The Ascott Limited, CapitaLand Investment’s lodging business unit on June 20, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with SG Enable to promote disability inclusion and set new accessibility standards in the hospitality sector.
This partnership, described by Ascott as the “first of its scale” in Singapore’s hospitality industry, focuses on five key areas: inclusive spaces, programs, digital interfaces, hiring, and training.
Ascott and SG Enable will jointly develop resources and disability inclusion training at the Ascott Centre of Excellence, aimed at uplifting the wider industry. Insights from these initiatives will be used to create a playbook by 2025. Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth, as well as Social and Family Development, who attended the event as guest of honour, praised the initiative, stating, “These resources will further steer the disability inclusion efforts of Ascott’s properties around the world.”
At the MOU signing event at Ascott Orchard Singapore, which features accessible rooms and facilities, persons with disabilities shared positive feedback about the thoughtful design. Features include sliding doors, non-carpeted floors, and grab bars, making movement easier for those with mobility issues. Additionally, Ascott Orchard Singapore boasts wide walkways, a pool ramp and grab bar, wheelchair-accessible gym equipment, and comprehensive accessibility features in public areas, including braille signage and the Kipsu messaging platform for guests with hearing or visual impairments.
Beh Siew Kim, CapitaLand Investment’s chief financial and sustainability officer for lodging, emphasized the importance of inclusivity in tourism, aiming to ensure that persons with disabilities have equal opportunities for travel and work. Ascott has enhanced its website to highlight accessibility information and plans to continue improving its properties based on persons with disabilities feedback. By the end of 2024, refurbishment plans will be formalized for at least one Singapore property. Training for all service associates in Singapore is ongoing, with a goal to complete it by 2026, and efforts are being made to increase employment for persons with disabilities. Beh expressed hope that this MOU will inspire further global efforts in disability inclusion.
