Connect with us

Media OutReach

Ascott Launches Holistic Disability Inclusion Playbook for Accommodation Sector, Setting New Hospitality Benchmark

Published

on

  • One of the world’s first open-access playbooks providing hospitality operators with a holistic, practical framework to embrace disability inclusion
  • Supported by SG Enable, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and Valuable 500 and reviewed by nearly 20 disability inclusion experts globally
  • Company announces global disability inclusion commitments, including standardised accessibility profiles for all properties, frontline disability awareness training and reporting on the hiring of persons with disabilities starting 2026

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 November 2025 – The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the wholly owned lodging business unit of CapitaLand Investment (CLI), has launched the Disability Inclusion Playbook for the Accommodation Sector. As one of the world’s first open-access, holistic disability inclusion playbooks, it sets a new benchmark for inclusive hospitality. Developed by Ascott in partnership with disability inclusion specialists Colorful Earth, it is supported by SG Enable (Singapore’s focal agency for disability and inclusion), World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (a global coalition driving sustainability in hospitality) and Valuable 500 (a global non-profit of over 500 multinational corporations advancing disability inclusion).

(Back row) Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Social and Family Development & Ministry of Law was the Guest-of-Honour at the launch ceremony for The Ascott Limited’s Disability Inclusion Playbook for the Accommodation Sector. He was flanked by Ms Lee May Gee, CEO, SG Enable (left) and Ms Beh Siew Kim, Chief Financial & Sustainability Officer, Lodging, CapitaLand Investment (right). Featured with them were contributors to the playbook (front row, from left) Mr Isaac Liang, Mr Ryan Yap and Ms Alethea Lew.

Offering guidance across five key pillars of disability inclusion – Inclusive Training, Spaces, Hiring, Digital Interfaces and Programmes – the playbook empowers accommodation providers of all sizes to deliver welcoming and inclusive stay experiences from pre-arrival to departure, while fostering inclusive hiring and training practices. It addresses the diverse needs of travellers with disabilities, covering areas such as governance and strategy, collaboration with the disability community, barrier-free infrastructure, accessible programmes and function-specific training.

The playbook’s launch event took place at Citadines Science Park Singapore, officiated by Guest-of-Honour Mr Eric Chua, Singapore’s Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Social and Family Development and the Ministry of Law. He said: “A truly inclusive society that strengthens the quality of life for persons with disabilities is a whole-of-society effort. I am glad that like-minded partners such as Ascott have come onboard, and welcome more to join us. Together, we must work together to build a more caring and inclusive Singapore.”

Ascott’s Disability Inclusion Commitments
At the launch, Ascott announced a comprehensive set of disability inclusion commitments, structured around the playbook’s five-pillar framework:

  • Starting from 2026, at least one Ascott property in every country where it operates will host a community programme dedicated to disability inclusion. The company will also begin reporting on the hiring of persons with disabilities in its annual sustainability reports. Every property will feature a standardised accessibility profile detailing room features, measurements and accessible transport options, empowering guests to make informed booking decisions. Currently, around 60% of Ascott’s operational properties already provide accessibility information, with plans to transition to a standardised template and extend it progressively across the remaining properties.
  • By 2027, 100% of Ascott’s frontline associates globally will have completed disability awareness training. To date, over 100 associates in Singapore and Australia have been trained to create welcoming stay experiences for guests with disabilities.
  • By 2028, all guest-facing digital platforms will meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA accessibility standards, ensuring a seamless and inclusive online experience. Ascott’s booking website, DiscoverASR.com, already complies with these standards, with its Ascott Star Rewards mobile app next in line.

Ms Beh Siew Kim, Chief Financial and Sustainability Officer, Lodging, CapitaLand Investment, said: “We are honoured to launch the open-access Disability Inclusion Playbook for the Accommodation Sector, a practical resource developed in close collaboration with disability inclusion experts and informed by our global hospitality operations. The playbook will guide Ascott’s disability inclusion efforts across our global portfolio of more than 1,000 operational and pipeline properties in over 40 countries, and we welcome other operators to join us in this collective journey.”

“Real inclusion requires more than guidance – it demands action, accountability and shared learning. That is why Ascott is backing this playbook with measurable commitments across our global portfolio, including standardised accessibility profiles for our properties, comprehensive staff training and transparent reporting on our progress. By sharing both our learnings and commitments, we aim to accelerate collective progress and show that inclusive hospitality is not just the right thing to do; it is vital to building resilient businesses that truly serve all guests and communities,” she added.

