Singapore: The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the lodging business unit of CapitaLand Investment, is expanding its talent development initiatives to support the opening of more than 300 new properties by 2028.
Ascott’s expansion is projected to create more than 12,000 new jobs, including more than 1,500 property leadership roles.
To kickstart growth, the company is launching Ascott Accelerate, a talent management programme that will fast-track promising and experienced associates into hospitality leadership roles.
Ascott Accelerate features three career development tracks. The first is aim, which builds foundational leadership skills essential for supervisors. The second track is advance, which strengthens the management capabilities required to lead as heads of departments. The final track is aspire, which prepares future residence managers and general managers through curated hands-on learning.
The company is also implementing a digital learning platform that will offer accessible development opportunities for associates across all talent levels. The platform includes content across key operational areas – including guest services, housekeeping, property maintenance, digital technology and finance.
Both of the initiatives are part of the Ascott Global Academy for Excellence (AGAX), led by the Ascott Learning Council. The training platform was created in 2024 to educate and support workers on the future of the hospitality industry. AGAX’s goal is to achieve more than S$500 million in fee-related earnings by 2028. In 2024, Ascott continued its record fee-related earnings for the third year in a row, at S$343 million. The company sees an average 12 per cent year-to-year increase.
In addition, Ascott is creating the Ascott Global Exchange Programme and Ascott Learning Festivals. The exchange programme will offer associates short-term overseas postings, while the learning festivals will provide in-person events where associates can learn industry skills.
Co-chair of the Ascott Learning Council, Wong Kar Ling, said: “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.
“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,” she added.
Highlights:
• Ascott plans to open more than 300 properties by 2028, generating over 12,000 global job opportunities.
• Ascott Accelerate will fast-track leadership development via structured learning tracks: Aim, Advance, and Aspire.
• A new digital learning platform will provide on-demand training across all associate levels and departments.
• Ascott Global Exchange Programme and Learning Festivals will offer international mobility and in-person skill-building.
• The initiatives support Ascott’s AGAX platform, which is targeting S$500 million in earnings.
