A Journey Rooted in Service and Shaped by Diverse Experience

Dr. Manida’s path to leadership began in the early 1980s at the Grand Hyatt Macau. What started as a simple internship at the PBX department became the turning point of her life. Originally inclined toward a medical career, she found herself captivated by the world of hospitality – its dynamic nature, its demand for empathy, and its promise of human connection.

From the front desk of the hotel where she first learned the fundamentals of service, her ambition only grew stronger. This commitment led her across continents and industries, steadily shaping her worldview and leadership philosophy.

A major chapter in her early years unfolded in Hawaii with HTH Corporation, one of the state’s leading hotel chains. As part of her bachelor’s studies, she completed two internships with the company, both of which opened doors to a full-time role even before graduation. Over the next 15 years, she flourished within HTH’s Human Resources Department, deepening her understanding of people management, operational systems, and business dynamics.

During this time, she also explored roles beyond hospitality – working as a life insurance agent and teaching at a small business college. These experiences expanded her skillset and intuition, equipping her with versatility that would later become a defining strength in her leadership journey.

In 2006, she returned to Macau with a renewed vision. This phase marked her entry into large-scale Integrated Resorts, serving on the opening teams of Venetian Macau and City of Dreams Macau. Her transition from Human Resources to Information Technology, and eventually to Casino Marketing, showcased her remarkable adaptability and hunger for growth. She further extended her impact by helping launch sister properties including Studio City Macau and City of Dreams Manila, broadening her cross-functional leadership experience.

But a deeply personal milestone would soon reshape her confidence: a professional development seminar that empowered her to overcome her fear of speaking up in unfamiliar settings. Learning to communicate with assurance transformed not only her leadership style but also the opportunities she embraced thereafter.

This evolution culminated in one of her proudest career moments – joining the opening team of Okada Manila in 2016. Here, she blended years of experience across operations, HR, IT, and marketing to lead critical large-scale initiatives. Her ability to unite diverse teams and drive strategic execution made her a standout leader in one of Asia’s most competitive hospitality markets.

Today, as the head of Business Solutions in 2025, Dr. Manida leads with clarity, innovation, and a deep understanding of human-centered service. She oversees the Business Solutions, Quality Control, and Telecommunication teams – ensuring that operations remain seamless, technology remains purposeful, and service excellence stays at the core of the organization.

Milestones That Defined a Leader

Among the many chapters of her journey, the opening of Okada Manila stands out as the most transformative milestone. It was here that Dr. Manida brought the full spectrum of her cross-functional expertise to life – leading large teams, steering complex operations, and building systems that supported one of the region’s largest luxury integrated resorts.

This achievement solidified her reputation as a leader capable of navigating scale, culture, and high-pressure environments with grace and precision.

But 2025 has marked an especially extraordinary year in her career. Dr. Manida has been recognized globally for her leadership and impact, earning multiple prestigious nominations and awards that validate her dedication to excellence. These include:

• Global Rising Star Awards
• Business Leader Awards by Fluxx Events
• Certified Hospitality Professional (CHP) credential
• Top Expert recognition in INOBAL’s Top 50 Experts Project
• Top Doctor of Business Administration of the Year 2025 by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP)

For her, these accolades represent more than personal success – they symbolize resilience, lifelong learning, and the value of consistent hard work.

“They affirm the journey I’ve taken” she says. “They reflect the values I’ve upheld and the impact I strive to make as a leader in the hospitality and business solutions space.”

Shaping the Future of Hospitality: Innovation With a Human Heart

The hospitality industry is evolving at unprecedented speed. Technologies such as cashless payment systems, facial recognition for check-ins, eKYC verification, and digital ordering platforms are transforming how resorts operate and how guests engage with services.

Yet, amid these advancements, Dr. Manida believes one truth remains unchanged:
Technology can enhance hospitality, but it can never replace the human heart that defines it.

She champions a balanced approach – integrating innovation to elevate efficiency and personalization, while preserving the emotional intelligence and empathy that only people can provide.

“Machines can support the process” she explains, “but they cannot replicate genuine connection. Hospitality will always be rooted in the human touch.”

Within her organization, Dr. Manida’s Business Solutions team plays a central role in shaping this technological evolution. Acting as a bridge between business and IT, they evaluate, align, and implement systems that genuinely address operational needs.

Her Quality Control and Telecommunication teams further ensure that guests experience seamless interactions – whether through smooth digital processes or attentive human support. Their mission is clear:
Drive innovation without losing the essence of hospitality.

A Message of Empowerment for the Next Generation

As a woman who has carved her path across continents, industries, and leadership roles, Dr. Manida uses her platform to inspire aspiring leaders – especially women navigating complex professional landscapes.

Her advice is rooted in authenticity, clarity, and courage:

1. Reject limitations – especially those tied to gender.

She firmly believes that women are not restricted by industry, function, or expectation unless they internalize those limitations themselves. Capability knows no gender.

2. The “glass ceiling” is often a mindset.

While societal barriers exist, the greatest barrier can be the one we subconsciously build within ourselves. She urges professionals to reframe their thinking toward possibilities, not restrictions.

3. Effective leadership means self-awareness and prioritization.

Women often juggle multiple demanding roles. Dr. Manida encourages leaders to ask for support without guilt, emphasizing that delegation is a strength – not a weakness.

4. Believe in your own capabilities.

Authentic leadership emerges when we trust our voice, embrace our strengths, and lead with resilience and empathy.

“When we refuse to be defined by stereotypes and lead with authenticity” she says, “we don’t just break barriers – we redefine them.”

The Mark of a Transformational Leader

From her early beginnings at a Macau hotel to her influential role in shaping the hospitality landscape of 2025, Dr. Manida Xongmixay-Lau represents the true spirit of global leadership.

Her story is one of courage, continuous learning, and the ability to transform challenges into catalysts for growth. Whether driving digital innovation, nurturing service excellence, or empowering future leaders, her impact extends far beyond operations – it touches people, cultures, and the future of an entire industry.

As she continues to inspire and innovate, Dr. Manida stands among the 2025 Frontier 100s as a leader rewriting the standards of modern hospitality with vision, empathy, and unwavering purpose.