Ms Beh Siew Kim, Chief Financial & Sustainability Officer, Lodging, CapitaLand Investment announced a comprehensive set of commitments, structured around the Disability Inclusion Playbook’s five-pillar framework.
Ms Beh Siew Kim, Chief Financial & Sustainability Officer, Lodging, CapitaLand Investment announced a comprehensive set of commitments, structured around the Disability Inclusion Playbook’s five-pillar framework.

Driving Inclusive Hospitality Through Collaboration and Expertise
An estimated 1.3 billion people – or about 16% of the global population – live with permanent disabilities[1], representing a substantial yet underserved market in tourism and hospitality. Accessibility is therefore both a social imperative and a significant opportunity for the hospitality industry. Ascott’s Disability Inclusion Playbook addresses this need with practical guidance drawn from its global operations and reviewed by nearly 20 experts from Colorful Earth, SG Enable, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and Valuable 500.

The playbook is also a key outcome of Ascott’s 2024 Memorandum of Understanding with SG Enable, the first partnership of its scale in Singapore’s hospitality sector. This collaboration has already produced industry-first initiatives, including Singapore’s first hospitality-specific disability inclusion training, launched at the Ascott Centre for Excellence in June 2025.

Ms Lee May Gee, CEO of SG Enable, said: “This global disability inclusion playbook translates aspiration into action – exemplifying what can be achieved when industry leaders, persons with disabilities, and community partners come together to co-create solutions grounded in lived experience. We hope it inspires others in the hospitality and tourism sectors to join us in shaping a world where everyone feels welcomed, valued and included.”

Mr Glenn Mandziuk, President & CEO, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, stated: “Today marks a pivotal moment for global hospitality. This Playbook is more than a guide; it is a beacon for systemic change, transforming the industry’s ambition for disability inclusion into tangible action. We are profoundly grateful to Ascott for their catalytic investment and leadership, and to Colorful Earth for authoring a truly superb and practical playbook. This collaborative triumph with SG Enable and the Valuable 500 proves that true hospitality must be universally accessible. It provides our entire industry with the crucial roadmap to build a future where everyone, without exception, can truly belong.”

Ms Katy Talikowska, CEO, Valuable 500, said: “Ascott’s Disability Inclusion Playbook offers practical processes and strategic guidance to help hospitality organisations of all sizes move from intent to impact. It recognises that inclusion is not a single department’s job but a shared responsibility that touches every guest experience and employee interaction. From accessible digital interfaces to inclusive hiring and spatial design, the framework aligns perfectly with Valuable 500’s vision of inclusion as a driver of innovation, growth and resilience.”

Breaking Barriers through Art
A highlight of the launch event was the unveiling of the playbook’s cover artwork, a visual representation of the collaboration and creativity at the heart of Ascott’s disability inclusion initiatives. Co-created by artists with disabilities from SG Enable’s i’mable Collective alongside Ascott associates, the artwork reflects the values of empowerment, diversity and community that drive the company’s inclusion efforts. The i’mable Collective connects persons with disabilities to professional creative opportunities, making this partnership a demonstration of the inclusive practices the playbook promotes.

Behind this meaningful unveiling was a collaborative process that brought together diverse talents to create artwork representing the five pillars of Ascott CARES (Community, Alliance, Respect, Environment and Supply Chain), the company’s sustainability framework. The ‘Respect’ pillar artwork, embodying Ascott’s inclusion initiatives, was selected for the playbook front cover, while artwork representing all five pillars featured on the back cover. The artwork will also be incorporated into future Ascott CARES apparel and collateral, ensuring the spirit of this partnership continues to inspire across the organisation.

Bringing the Playbook to Life
The launch event also showcased an assistive amenities toolkit that brings the playbook’s Inclusive Programmes pillar to life. Co-developed by Ascott and SalvageGarden – Southeast Asia’s first assistive tech makerspace – the 3D-printed prototype toolkit is designed to enhance the stay of guests with physical disabilities or limited handgrip. Ascott will pilot the initiative at its Singapore properties, including Citadines Science Park Singapore, lyf Funan Singapore, Citadines Rochor Singapore and Oakwood Studios Singapore. Each toolkit includes holders for cutlery, toothbrushes, combs and mugs, a toothpaste squeezer, and a tactile hotel map. Guests will be invited to test the toolkits and provide feedback to shape the next version of the toolkit.

Expanding the Playbook’s Reach
Ascott’s Disability Inclusion Playbook for the Accommodation Sector is now publicly available on its global website, DiscoverASR.com, and will be promoted across partner platforms of SG Enable, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and Valuable 500. It will also be featured on Singapore Tourism Board’s website and its tri-annual newsletter to hotel stakeholders, reinforcing Singapore’s position as a world-class, accessible destination.

