To mark its 40th anniversary, Singapore-based hospitality major Ascott has announced the creation of a training academy to help enhance talent pool of trained hospitality professionals from around the world.

Hospitality major Ascott, the lodging business unit wholly owned by Singapore-based CapitaLand Investment (CLI), has announced the launch of a global learning facility, Ascott Global Academy for Excellence (AGAX), as part of its year-long Ascott Unlimited campaign to mark its 40th year of hospitality service.

In a press statement, Ascott says that unveiled at the biennial Ascott Global Conference held in Singapore this year, the launch of AGAX signifies Ascott’s commitment to strengthen its talent acquisition and retention strategy, while building a culture of continuous learning throughout its expansive network.

The statement adds that an extension of the Ascott Centre for Excellence (ACE), a hospitality training centre in Singapore providing training courses to the wider industry, AGAX will be established in collaboration with accredited learning partners to train associates from all over the world. From apprenticeship programmes to hospitality and service training courses, AGAX will serve as a dynamic platform with a comprehensive range of offerings for learning and development.

All programmes will be designed to equip Ascott associates with the skills and knowledge essential for success in the ever-evolving hospitality landscape. Recognising the diverse needs of its workforce, the academy will offer both in-person training sessions at physical locations worldwide, as well as virtual online courses accessible to Ascott associates irrespective of geographical constraints.

AGAX will adopt a systematised and outcome-based learning track. It will also offer personal development programmes to equip associates with the technical know-how and best practices for the hospitality industry. AGAX is a core initiative led by the Ascott Learning Council, which is co-chaired by Wong Kar Ling, Chief Strategy Officer and Managing Director, Southeast Asia for Ascott and Lee Ngor Houai, Chief Operating Officer, Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA), South Asia and China, Ascott.

“Against a backdrop of global change and evolving perspectives of travel, Ascott is welcoming a new era of unlimited possibilities. As we continue to build on a highly resilient flex-hybrid accommodation model and ride on the upswing of travel recovery, we need a robust and holistic talent management strategy to ensure Ascott maintains an ever-ready pool of talent. The Ascott Global Academy for Excellence is a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to elevate employee engagement, drive operational excellence, and deliver unparalleled guest experiences. By prioritising continuous learning and development, Ascott aims to nurture a workforce that is not only adept at meeting current challenges but also poised to capitalise on future opportunities in the dynamic hospitality industry. This will allow Ascott to uplift our human capital while providing best-in-class hospitality products and services as a preferred accommodation of choice for our property owners and guests,” says Wong Kar Ling.

“As Ascott embarks on this journey of growth and expansion, it is imperative that we invest in the development and empowerment of our associates and contribute to their personal and professional growth. With the launch of the Ascott Global Academy for Excellence, we aim to cultivate a culture where every Ascott associate is equipped with the tools and resources needed to thrive in their roles. The academy will focus on core competencies training to hone knowledge and deepen skillsets that will elevate Ascott’s standards in the delivery of hospitality service. Ascott also seeks to attract talents who are passionate about joining the industry by offering robust and specialised learning programmes. In addition to building a strong talent pipeline with unlimited opportunities for growth and development, Ascott will spotlight opportunities to celebrate and recognise our associates, empowering them to be at their best so that they will in turn be at their best for our guests,’’ says Lee Ngor Houai.

The statement adds that as Ascott remains steadfast on its transformative journey to go unlimited for associates, guests, owners, and partners, it is also building a suite of programmes that will provide associates with unlimited choices for growth, unlimited freedom to pursue physical and mental wellbeing, and unlimited opportunities to contribute to the growth and success of the business.

Ascott says that tapping on talent development programmes that chart the way for career growth such as Graduate Development Programme; Ascott Management Associate Programme, Ascott Lodging Management Programme, Ascott Global Exchange Programme and Internships and Apprenticeships. Recognising the success of associates who have benefitted from these programmes, Ascott will be launching a series of short features that showcase their stories come June 2024 across its social channels.

Ascott says that with its continued ambition to drive tech-forward hospitality, technology continues to be a critical enabler across all aspects of Ascott business. Pipeline plans for targetted training resources and support are in place to facilitate associates’ adaptation to the accelerated rate of transformation and overall adoption of technology like generative AI. Ascott is committed to nurturing a technology-driven culture where its associates feel empowered to embrace technological advancements, which will be crucial in ensuring success in the digital age of tourism ahead.

The company says that at the Ascott Global Conference 2024 (AGC2024) held this week, over 300 key Ascott executives and associates convened in Singapore to discuss groupwide strategic alignment as well as to foster collaboration and innovation across its diverse workforce worldwide.