Ascott enters long-term partnership to set new standards for accessible accommodation

Singapore-based hospitality firm, Ascott, has signed an MoU with SG Enable, the focal agency for disability and inclusion in the country, that will see both forging a long-term partnership to elevate disability inclusion and set new standards for accessible accommodation in the hospitality industry.

This partnership is the first of its scale in Singapore’s hospitality industry, spearheading a range of initiatives that will deliver inclusive stay experiences through design and programming across Ascott’s properties in the country. It will also serve to foster workforce diversity and contribute to capability-building, not only within Ascott but also throughout the hospitality sector.

Ascott and SG Enable will jointly develop and deliver essential resources and disability inclusion training tailored for the hospitality industry at the Ascott Centre for Excellence (ACE) training facility. Insights gained from the joint initiatives will be used to develop a comprehensive playbook in 2025 to steer the disability inclusion efforts of Ascott’s properties around the world.

Key initiatives will centre around five pillars: Inclusive Spaces, Inclusive Programmes, Inclusive Digital Interfaces, Inclusive Hiring, and Inclusive Training.

Eric Chua, senior parliamentary secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Social and Family Development, said at the signing ceremony: “Partnerships such as this are crucial for driving positive change in our community.”

The partnership coincides with Ascott’s ongoing 40th anniversary celebrations.

Beh Siew Kim, chief financial & sustainability officer, lodging, CapitaLand Investment and managing director, Japan and Korea, Ascott, said: “Marking 40 remarkable years in hospitality service, Ascott has embarked on a transformative journey to go ‘unlimited’ for our guests and associates. To create ‘unlimited good’ as a positive changemaker, we are deepening our commitment to championing inclusivity under our Ascott CARES sustainability framework.

“As a leading global hospitality company headquartered in Singapore, our vision is to strengthen Ascott’s culture of care and respect by cultivating a more inclusive operating environment for both guests and associates. We are thus delighted to find a like-minded partner in SG Enable to jointly establish new standards for accessibility in the hospitality sector and positively impact the future of travel. This MOU will mark an integral step towards our goal of scaling up Ascott’s disability inclusion efforts globally.”

Ku Geok Boon, CEO of SG Enable, acknowledged the partnership as “a significant milestone in our journey of championing disability inclusion and accessibility”.

In addition to the ceremony on June 20, three persons with disabilities and their family members were invited to share their stay experiences at Ascott Orchard Singapore. They affirmed that Ascott Orchard Singapore was wheelchair friendly and easy to navigate, and the experience was complemented by the warm hospitality of the service team who had gone through disability management training by SG Enable.

Ascott Orchard Singapore is the country’s first serviced residence to be certified Universal Design Mark Platinum by Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority for its user-friendliness. It features sheltered walkways seamlessly linked to the adjacent mosque and shopping mall, complemented with clear and informative signs that are accompanied by braille and tactile maps. Accommodation options include accessible guestrooms catering to wheelchair users as well as dual-key units that facilitate multi-generational living. All public toilets are equipped with accessibility features; the swimming pool deck is accessible via a ramp; a Kipsu messaging platform facilitates communication with guests with hearing loss or visual impairment.

Part of the serviced residence’s service crew has completed SG Enable’s disability management course, and more will undergo training by end-2024.