Name: Nur Hidayah Husein
Position: Ambassador of The Environment
Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
Dream destination: Raja Ampat, in Indonesia’s West Papua, is an amazing travel spot known for its natural beauty and lively marine life. It is perfect for nature lovers and adventurers looking for a beautiful, peaceful escape. I can’t wait to have the chance to see this natural wonder with my own eyes.
Drink or treat of choice: My favorite drink is the Golden Sunset Mocktail. Sipping it while watching the sun go down is simply perfect. The refreshing combination of Osmanthus syrup, apple juice, and soda makes it a delightful treat, perfect in a tropical setting like the Maldives.

Marine biologists are known for studying life beneath the waves in a wide array of ecosystems, but did you know they can also be found enhancing guest experiences at Marriott?

Meet Hidayah, more affectionately known as Daia: the marine biologist making waves of change at Marriott.

Her journey took her from the bustling cityscapes of Malaysia to the serene ocean waters in Langkawi, where she began her Marriott adventure at The Andaman, A Luxury Collection Resort in 2014 after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology. Since then, Daia has been committed to environmental stewardship at Marriott, leading a variety of conservation efforts at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands as part of the Ambassadors of the Environment program.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has been partnering with French environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society since 2005 to bring its Ambassadors of the Environment program to selected Ritz-Carlton hotels worldwide.

As an Ambassador of the Environment, Daia studies and monitors local marine ecosystems to ensure their health and sustainability. Her research centers on coral regeneration and combating plastic pollution. A key aspect of her role is sharing her encyclopedia of knowledge about marine life and the resort’s conservation efforts with guests through engaging presentations and hands-on experiences.

She works closely with her colleagues and the local Fari Islands community to protect the surrounding environment and implement eco-friendly practices. Together, they enhance the guest experience and support marine conservation efforts, one saved coral at a time.

→ Learn About the Wide Range of Career Journeys at Marriott

Over her 10-year career, Daia has had many opportunities to explore, research, and make an impact by not only protecting sea life, but also by creating countless memories with Marriott associates from around the world.

Learn more about how she turns her passion into work, seeking opportunities where she is enabled to make a difference.

Your role is quite different from what one would imagine a hospitality job is like. What does a typical day look like for you?

My daily routine is filled with excitement which is a blend of discovery, education, and conservation that distinguishes my work from the norm. Each morning begins with a burst of excitement! I start by leading educational activities for guests, diving into the vibrant underwater world to witness the colorful marine life. That is followed by interactive, fun-filled educational experiences for children, where learning about the ocean becomes a memorable adventure. Lastly, my day ends with vital conservation efforts, working on coral regeneration projects and conducting marine life surveys. This dynamic mix ensures each day is engaging and contributes to protecting marine ecosystems.

Tell us something unique about your discipline that you love.

Marine conservation is exciting because there’s always something new to learn and discover. Each day brings fresh challenges and rewards, making the work both engaging and satisfying. Educating people about ocean protection and seeing communities come together to help highlight how important this field is, mixing science with public awareness.

Describe a moment you felt supported at Marriott.

A memorable moment of support from Marriott was during the Sea Cucumber Regeneration project. This took place at The Luxury Collection, Langkawi in Malaysia back in 2019. Sea cucumbers are important for the marine ecosystems but are mostly ignored locally. Marriott provided crucial funding and resources, involved guests, and helped raise awareness about sea cucumbers’ importance through community outreach. By including the project in their sustainability efforts, Marriott ensured its success and showed their strong commitment to environmental care.

What about a time where you felt like a part of a community at Marriott?

A memorable moment of feeling connected to the Marriott community occurred during a meeting at the Maldives Marriott Cluster Marine Biologist event. All the Marine Biologists of the properties within the Maldives came together to discuss ongoing challenges and developments. Seeing other marine biologist from different property engage in meaningful conversations about sustainability, and work together to protect the environment underscored Marriott’s collaborative spirit and genuine commitment to making a positive impact. It gave me a great sense of community and I am proud to be a part of this community.

And how would you describe your experience as a Marriott associate?

Working at Marriott has been both rewarding and fulfilling. The company’s focus on sustainability has allowed me to use my marine biology skills in meaningful projects. I have led conservation efforts, collaborated with diverse teams, and received strong support for my growth. Marriott’s commitment to innovation has helped me make a real impact, connect with guests on environmental issues, and support sustainability goals, all while enhancing my career and passion for conservation, as well as learning so much and developing my career.

Proudest moment of your career so far?

My proudest career moment was creating a sustainability program and activities for guests at The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi. It was incredibly fulfilling to see how these efforts benefited the environment and enhanced guest experiences. Knowing that my work made a lasting difference motivates me to keep aiming for excellence. The fact that people still talk about and appreciate the program shows how valuable it is and the lasting impact.

One last thing: any advice for incoming Marriott associates?

For new Marriott associates, my advice is to fully embrace Marriott’s culture of hospitality, which emphasizes exceptional service and teamwork. Approach each guest interaction with a genuine desire to create memorable experiences and seek advice from experienced colleagues — they are a valuable resource. Stay proactive in learning and adapting, as the hospitality industry is always changing. Welcome feedback with an open mind and use it to improve your skills. Your enthusiasm, commitment to excellence, and readiness to go the extra mile will boost guest satisfaction and support your personal and professional growth at Marriott.

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