Using Steve Jobs' quote as a guideline "Design is a funny word. Some people think design means how it looks. But of course, if you dig deeper, it's really how it works”, Mr Freek Jansen, demonstrated that design is not just about vision but also the process of creating a successful project. Fusion Resort Phu Quoc, Fusion Suite Sai Gon, and Ixora Ho Tram are some of his remarkable projects.

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John started his hospitality career in his native New Zealand where he owned a number of restaurants before moving to Australia and had a change of direction into hotels joining the Accor group in the early 90’s. He managed several properties around the country before transferring up to Thailand as the start of his career throughout Asia working in other countries in the region such as Indonesia, Singapore and Cambodia before moving to China where he changed his allegiance to Intercontinental Hotels. From there he was headhunted for the roll in the iconic Caravelle Hotel Saigon where he was GM then GD for 15 years. Recognising the growth potential of the hotel industry here, he decided it was time to move on to one last long term gig, so together with a colleague set up Optimum Hospitality, a full service hotel consultancy, asset management, advisory and independent management company for the region and have just opened their Indonesian office. Married to his beautiful wife Cass and with a daughter just finished her university studies in Singapore, and with so many friends in Vietnam this will be his home for many years to come.

Full-Service Design & Engineering Consultancy (EPC Design Consultant) covering Master Planning, Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Structural Engineering, MEP Engineering, Infrastructure Engineering, Cost Estimation, Project Management, Construction Supervision, and Project Legal Consultancy.

Graduating with a degree in Architecture, Donald is a multidisciplinary designer with a creative mindset and a passion for innovative ideas. He seamlessly integrates artistic vision into interior design while working closely with project leaders and clients throughout the design development and project delivery process.

Evgeniya Lazareva is an interior designer with over a decade of experience delivering luxury hospitality interiors across the globe. Selected Projects: Four Seasons Singapore; Lotte Signiel Busan, South Korea; Address Dubai Mall, UAE; Jin Mao Grand Hyatt Shanghai, China; Westin Jakarta, Indonesia; MUME Chinese Fine Dining Moscow, Russia; Hotel 1900, Singapore; Set of Six, Singapore. Evgeniya Lazareva is an interior designer with more than ten years of international experience in luxury hospitality design. She studied design at Istituto Marangoni and Central Saint Martins in Florence and London. Her career began with fast-paced, experience-driven projects, including brand activations, pop-ups, and exhibitions. In 2013, she joined Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), where she contributed to the refurbishment of Four Seasons Singapore and Grand Hyatt Shanghai, while also working on the design of Lotte Signiel Busan and Westin Jakarta. In 2018, she joined Aedas as a design consultant, leading the design development for the refurbishment of the iconic Raffles Hotel. In 2017, Evgeniya founded Division, a design studio dedicated to creating emotionally engaging spaces through the power of storytelling. Holding a qualification in Sustainable Business Management from the University of Cambridge, Evgeniya is committed to advancing conscious and sustainable design practices. She is also a contributor to Sustainavistas, an action-oriented network dedicated to shaping a more sustainable future. Beyond her professional practice, Evgeniya serves as an active board member of Sala Bai Hotel and Restaurant School in Siem Reap. The program combats poverty and human trafficking by providing vocational and social education to underprivileged Cambodian youth, with 70% of its places reserved for young women who have limited access to education. Currently, Evgeniya is developing an eco-conscious boutique hotel in Sidemen, Bali. The project embraces traditional bamboo architecture and climate-responsive design while creating employment opportunities and supporting educational initiatives for the local community.

Born in Japan in 1983 2002 - 2011 Studied at the University of Tokyo 2007 - 2008 Studied at the Technical University of Lisbon 2011 - 2015 Worked at VTN Architects 2016 Established Inrestudio in Ho Chi Minh City

Bradley W. Segal is the Co-founder of Eddie’s New York Deli & Diner, a classic 1950s-style American diner and deli restaurant group founded in Ho Chi Minh City in 2018, including its related concepts Shelly’s Vegetarian Comfort Kitchen and Eddie’s Wok American Chinese. He has lived in Vietnam for nearly 30 years and brings a broad business background across manufacturing, export, retail, and food & beverage. He holds a degree in Business Economics from Colorado College, with additional study at City, University of London Business School. Bradley is also a Board Member of AmCham Vietnam and a member of its ESG Committee. At the VMARK International Design Summit 2026, he will join Summit 3 | Regenerative Circular F&B & Hospitality, sharing an operator’s perspective on regenerative hospitality as a daily practice - exploring how menu engineering, waste reduction, team education, guest experience, and the philosophy of “Live Here. Work Here. Eat Here.” can help everyday hospitality businesses create longer-term value for people, communities, and the environment.

Experienced Property Consultant with a demonstrated history of working in the real estate industry. Skilled in Negotiation, Shopping Centers, Real Estate Development, Feasibility Studies, and Asset Management. Strong real estate professional and a member of Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

Nicolas is a dynamic Business Development Leader at KulörGroup, leveraging his extensive expertise in the hospitality and tourism management sectors to drive strategic growth and cultivate impactful client relationships. His role encompasses identifying new business opportunities, developing strategic partnerships, and promoting the firm's distinctive approach to architecture, interior design, and technical standards across global markets.

Architect Nguyễn Hoàng Mạnh was born in 1970 in Kỳ Lừa, Lạng Sơn, but spent his formative years in the fishing village of Thanh Hải, Phan Thiết City, Bình Thuận Province. He graduated from Ho Chi Minh City University of Architecture in 1997 and completed his master's degree in architecture at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium in 2001. In 2003, he co-founded MIA Design Studio, where he serves as the CEO and Principal Architect. With a design philosophy that emphasizes contemporary tropical architecture, environmental sustainability, and local identity, he and his team have delivered numerous high-value projects. Throughout his career, he has received numerous national and international architectural awards. Notably, in 2016, he was honored as "Architect of the Year" at the Ashui Awards. Additionally, he was recognized as one of the "Architects of the Decade," alongside Võ Trọng Nghĩa and Đàm Huỳnh Quốc Vũ. One of his most notable works is the Sky House, his private residence in Saigon, which embodies the principle of "Less is More" in design, emphasizing minimalism and harmony with nature.