Early Life
Michael Kum was born in Singapore in 1945 to parents who were street hawkers. Growing up in a humble environment, he learned the value of hard work and perseverance. He earned a Certificate in Higher Commercial Law and Higher Costing from the London Chamber of Commerce in 1966.
Rise to Success
Kum's career began in 1969 as the Finance and Administration Manager for Marine Charters (Singapore) Pte Ltd. He was appointed to the board in 1972. In 1976, he co-founded Offshore Equipment Pte Ltd, which chartered vessels to the oil and gas industry. This venture expanded into Miclyn Holdings and later Miclyn Offshore, a major offshore support vessel operator. After selling his offshore barge business to Macquarie Group in 2009, Kum entered the hotel industry through Grandline International and M&L Hospitality.
Key Business Strategies
Kum's key strategies involved acquiring strategically located hospitality properties in key gateway cities. His acquisition strategy focused on major business hubs, long-term value assets, and strong global brands like Hilton and Hyatt. M&L Hospitality now operates 21 hotels across Asia and Europe. In June 2025, he acquired Hotel Maria in Helsinki.
Philanthropy
M&L Hospitality and the hotel ibis Singapore donated 3,200 bento box meals to staff of Tan Tock Seng Hospital and the National Centre for Infectious Diseases in 2020.