For more information and key milestones in Ascott’s disability inclusion journey, please refer to The Ascott Limited Sustainability Report 2024 (pages 23 to 28), which highlights the company’s actions and progress towards its vision of building a greener, more inclusive future.


Hashtag: #TheAscottLimited #Hospitality #Sustainability #DisabilityInclusion #AscottCARES




The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

The Ascott Limited

The Ascott Limited (Ascott) is driven by a vision to be the preferred hospitality company, enriching global living with heartfelt experiences. With a portfolio of more than 1,000 properties spanning over 230 cities across more than 40 countries, Ascott’s presence spans Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the USA. Its diverse collection of award-winning brands includes , , , , , , , , , , , , and .

Ascott specialises in managing and franchising a wide range of lodging options, including serviced residences, hotels, resorts, social living properties and branded residences, catering to the varying needs and preferences of global travellers. Through the loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and curated experiences, enhancing every aspect of their travel journey.

As a wholly owned business unit of , Ascott generates fee-related earnings by leveraging its expertise in both lodging management and investment management. It also drives the expansion of funds under management by growing its sponsored and private funds.

For more information on Ascott and its sustainability programme, please visit . Alternatively, connect with Ascott on , , and .

CapitaLand Investment Limited

Headquartered and listed in Singapore in 2021, (CLI) is a leading global real asset manager with a strong Asia foothold. As at 5 November 2025, CLI had S$120 billion of funds under management. CLI holds stakes in eight listed real estate investment trusts and business trusts and a suite of private real asset vehicles that invest in demographics, disruption and digitalisation-themed strategies. Its diversified real asset classes include retail, office, lodging, industrial, logistics, business parks, wellness, self-storage, data centres, private credit and special opportunities.

CLI aims to scale its fund management, lodging management and commercial management businesses globally and maintain effective capital management. As the investment management arm of CapitaLand Group, CLI has access to the development capabilities of and pipeline investment opportunities from CapitaLand Group’s development arm. In 2025, CapitaLand Group celebrates 25 years of excellence in real estate and continues to innovate and shape the industry.

As a responsible company, CLI places sustainability at the core of what it does and has committed to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions for Scope 1 and 2 by 2050. CLI contributes to the environmental and social well-being of the communities where it operates, as it delivers long-term economic value to its stakeholders.

Advertisement

Media OutReach

AECOM supports CEDD and AFCD of HKSAR Government in launching Hong Kong’s first comprehensive nature-based solutions guidelines to advance sustainable urban development

Published

on

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 March 2026 – AECOM, the trusted global infrastructure leader, supported the release of the Hong Kong Nature-based Solutions Design Guidelines (HKNbSDG), a first-of-its-kind guidelines developed for the Civil Engineering Development Department (CEDD) and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) of the HKSAR Government. The HKNbSDG helps government agencies, designers, planners and built environment professionals in integrating nature-based solutions (NbS) into urban development projects across Hong Kong.

Developed through multidisciplinary expertise in ecology, landscape architecture, engineering, climate resilience and urban planning, the HKNbSDG provides a practical blueprint for designing, implementing, sustainably managing, and evaluating NbS across diverse environmental contexts — from rivers and wetlands to coastlines and high-density urban districts.

Factoring in the characteristics of Hong Kong’s natural ecology and urban development, the HKNbSDG is built on three core principles that outline a holistic approach to promoting ecosystem diversity at multiple scales, embracing human-nature coexistence for mutual benefits, and improving resilience through NbS. It also includes a performance evaluation framework to support evidence-based decision-making and features local case studies, including Long Valley Nature Park and Tung Chung East Eco-shoreline.

“The HKNbSDG reflects our commitment to advancing nature‑positive design and supporting Hong Kong’s journey toward climate resilience and sustainable growth,” said Dr. Johnny Cheuk, senior vice president and Hong Kong executive leader at AECOM. “By integrating ecological science into design practice, we aim to empower practitioners to harness nature’s potential in building climate-resilient infrastructure.”

The HKNbSDG was officially launched at the Promulgation Ceremony held on March 3, 2026, at Long Valley Nature Park. The event was officiated by Miss. Diane Wong Shuk-han, JP, Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology; Mr. David Lam Chi-man, JP, Under Secretary for Development; Mr. Charles Karangwa, Global Head of Nature-based Solutions Centre of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN); Ir Michael Fong Hok-shing, JP, Director of Civil Engineering and Development; and Mr. Mickey Lai Kin-ming, JP, Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation.

