Essentials, Gifts & Others (MASB): Ban Heang, Penang International Airport (Ban Heang Malaysia)
Best Product Category, Food & Beverage (KLIA): Din Tai Fung, KLIA Terminal 1 (FC Club)
Best Product Category, Food & Beverage (MASB): KFC, Kota Kinabalu International Airport (QSR Stores)
Best Product Category, Service (KLIA): Kepler, KLIA Terminal 1 (Kepler Resting Services (Malaysia)
Best Product Category, Service (MASB): Travel Club Lounge, Kuching International Airport (SSP Malaysia)
Best Newcomer Award (KLIA): Smart Storage, KLIA Terminal 1 (SA Continental)
Best Newcomer Award (MASB): Kopi Ping Café, Kota Kinabalu International Airport (Kopi Ping Café)
Entrepreneurial Award – Retail (KLIA): Borneo Pearls, KLIA Terminal 1 (Takbir Sukma)
Entrepreneurial Award – Retail (MASB): Little Penang, Penang International Airport (Retail One)
Entrepreneurial Award – Food & Beverage (KLIA): Dunkin’, KLIA Terminal 1 (Golden Donuts)
Entrepreneurial Award – Food & Beverage (MASB): Nooodles, Kota Kinabalu International Airport (Tabco Food Services)
Entrepreneurial Award – Service (KLIA): Capsule Transit Air, KLIA Terminal 2 (Capsule Transit)
Entrepreneurial Award – Service (MASB): JKL Left Luggage Service, Kota Kinabalu International Airport (JKL Enterprise)
Compliance Excellence Award (KLIA): Café Espresso, KLIA Terminal 2 (HMSHost Malaysia)
Compliance Excellence Award (MASB): WHSmith, Langkawi International Airport (WHSmith Malaysia)
Best Supporting Partner (KLIA): Heinemann Duty Free Malaysia
Best Supporting Partner (MASB): Malaysia Airports (Niaga)/Eraman
Best Overall Retailer (KLIA): HMSHost Malaysia
Best Overall Retailer (MASB): SSP Malaysia
*KLIA denotes Kuala Lumpur International Airport
**MASB denotes Malaysia Airports Sdn. Bhd ✈
