Latest news with #Ascott
BusinessToday
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- BusinessToday
ASR Festival 2025 Brings Music, Travel And Big Rewards To KL
The Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) Festival 2025 has officially kicked off at Central Town, MyTOWNKL Shopping Centre, turning the heart of Kuala Lumpur into a vibrant hub of entertainment, travel perks and lifestyle experiences. Running from July 24 to 27, the four-day celebration promises a dynamic blend of live music, exclusive hotel deals, interactive activities and prize giveaways — all with free admission. Organised by Ascott Malaysia, the festival is a highlight on the city's lifestyle calendar, attracting families, music lovers and savvy travellers alike. This year's event sees major collaborations with Sony Music Malaysia, CIMB, Astro Rocketfuel, ShopBack and Jaecoo by Weststar, making it one of the most exciting editions to date. Travel Deals and Lifestyle Rewards Ang reveals some of the event highlights for this year's ASR Festival In keeping with Ascott's hospitality focus, the festival features unbeatable travel promotions across its brands in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Attendees can unlock exclusive room deals, bonus rewards and flash sales, with additional perks available to ASR members. For non-members, on-site sign-ups unlock instant access to benefits like priority bookings, bonus points and giveaways. Area General Manager Central Malaysia Sharon Ang described the festival as 'a celebration of lifestyle, community and travel', adding that the event reflects Ascott's vision of making travel more rewarding and accessible. 'Whether you're discovering new destinations or discovering new talent, the ASR Festival is where those journeys begin,' she said during the festival launch on July 24. Talent Takes the Stage A major draw this year is the Sony Music Talent Showdown, where aspiring singers compete live for a chance to sign a one-year recording contract with Sony Music Malaysia. Ong shares some of the perks that the winner of the singing competition might get from Sony Music According to Sony Music Entertainment Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore and Special Projects Southeast Asia Managing Director Kenny Ong, the recording contract is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for aspiring singers where the company will handle everything from songwriting, song recording, to marketing and promotions. 'If the winner performs during that period, we might consider extending the contract,' Ong said during the festival launch. Meanwhile, during the festival celebration period, mall goers will also be entertained by performances from popular local artists, including Naqiu, Wany Hasrita, Kidd Santhe, Vanessa Reynauld and Yulia, offering a front-row seat to Malaysia's rising musical talents. Games, Giveaways & Happy Hour Perks Beyond music and travel, Ang highlighted that ASR Festival 2025 delivers a fun-filled experience with interactive games, hourly lucky draws and a merchandise pop-up. The excitement peaks during the 'Happy Hour Sales', where festival-goers can snag limited-time deals and surprise rewards. With something for everyone, from live performances and luxury stays to curated experiences and real career opportunities, ASR Festival 2025 is shaping up to be a must-visit event this July. Related
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Ascott set to run residence in Johor's Coronation Square
JOHOR BARU: Coronade Properties Sdn Bhd and Singapore's Capital Tower Holdings are set to bring in The Ascott Limited into the Sultan Iskandar Business Centre — better known as Coronation Square — in a move to strengthen Johor as a key cross-border business hub. It is learnt that Ascott will serve as the anchor serviced residence operator within Coronation Square, operating under the name The Ascott Coronation Square. Sources familiar with the matter said that the two parties are expected to formalise their partnership early next month at Capital Tower's headquarters in Singapore. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi is scheduled to witness the event. The development is part of the larger Ibrahim International Business District (IIBD), Johor's flagship urban regeneration project to catalyse cross-border commerce and economic growth. Capital Tower Holdings, which is owned by CapitaLand Investment, currently manages over 950 properties worldwide under brands like The Ascott, Citadines, Somerset and Oakwood. "Ascott will be the anchor serviced residence at Coronation Square, aligning premium hospitality with Johor's ambitions as a cross-border commerce gateway," the source said. "This deal will position Ascott as the anchor serviced residence brand at Coronation Square, leveraging its global management expertise for Iskandar Malaysia's flagship commercial node," the source added. Coronation Square is the first integrated development under the state government and Johor Corporation's IIBD blueprint. The 101.2-hectare mixed-use district will feature retail malls, medical suites, office towers, serviced apartments and a hotel, all designed to create a future-ready urban ecosystem. Coronade Properties aims to differentiate itself as an innovator in sustainable, future-ready real estate, with Coronation Square envisioned as a landmark mixed-use destination integrating commercial, hospitality and urban living components. The Square is located strategically adjacent to the customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) complex and Causeway access, giving it appeal to Singapore-based business travellers and regional executives. Industry analysts suggested that The Ascott tie-up may generate a cascade effect, boosting investor sentiment across other IIBD projects, including The Realm hotel, Sovereign Garden residences and The Vault office tower. Earlier estimates indicated the IIBD cluster may contribute over RM9 billion in economic impact by 2028.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Huge Monsoon sale sees 'gorgeous' summer dress in Princess Kate-approved print drop by 50%
