"As HFTP International's first Asian-American president in its 50 plus history, I find it monumental that the association has chartered the HFTP-Asia chapter as I commence my presidential term," said Agnes DeFranco, Ed.D., CHAE, HFTP president and professor at the University of Houston. "I am proud to be part of an organization that reaches to many parts of the world. Not only will hospitality professionals in Asia benefit from HFTP services, but the association will also benefit from the experiences and expertise that the HFTP-Asia members will share with us." 

HFTP chapters offer HFTP members regular continuing education, social events, leadership opportunities, and the chance to participate in charitable works. Although HFTP chapters are regionally-based, chapter membership is not geographically limited. 

The elected HFTP-Asia chapter officers include: 

• President - Boon Yew James Lee, FCCA, CPA; Raffles Hotel (1886) Ltd.; Singapore

• Vice-President - Mark Kendall; Hyatt International Hotels & Resorts; Singapore 

• Secretary - Coco Choo; The Regent Singapore, a Four Seasons Hotel; Singapore 

• Treasurer - Jeff Blakeman; Four Seasons Asia Pacific; Singapore 

• Director - Elecktra Mararian, MBA; ESM Consulting Services; Singapore

• Director - Vinod Sukhija; The Regent Singapore, a Four Seasons Hotel; Singapore 

• Director - Hon Ooi Ling; Four Seasons Hotel; Singapore

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (www.hftp.org)

Based in Austin, Texas, HFTP is the professional association for financial and technology personnel working in hotels, resorts, clubs, casinos, restaurants and other hospitality-related businesses. The association provides continuing education and networking opportunities to more than 4,500 members around the world, and produces the premiere hospitality technology shows HITEC and EHTEC, as well as the new Caribbean Hotel Finance and Technology Conference. HFTP also administers the examination and awards the certification for the Certified Hospitality Accountant Executive (CHAE) and the Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP) designations. HFTP was founded in 1952 as the National Association of Hotel Accountants.

HFTP® and HITEC® are registered service marks of Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals.