Singapore – 30 September 2024: IHG Hotels & Resorts and APSN strengthens their long-term strategic partnership with a three-year MOU renewal agreement to support APSN’s students and trainees across all IHG hotels and its office in Singapore.
The multi-year agreement, the second consecutive MOU signed between the two parties, includes philanthropy, advocacy, volunteering, and employment opportunities. IHG hotels in Singapore will provide full-time employment opportunities, on-the-job training and internships, and regular social activities for students in the hotels, where APSN students and trainees take on front office roles such as concierge and bellman, or operational roles like kitchen stewards, housekeepers and service staff.
This announcement comes on the back of a 34-kilometre Giving For Good relay that IHG has held for the past three consecutive years that spans all 13 IHG hotels in Singapore and its Support Centre to raise funds for APSN. The activity held during IHG’s Giving for Good month of September, is part of a global initiative where colleagues volunteer in activities that support their local communities. This is part of IHG’s Journey To Tomorrow, a 10-year action plan to shape the future of responsible travel and to improve the lives of 30 million people around the world by 2030.
Rajit Sukumaran, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, East Asia & Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts said: “I am proud at IHG to be a pioneer in building and supporting an inclusive culture and society, a mission that is closely aligned with Singapore’s Enabling Masterplan 2030 goals. Last year in Singapore, colleagues dedicated over 2,500 hours to community partnerships and impacting over 6,500 lives. Diversity, equity and inclusion is an integral part of IHG’s culture and we are committed to serving the communities in which we operate.”
“Over the last 30 years, IHG has supported the hiring of people with disabilities by providing full-time employment opportunities, on-the-job training and internships. Our strong partnership with organisations like APSN has strengthened our workplace culture and we have seen a shift in our colleagues’ perceptions and embracing diversity in the workplace.”
“I’m confident that our partnership with APSN will grow from strength to strength as we work together to make a positive impact in our community and an environment that is truly understanding of others.”
Established in 1976, APSN is a social service agency dedicated to empowering individuals with mild intellectual disability (IQ 50-70). With a focus on education, training, and support, APSN has helped over 6,000 beneficiaries achieve their full potential. The programmes, offered through 4 schools and 3 centres, cater to individuals at all stages of life.
Royce Seah, Chairman, APSN Ltd. said: “IHG has been a wonderful partner and a great supporter of APSN over the years. Our strong collaborative partnership has made a significant impact on the lives of many of our beneficiaries, opening new doors of opportunity on various fronts for students and trainees with special needs. It is with partners like IHG where we can further our mission of empowering and guiding them into an inclusive society.”
More than three decades have passed since 1989 when Holiday Inn Orchard City Centre became a pioneer in Singapore in hiring people with disabilities. Today, 5% of IHG’s full-time workforce in Singapore are people with disabilities.
With over 1,600 colleagues across 13 hotels in Singapore, building an inclusive workplace that cares is a priority for the group. A recent IHG survey showed the positive benefits of volunteering work with 100% of Singapore-based colleagues said they felt more connected to IHG’s purpose and 100% said they were more likely to recommend IHG as a great place to work. Focusing on caring for people and communities have enabled IHG to win the Kincentric Best Employer for 2024.
Notes:
A 2024 Report on IHG’s transformational partnerships across South East Asia can be found here.
