Trip.com Group’s Ru Yi to deliver keynote on ‘Travel in the Age of Digital Transformation’ at GM Forum 2025

Hotelier Maldives, the leading hospitality media group in the country, has announced that Ru Yi, Assistant Vice President of International Markets, APAC at Trip.com Group, will deliver the keynote address at the ninth edition of the General Managers (GM) Forum. Scheduled for 13 October 2025 at Kurumba Maldives, the keynote will focus on “Travel in the Age of Digital Transformation”, aligning with this year’s forum theme, “Digitalisation and Expanding Experiences.”

As Assistant Vice President of International Markets, APAC, Ru Yi oversees the strategic development and operations of Trip.com’s hotel business units across key markets including Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand. Her responsibilities include strengthening brand equity, driving growth, and fostering partnerships with major stakeholders across the region.

A founding member of Trip.com Singapore, Ru Yi previously held the role of Regional General Manager and Country Head of the International Hotel Business Unit (Singapore). With a career spanning more than a decade at Trip.com Group, she also brings significant experience from senior positions at Resorts World Sentosa, Sentosa Leisure Group, and Far East Organisation.

Commenting on her participation, Ru Yi emphasised the importance of aligning digital transformation strategies with evolving customer expectations in the global travel and hospitality sectors. A frequent speaker at international forums, she is recognised for her expertise in market development, digitalisation, and consumer engagement.

Ali Naafiz, Editor of Hotelier Maldives, welcomed the announcement: “We are honoured to have Ru Yi deliver the keynote address at the GM Forum 2025. Her leadership across Asia and her insights into digital transformation and market expansion will provide valuable context as the Maldivian hospitality sector adapts to the demands of a rapidly changing global landscape.”

Since its inception in 2016, the GM Forum has grown into the country’s most influential platform for hospitality leaders. The ninth edition will once again bring together general managers, senior executives, government officials, and international partners to discuss pressing industry issues. This year’s focus will be on how digital tools can be harnessed to enhance guest experiences while preserving the authenticity of Maldivian hospitality.

The forum will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive sessions designed to provide hoteliers with actionable insights into the opportunities and challenges posed by digital transformation.

Hotelier Maldives will be extending invitations to general managers, executives, and hospitality professionals to attend the 2025 Forum. Further details on the agenda, speakers, and partners will be announced in the coming weeks.

Sponsors and Partners of GM Forum 2025 include:

• Dhiraagu – Platinum Partner
• Bank of Maldives – Banking Partner
• Dhivehi Insurance – Gold Sponsor
• Maldives Airports Company Limited – Silver Sponsor
• Villa Hakatha – Silver Sponsor
• Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) – Silver Sponsor
• Manta Air – Aviation Partner
• Male’ Aerated Water Company – Beverage Partner
• Atmosphere Wellness – Wellness Partner
• Alia Investments – Associate Sponsor
• Uniforms Unlimited – Associate Sponsor
• Hotels and Resorts Investment Maldives (HARIM) – Associate Sponsor
• Souvenir Marine – Transport Partner
• Storm Events – Organising Partner
• Lightsout – Associate Partner
• Maldives TV – Media Partner
• Maldives Ocean Plastics Alliance (MOPA) – Sustainability Partner
• Supporting Partners – Navean Maldives, Maldives Insider and Blue n White