It's no secret that Kate Middleton has a signature pattern that she's opted for time and time again, and this on-sale dress from Monsoon is just the ticket for copying Kate's go-to look If there's one print Kate Middleton frequently reaches for, whether it's for her first appearance after the birth of her child or a day at Ascott, and everything in between, it's the polka dot. Typically sporting the blue with white polka dots look, Kate is a frequent wearer of this timeless pattern, proving its chic look can seamlessly transcend seasons and trends. And if you're looking to steal Kate's staple design without a royal budget, look no further than Monsoon, where you can find an elegant and versatile midi dress in Kate's beloved blue and white polka dot print up for grabs for half its normal price, as Monsoon continues to roll out a massive sitewide sale. Touted as the perfect dress for any special occasion, this Sicily Fit and Flair number has been coined by Grazia as the most popular style on the internet. It features a fitted, sleeveless bodice that accentuates and flatters the body, while the fit-and-flare skirt creates a timeless silhouette that looks good on everyone. Falling at a midi to maxi length, this piece offers a classic and forever-chic style that can be endlessly styled for various occasions. Whether you're heading to a family event, a formal occasion, or a royal day-out, the square neckline and swooshy skirt paired with the figure-hugging fit are sure to suit any dress code. Plus, it adds the handy and discrete benefit of having those oh-so-important pockets that let you carry your essentials close by without the need for a bag. Available in sizes 8 to 24 and in a range of colourways, this dress is so popular that sizes 12 and 24 have already sold out, and the black and white option is also no longer in stock. Normally retailing for £140, this piece is now up for grabs for half of that, placing it at £70 during this Monsoon sale. One shopper who picked up this midi left a glowing 5-star review, which reads: " My favourite dress! The fit is fabulous even in a larger size, the material is really good quality, I receive compliments every time I wear it."
Bangkok Post
09-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Ascott targets Thailand as travel market transforms
The Ascott Ltd, a Singapore-based serviced residence and hotel operator, is focusing on Thailand as shifting travel patterns and evolving guest expectations reshape the hospitality landscape. Wong Kar Ling, chief strategy officer and managing director for Southeast Asia, said occupancy rates at Ascott's Thai properties have grown by 6% since 2019, reflecting a steady recovery and increasing demand across its portfolio. "With 31 properties spanning four cities and seven brands, we have not only regained momentum, but also surpassed pre-pandemic performance, with revenue per available unit in 2024 up by more than 23% from pre-pandemic levels," she said. These results underscore the strength of its services, which offer flexible-stay offerings and the ability to meet evolving traveller needs in a competitive market, said Ms Wong. Even with geopolitical tensions and the recent Myanmar earthquake, she said these challenges reinforced the resilience of Ascott's flex-hybrid business model. The new practice of blending work, travel and sustainability is reshaping how Ascott designs and operates its properties, with flexibility, longer-stay features, and eco-conscious practices now central to its offerings. Ms Wong said nearly 70% of business travellers now extend their trips for leisure, while more than 70% of global travellers are willing to pay more for sustainable accommodation. "These trends are redefining how we design and operate," she said. "We integrate flexible layouts that support longer stays, with features such as fully equipped kitchens, washer and dryers, and dedicated living spaces." Post-pandemic travel patterns are shifting, with long stays getting shorter and short stays getting longer, said Ms Wong. Extended work assignments are now often condensed, while trends such as a blend of work and leisure as well as digital nomadism are adding extra days to what used to be quick trips. "Our flex-hybrid business model allows us to respond swiftly to these changes, offering tailored, high-quality solutions aligned with evolving guest expectations," she said. Ascott's new properties in Pattaya are part of a wider strategy to grow in Thailand's lifestyle leisure segments and second-tier cities through a flexible, multi-typology brand rollout. The company signed up 36 Southeast Asian properties in 2024 and added seven more in early 2025. Ms Wong said Thailand remains a priority market, with new openings planned in Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and Phuket. "We will continue expanding in Asia because it is the company's growth engine, supported by favourable demographics, digitalisation, and growing demand for experiential travel," she said.
