This expansion will generate over 12,000 new jobs: Ascott
To develop its workforce, global hospitality company Ascott has increased its training efforts as it plans to open more than 300 new properties worldwide by 2028.
In a press statement, Ascott says that this expansion will generate over 12,000 new jobs, including more than 1,500 leadership roles across the new properties. As part of this initiative, it has launched Ascott Accelerate a structured talent development programme that will fast-track high-potential staff into leadership roles. This will be supported by a new digital learning platform.
It adds that both efforts are part of a wider training platform, the Ascott Global Academy for Excellence (AGAX), which was introduced in 2024. This platform is led by the Ascott Learning Council, co-chaired by Wong Kar Ling, Chief Strategy Officer and Managing Director for Southeast Asia, and Lee Ngor Houai, Chief Operating Officer for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and China.
Lee Ngor Houai
“At Ascott, our vision is to be the preferred hospitality company, enriching global living with heartfelt experiences. To deliver on this, we have expanded our portfolio beyond serviced residences to include hotels, resorts, social living spaces and branded residences, offering guests more choices under our brand promise ‘Stay Your Way.’ Our multi-typology brand framework not only caters to the diverse needs of today’s travellers, but also empowers our associates to develop broad-based expertise and thrive across different accommodation formats. As our business continues to grow and diversify, we remain deeply committed to developing our people, ensuring they have the skills and support to grow with us. Looking ahead, talent development will remain central to our strategy as we expand globally, with over 300 new properties set to become operational by 2028,” says Lee Ngor Houai, Chief Operating Officer, Europe, Middle East, Africa, South Asia and China, Ascott.
According to the statement, to support different stages of career progression through practical learning, Ascott Accelerate has three career development tracks, ‘Aim’ for foundational leadership, ‘Advance’ for department-level management, and ‘Aspire’ for future Residence Managers and General Managers.
Wong Kar Ling
“To future-proof our talent pipeline, we are excited to launch Ascott Accelerate, a comprehensive initiative designed to nurture high-potential talent at every stage of their hospitality careers. This programme supports associates from entry-level roles to key property leadership positions, such as Residence Manager and General Manager. Through mentorship, on-the-job training, project-based learning and e-learning, Ascott Accelerate will shape the next generation of hospitality leaders, equipping them with the capabilities to drive our continued success. As the training needs of our organisation evolve, we are also exploring partnerships with leading hospitality institutions to enhance the professional credentials of our team. We welcome individuals with a passion for hospitality to join us at Ascott, where opportunities to grow and thrive are part of our dynamic journey,” says Wong Kar Ling, Chief Strategy Officer, Managing Director, Southeast Asia, Ascott.
The Singapore group says the digital platform introduced alongside the programme allows staff to develop operational knowledge across areas such as guest services, housekeeping, maintenance, digital technology and finance at their own pace.
“Hospitality is about connecting people across places, cultures and possibilities. At Ascott, we believe those connections should begin within our own teams. Just as we aspire to offer global living to our guests, we are equally committed to giving our associates the opportunity to experience the global nature of our business, whether through international assignments or globally connected platforms like our learning festivals. These initiatives reflect not only the scale of our operations but also why many are drawn to hospitality, a passion for people, culture and discovery,” adds Wong.
Ascott says that in 2024, the hospitality group recorded USD 343 million in fee-related earnings, marking its third consecutive year of growth. This was driven by a 6 pc rise in revenue per available unit and the opening of 11,700 units across 54 properties.
The Singapore-based group adds that it currently has over 990 properties in more than 230 cities. Its brand strategy includes serviced residences, hotels, resorts, social living spaces and branded residences, with Malaysia as a key market, featuring over 40 properties either operating or in development. Penang, home to 21 of these, was selected as the launch site for Ascott Accelerate and the digital platform during the Ascott Learning Festival.
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