The ceremony featured an introduction to the HKNbSDG by Stephen Suen, director of landscape architecture at AECOM, followed by a panel discussion on building cross-sector partnerships to reverse nature and biodiversity loss through NbS.

Panelists included:

  • Mr. Charles Karangwa, Global Head, Nature-based Solutions Centre, IUCN
  • Ir. Michael Fong Hok‑shing, JP, Director of Civil Engineering and Development
  • Mr. Mickey Lai Kin Ming, JP, Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation
  • Ms. Frances Chen, Director, Sustainability & Climate Change, North Asia, HSBC
  • Mr. Benny Au, Senior Manager, Sustainable Development, Swire Properties Limited

The release of the HKNbSDG supports Hong Kong’s key policy commitments, including the Climate Action Plan 2050 and its biodiversity conservation targets, by providing a practical roadmap for enhancing urban resilience and expanding green infrastructure. This publication equips practitioners with essential tools — from integrating ecology into early planning to designing for multifunctional benefits — grounded in Hong Kong-specific experience. It also serves as a central resource for advancing the Northern Metropolis development strategy, where NbS is helping to drive urban-rural integration and foster the co-existence of urban development and ecological conservation.

The HKNbSDG forms part of AECOM’s broader mission to help cities adapt to climate risks while enhancing quality of life. By bringing together global best practices and local ecological insights, AECOM aims to strengthen industry-wide capability in implementing NbS at scale.

Learn more about the Hong Kong Nature-based Solutions Design Guidelines here.

Download high-resolution images here.

Hashtag: #AECOM #NatureBasedSolutions #NaturePositive #ClimateResilience #Biodiversity

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About AECOM

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of US$16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at .

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

Asian Computer Industry Online Exhibition 2026: A Global Hub for Technology Industry Collaboration

Published

on

TAIPEI, TAIWAN –

Since its launch in 2022, the exhibition has been jointly organized by AsianNet and TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com). The event has supported numerous companies in expanding into overseas markets and has earned strong industry recognition for high-quality buyers, efficient matchmaking, and measurable order results.

In 2026, ACI 2026 will expand in scale and be held concurrently with leading international technology trade shows, including Embedded World, Display Week (SID), COMPUTEX TAIPEI, and ISC High Performance. By aligning with major global exhibitions, the event creates a strong time-synergy effect, enabling international buyers to efficiently compare products, evaluate suppliers, and complete procurement decisions within a concentrated timeframe. This strategic alignment enhances purchasing efficiency and maximizes cross-exhibition business opportunities.

ACI 2026 features a robust lineup of respected Taiwanese manufacturers, including industry leaders such as HIGHGRADE TECH, OKAYO ELECTRONICS, BIPOLAR ELECTRONIC, YNG WEI, YNG YUH ELECTRONIC, ESMT, GOOD OPPORTUNITY ELECTRONIC, MSTRONIC, SUN RISE EXACT, AIRWAVE TECHNOLOGIES, KING DESGIN INDUSTRIAL, CLEVER INTELLIGENCE UNITY, YO-TRONICS TECHNOLOGY, DORIS INDUSTRIAL, REUEX INDUSTRIAL, ARIOSE ELECTRONICS, UNITEX NUNG LAI BUTTON and many more. These companies will present thousands of the latest computer industry products and technologies, covering a wide array of sectors crucial to modern manufacturing and production.

Comprehensive Coverage Across the Entire Industry Chain

The Asian Computer Industry Online Exhibition 2026 brings together dozens of premium suppliers from the global computer manufacturing and electronic components sectors, showcasing over a thousand innovative products and forward-looking technologies. The exhibits are strategically structured around the core value of the industry supply chain, comprehensively covering key system-level products such as desktop computers, laptops and accessories, tablets and accessories, industrial computers and embedded systems, gaming and e-sports equipment, as well as computer software, IT, and internet services.

The ACI 2026 also highlights critical communications infrastructure, including networking equipment, wireless communication devices, telecommunications and fiber access equipment, landline and VoIP systems, and antennas. In terms of key components and supply chain solutions, the showcased products include computer components, storage and memory devices, active components, power supply units, connectors and terminals, cables and cable assemblies, wiring accessories, transformers, batteries, and charging equipment.

In addition, the ACI 2026 features monitors, computer accessories and peripherals, input devices, point-of-sale (POS) systems, printers, plotters and scanners, printer consumables and parts, as well as broadcast and professional AV equipment, audio and video components, consumer electronics accessories and components, and electronic materials and supplies.

