THE Singapore owned - Ascott Group, which is a leading hospitality management operator plans to open six more properties in Penang despite concerns of a glut of rooms in the state.
Ascott, the lodging division of the Singaporean CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI), is optimistic that tourism and demand for accommodation would continue to grow post Covid-19, including in Penang.
There are now some 17,000 registered rooms in Penang with state executive councilor for tourism Wong Hon Wai pointing out that around 2,000 were added in the last two years alone.
In a statement, Ascott shared that it has 14 properties earmarked in Penang, comprising 2,019 rooms of which eight are now operational, including its flagship Ascott Gurney, offering up to 1,057 rooms.
Nationwide, it has 42 properties in existence or in development, comprising 8,870 rooms.
Ascott expects to create more than 12,000 jobs – including 1,500 property leadership roles – to support the opening of more than 300 properties worldwide by 2028.
It will create talent development initiatives in preparation to compete with established global hotel brands such as Marriot and Holiday Inn.
It plans to launch Ascott Accelerate, a fast-track structured talent management programme aimed at preparing staff with high-potential for leadership positions that will be supported by a new digital learning platform.
And it will offer training across all levels; from food and beverages to rooms, as well as other services while also incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI).
"We will continue to develop our staff as the business grows," said Ascott chief operating officer for Europe, Middle East, Africa, South Asia and China, Lee Ngor Houai.
“Talent development will remain central to our strategy as we expand globally,” he said.
Penang, home to eight properties, was selected as the launch site for the talent development programmes, which points to Malaysia’s role in the group’s broader growth plans.
Ascott Learning Council’s co-chair, Wong Kar Ling, who is also chief strategy officer and managing director for South-East Asia, said: “As training needs of our organisation evolve, we are also exploring partnerships with leading hospitality institutions to enhance the professional credentials of our team.”
In addition to the talent development programme and platform, the CLI owned firm has other initiatives to boost learning experiences, including an exchange programme and learning festivals.
In 2024, Ascott achieved a third consecutive year of record fee-related earnings of US$343million, which was a 12% increase compared to the previous year.
This performance was driven by a 6% rise in revenue per available unit and the opening of a record 11,700 units across 54 properties.
Ascott manages and franchises lodging options, including serviced residences, hotels, resorts, social living properties and branded residences.
Its portfolio has around 990 properties across more than 230 cities in over 40 countries, with two-thirds already operational.
The Ascott Learning Festival 2025 involved some 100 of Ascott invitees and participants.
The festival is themed “Grow with Us, Lead Our Future” and aims to cultivate a culture of continuous learning, leadership excellence, and cross-functional collaboration across Ascott’s regional network.
Organised by The Ascott Limited, the festival presents a dynamic programme of keynote speeches, fireside chats, panel discussions, and skill-based workshops, covering pressing topics in hospitality, business transformation, data-driven leadership, wellness, and strategic talent development. - May 21, 2025.
