“Good grades don’t equal intelligence and they definitely don’t determine how successful you’ll be.”
Au Kai Zen
Managing Director at Kenny Hills Hospitality Group
Au Kai Zen serves as Managing Director of Kenny Hills Hospitality Group, where he oversees the growth and strategic direction of one of Malaysia’s most recognisable lifestyle and F&B brands. Under his leadership, Kenny Hills has expanded beyond its flagship bakery into a diversified portfolio of dining concepts, known for blending quality, consistency, and a strong brand identity within an increasingly competitive hospitality landscape. With a background shaped by hands-on operational experience and business leadership, Kai Zen has played a pivotal role in scaling the brand while maintaining its core ethos. His approach balances disciplined execution with a keen understanding of consumer trends, enabling Kenny Hills to evolve from a neighbourhood favourite into a multi-concept hospitality group, while continuing to refine its offerings in response to changing market expectations.
In Their Words
“When all you do is study… you don’t really get to figure out what you actually want.”
“Why spend 9 years studying something… if you already know you won’t do it long term?”
“I stood there, looked around the class, and thought, this is not it.”
“There wasn’t one big moment, I just got deeper and deeper into it.”
FEATURED ON

Pickle Park: Kenny Hills' MD Makes a Pickleball Play, But Why?
Pickleball is booming, but is it a bubble? In this episode of Open For Business, we speak with Au Kai Zen and Antony Au , Co-Founders of Pickle Park, about why they believe they've found the winning formula both on and off the court.
READ MORE
ICBS 2024 showcases the future of café culture in Malaysia and beyond
Kenny Hills Hospitality Group Managing Director Kai Zen Au reveals his plans for the food and beverage company's expansion.
READ MORE
Pickle Park, Malaysian pickleball club in PJ with F&B options
Pickleball is all the rage these days, with seemingly everyone and their parents trying out the hip new sport. Tapping into this rise in popularity, many dedicated pickleball courts have mushroomed across the country.
READ MORE