Together, these comprehensive categories fully demonstrate the complete ecosystem of the computer industry, spanning system integration, communications infrastructure, core components, and end-use applications. Combining technological depth with product breadth, the exhibition stands as a premier international trade event for efficient business matchmaking and global market expansion among professional buyers and industry stakeholders worldwide.

ACI 2026 Online Exhibition:
https://www.etradeasia.com/online-show/43/Asian-Computer-Industry-Online-Exhibition-2026.html

Innovative Online Exhibition Model

The Asian Computer Industry Online Exhibition 2026 features dedicated online showrooms, digital catalogs, and virtual exhibition halls fully integrated with the TradeAsia platform. Buyers worldwide can browse exhibitor information, submit quotation requests, and conduct procurement evaluations in real time, thereby facilitating efficient, cost-effective, and results-driven global business connections.

Hashtag: #TradeAsia

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About TradeAsia

TradeAsia () is a well-established global B2B trade platform with millions of members and over 600,000 suppliers worldwide. The platform facilitates efficient matchmaking between buyers and sellers and maintains strategic partnerships with hundreds of trade organizations and exhibition entities globally. Through cross-platform marketing and integrated exposure, TradeAsia provides suppliers with expanded international visibility and multi-channel promotion opportunities. For ACI 2026, the organizers will implement a comprehensive global marketing campaign to support exhibitors in expanding overseas markets, enhancing brand presence, and maximizing business opportunities.

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

ABP Securite Announces Strategic Partnership With Rapid7 to Enhance Cybersecurity in Asia Pacific

Published

on

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 March 2026 – ABP Securite Pte Ltd, a global Value-Added Distributor (VAD) specialising in cybersecurity and network performance solutions, today announced a new strategic partnership with global cybersecurity company Rapid7, Inc. to accelerate the adoption of intelligence-led exposure management and modern threat detection solutions across Singapore and Malaysia.

The collaboration marks an important step in enabling enterprises to strengthen their security posture amid the region’s rapidly expanding digital landscape. With evolving hybrid infrastructures, accelerated cloud transformation, and increasing threat complexity, organisations across Asia Pacific are seeking more comprehensive ways to gain visibility, prioritise risk, and streamline response.

Under this partnership, ABP Securite will distribute and support Rapid7’s cybersecurity portfolio across Asia Pacific— including the Rapid7 Command Platform covering exposure management, SIEM and XDR, cloud security, application security, automation, and external threat intelligence.

Closing the Cyber Visibility Gap

“As the cybersecurity threat surface in Asia Pacific continues to grow, visibility and control have become mission critical,” said Joyce Ng, Chief Executive Officer of ABP Securite. “At ABP Securite, our role is to help customers turn complexity into clarity. Partnering with Rapid7 brings a best-in-class platform that empowers security teams to quantify and reduce risk more effectively. Together, we can help organisations operationalise cyber resilience and protect their most valuable assets.”

Jason Heng, Regional Sales Director, ASEAN at Rapid7, added, “ABP Securite has built a strong reputation for enabling regional partners and customers with advanced cybersecurity technologies. Through this collaboration, Rapid7 gains a powerful ally to extend our reach and help organisations in Asia Pacific gain real-time insight into their exposure, simplify operations, and respond faster to emerging threats.”

Hashtag: #ABPSecurite

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About ABP Securite Pte Ltd

Pte Ltd is a leading cybersecurity and network-performance Value-Added Distributor (VAD), incorporated in 2015 and headquartered in Singapore, with regional offices across Asia Pacific. The company delivers a comprehensive portfolio of advanced security technologies and professional services — including architecture advisory, solution integration, after-sales support, and cloud-managed services. ABP Securite collaborates with a broad ecosystem of partners to help organisations strengthen cyber resilience, secure infrastructure, and protect critical assets across cloud, network, and data environments.
Website:

About Rapid7

, Inc. (NASDAQ: RPD) is a global leader in AI-powered managed cybersecurity operations, trusted to advance organizations’ cyber resilience. Open and extensible, the Rapid7 Command Platform integrates security data, enriching it with AI, threat intelligence, and 25 years of expertise and innovation to reduce risk and disrupt attackers. As a recognized leader in preemptive managed detection and response (MDR), Rapid7 unifies exposure and detection to transform the cybersecurity operations of more than 11,500 customers worldwide. For more information, visit our , check out our , or follow us on or .

Continue Reading

Trending