Tourism Breaking News
03-07-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Citadines arrives in Istanbul as The Ascott Limited opens new property in Maslak
Post Views: 55 The Ascott Limited announced the opening of Citadines Maslak Istanbul, marking a bold stride in the group's ongoing expansion in the Middle East, Africa, and Türkiye region. With 148 serviced units ranging from sleek studios to spacious four-bedroom apartments, the property is designed for short- and long-stay guests seeking flexibility without compromise. Strategically located in Istanbul's bustling Maslak district, home to multinational headquarters, global financial institutions, and vibrant cultural venues, the new property exemplifies the Citadines brand promise of offering the freedom to live and work with flexibility and comfort. This launch further accelerates Citadines' rapid ascent as Ascott's fastest-growing brand, with around 200 properties both operating and in the pipeline across over 30 countries to date. Set against the backdrop of Istanbul's captivating blend of heritage and modernity, Citadines Maslak Istanbul offers guests a stylish and private retreat amid the city's dynamic energy. Whether travelling for business or leisure, guests are perfectly positioned at the epicentre of Istanbul's key commercial, cultural, and recreational zones. Multinational corporations such as Ericsson, Cisco, and Ford, as well as leading educational institutions like Nisantasi University and Istanbul Technical University, are located nearby, making it ideal for corporate travellers and visiting academics alike. Holidaymakers can explore Istinye Mall, Emirgan Park, Rumeli Fortress, and Bebek Sahili, all within a 30-minute drive. The property is also easily accessible, located just 40 minutes from Istanbul International Airport. Each residence offers separate living and dining areas, fully equipped kitchenettes, and modern amenities tailored to the needs of urban explorers. On-site facilities include a gymnasium and sauna, business centre, guest lounge, meeting room, and a breakfast lounge and restaurant, catering to the active and sophisticated lifestyles of today's travellers. The opening also introduces the brand's new suite of signature programmes, designed to deliver uniquely tailored guest experiences rooted in local culture and global hospitality excellence. These include: activ∞, a curated programme promoting wellness, exploration, and cultural immersion within and around the city, For the Love of Coffee, a brand initiative celebrating Istanbul's iconic café culture through in-house artisanal brews and local collaborations, in addition to Ascott Star Rewards Integration, a seamless loyalty benefits that reward guests across Ascott's global portfolio. Vincent Miccolis, Managing Director for The Ascott Limited in the Middle East, Africa, and Türkiye, commented: 'Citadines Maslak Istanbul is more than a new opening, it's a symbol of our commitment to our growth ambitions in Türkiye. As Istanbul solidifies its position as a global gateway city, this property delivers the modern, dynamic, and experience-led stays today's travelers expect. This opening represents a compelling growth story for Citadines. This is a market where the demand for hybrid, lifestyle-centric accommodation is rising fast and we are moving quickly to meet it.' The Citadines brand is leading Ascott's expansion across strategic urban hubs. This property reflects the growing demand for hybrid, experience-led accommodation models across high-growth gateway cities like Istanbul. The city welcomed over 17 million visitors in 2024, further cementing its status as a cultural and commercial bridge between Europe and Asia. Today, Ascott's global footprint spans more than 990 properties in over 230 cities, with two-thirds already operational. The company is advancing its growth through a multi-typology brand strategy designed to scale and diversify its presence across key markets. Citadines' momentum also mirrors Ascott's global strategy to reach 160,000 units by 2028, supported by a diverse brand portfolio and strong pipeline across Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East, Africa, and Türkiye region. The Citadines brand in particular has emerged as a global growth engine, with its modern, flexible model resonating across demographics and geographies.
