CapitaLand Investment (CLI), the owner of The Ascott Limited (Ascott), has unveiled Ascott Global Academy for Excellence (AGAX), a global learning facility, as part of its ‘Ascott Unlimited’ campaign. This initiative commemorates Ascott’s 40th year of hospitality service. The announcement was made during the Ascott Global Conference held in Singapore this year. AGAX’s launch underscores Ascott’s dedication to enhancing its talent acquisition and retention efforts, fostering a culture of continuous learning across its extensive network.
AGAX, an extension of the Ascott Centre for Excellence (ACE), will serve as a global learning hub aimed at cultivating a robust talent pipeline to meet the challenges of an ever-expanding hospitality industry. Collaborating with accredited learning partners, AGAX will provide training programmes catering to associates worldwide. These offerings will range from apprenticeship programmes to hospitality and service training courses, aiming to equip Ascott associates with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the dynamic hospitality landscape.
Recognizing the diverse needs of its workforce, Ascott Global Academy for Excellence (AGAX) will offer both in-person training sessions at various physical locations globally and virtual online courses accessible to all Ascott associates, regardless of geographical constraints. This approach ensures flexibility and inclusivity in learning and development opportunities for Ascott’s talent pool.
AGAX will implement a structured and outcome-oriented learning approach, focusing on personal development programmes to enhance associates’ technical expertise and industry best practices. Spearheaded by the Ascott Learning Council, Ascott Global Academy for Excellence is a central initiative co-chaired by Wong Kar Ling, Chief Strategy Officer and Managing Director for Southeast Asia at Ascott, and Lee Ngor Houai, Chief Operating Officer for Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA), South Asia, and China at Ascott.
Ling said: “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.”
