International Men’s Day arrives each year with a quiet invitation: pause, reflect, and ask what it truly means to live with purpose. But this year, something feels different. The conversation has shifted. Masculinity is being rewritten in real time, transformed from performance to presence, from dominance to empathy, from speed to sustainability.
Across conversations with three male leaders – Sebastian Krack, General Manager of Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur; Ken Lim, founder of KENS Apothecary; and Mark Wong, Senior Vice President of Small Luxury Hotels of the World – new definition of masculinity begins to take shape. One that values emotional intelligence, inner alignment, and above all, wellbeing.
Sebastian Krack and the Rise of Gentle Leadership
For Sebastian Krack, masculinity has become less about asserting oneself and more about cultivating empathy. “For me, masculinity today is about empathy, humility, and strength through care. It’s no longer defined by dominance or authority, but by emotional intelligence and balance,” he explains.
His understanding evolved over time – as a leader, a husband, and a father. He has come to see that vulnerability is not a flaw, but a form of strength. As he puts it, “Real strength lies in vulnerability — in being present, listening, and showing compassion.”
Walk into Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur and you’ll likely find him engaging with his team with quiet assurance. There’s warmth in the way he checks in, humility in how he receives feedback, and genuine interest in every conversation. This is leadership that uplifts rather than commands.
And for men navigating their own paths, Sebastian offers this message: “Lead with care. Success isn’t measured only by achievements, but by the impact you have on people. Stay curious, stay kind, and remember that balance is strength — not a compromise. The best leaders are those who uplift others while staying grounded in purpose and empathy.”
Ken Lim’s Grounded Philosophy on Ambition and Identity
While Sebastian redefines strength, Ken Lim reframes ambition. For the founder of KENS Apothecary, masculinity is not about proving oneself. It is about knowing who you are, then choosing to live in alignment with that truth.
“I see International Men’s Day as a reminder to reflect on the kind of person we choose to be,” he says. “For me, it’s less about gender and more about values, being grounded, respectful, and thoughtful in how we lead and live. He adds, “Positive masculinity, to me, means being comfortable in your own skin, showing empathy, and supporting others without needing to prove strength.”
This gentle conviction is woven into the DNA of KENS Apothecary. His stores are sanctuaries of sensory calm, providing a space for people to slow down and discover what feels authentic to them.
When offering guidance to younger men navigating ambition and identity, Ken draws from timeless wisdom: “Be curious and patient. The famous Taoist quote says, ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.’ Never stop dreaming. Stay true to your values, don’t just engage in empty talk, and always initiate the first step.”
Mark Wong on Longevity, Wellness, and Sustainable Success
In an industry defined by movement, deadlines, and endless global travel, Mark Wong channels stillness. Working in global hospitality means living in motion. But for Mark, purpose emerges not from the pace but from the impact. “Purpose, for me, comes from seeing how our work touches people’s lives. From our hoteliers who pour their hearts into crafting meaningful stay experiences, to guests finding unexpected meaning in the places they visit.”
He believes the modern gentleman seeks something beyond comfort—he seeks connection. “It’s less about five-star opulence and more about five-star personal relevance,” Mark explains. Travel today is regenerative: an opportunity to renew, reconnect, and contribute to something larger.
His insights are shaped not only by experience, but by survival. As a cancer survivor, Mark understands the true price of overextension. He advocates for a sustainable rhythm that honours both ambition and health. “It’s perfectly okay to slow down or disconnect from time to time. It’s not a sign of weakness,” he says. “Slowing down doesn’t mean losing momentum; it means finding a sustainable pace for the long run.”
And to his younger self, he would offer this clarity: “Work-life balance should begin from the very start, not when we’re forced to slow down. As a cancer survivor, I’ve learned that there’s far more to life than constantly pushing limits to build a career. True success is about how long you can stay in the race with purpose and balance rather than how quickly you reach the finish line.”
A New Definition of Masculinity
This International Men’s Day, Sebastian, Ken, and Mark offer a collective invitation: not to strive harder, but to live better. Their stories reveal that the modern man’s journey is not about outperforming others, but understanding oneself. Not about speed, but sustainability. Not dominance, but depth.
Because the men who will lead the future are those who understand that strength is not how loudly you stand, but how deeply you show up.
