Hilton has secured the second position on the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For in South East Asia list for 2026, marking the second consecutive year it has held the title of the region’s highest-ranked hospitality employer. This ranking is based on confidential survey data provided by more than 1.3 million employees working across ten different countries. The evaluation focused on workplace culture, specifically measuring employee experiences regarding trust and fairness across various organizational roles. Source
The company’s recognition is supported by feedback gathered through the Trust Index survey and Culture Audit methodologies, conducted in partnership with Great Place to Work. According to internal data provided by the firm, 93 percent of team members globally identify the company as a great place to work, while 87 percent express confidence in their ability to achieve long-term career goals within the organization. This culture of professional development remains a central pillar for the brand. Source
In addition to its regional status, Hilton achieved the top ranking in Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia for 2026. In Singapore, the brand secured the fourth position within the large-sized business category and was awarded Legend status by Great Place to Work, a designation reserved for organizations that maintain top-tier rankings for five consecutive years. These results highlight the brand’s ability to standardize employee satisfaction and professional support across its diverse regional markets. Source
The company’s growth trajectory remains significant, with at least 30,000 new positions expected to be filled across the Asia Pacific region by the conclusion of 2030. To support this rapid expansion, the company has implemented various initiatives aimed at skills training and internal mobility. Programs like Lead@Hilton and the South East Asia Management Trainee Program provide structured pathways for existing team members to advance into new roles, reducing dependency on external recruitment during periods of high competition for talent. Source
One notable example of this professional growth is found in the career of Nor Najihah Binti Che Kob, who joined the pre-opening team at DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam i-City in 2022 as a Housekeeping Coordinator. Despite having a background in construction management rather than hospitality, she successfully transitioned to the Front Office the following year. By 2024, she had advanced to the position of Front Desk Team Leader and was subsequently promoted to Duty Manager by 2025. Source
In Vietnam, Tran Duc Minh, a 20-year-old commis chef at Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang, represents the company's commitment to inclusive employment. He entered the industry through a traineeship funded by the Hilton Global Foundation in partnership with STREETS International, an organization supporting vulnerable youth. His performance led to a promotion to a full-time position within two months of joining the team. Such initiatives are intended to integrate local talent into the global brand's operations. Source
The company’s operational footprint in Malaysia is currently expanding, with plans to open five new properties during 2026. These additions include the Hilton Shah Alam Glenmarie, the Hilton Burau Bay Langkawi Resort, and the Hilton Garden Inn Kota Kinabalu Tuaran, all of which are scheduled for launch within the first quarter. Furthermore, the brand plans to introduce the Waldorf Astoria and Conrad names to the Malaysian market later in the same year, enhancing its luxury portfolio in the country. Source
Market expansion also necessitates strong community involvement and social responsibility as part of the employer brand. At the DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur, Mohamad Badleey leads community outreach efforts, including the redistribution of surplus food to local community homes. During Ramadan 2026, his team redirected 278 kilograms of food. These community-focused roles are integrated into the employee experience, reinforcing the company's stated focus on purpose-driven culture across its various regional properties. Source
The following table summarizes the market-level performance rankings for the brand according to the 2026 reports provided by Great Place to Work. Source
Market Rankings Overview (2026) Source
| Market | Ranking |
|---|---|
| Vietnam | No. 1 |
| Thailand | No. 1 |
| Philippines | No. 1 |
| Malaysia | No. 1 |
| Indonesia | No. 2 |
| Singapore (Large Category) | No. 4 Source |
Alexandra Murray, the area vice president and head of South East Asia for the company, emphasized that these results are directly tied to the brand’s ability to support employees through flexible working and wellbeing resources. By creating an environment where staff feel empowered, the organization aims to ensure that the service provided to guests remains consistent as the brand continues to grow its presence in popular tourist destinations across the region. Source
