Latest news with #MillenniumHotelsandResorts
Business Times
01-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Stocks to watch: CDL, UMS Integration, Capital World
[SINGAPORE] The following companies saw new developments that may affect trading of their securities on Tuesday (Jul 1): City Developments Ltd (CDL) : Its Singapore-based subsidiary, Millennium Hotels and Resorts, launched a cross-brand loyalty programme with Germany's Maritim Hotels. The tie-up allows members of either hotel chain's loyalty programmes to get discounts on bookings at participating properties. Kwek Leng Beng, chairman of Millennium Hotels and Resorts, said that the collaboration expands the hotel chain's access to Germany and the larger European Union, which is an important travel and business region. Shares of CDL finished Monday 1 per cent or S$0.05 higher at S$5.19. UMS Integration : The semiconductor manufacturer on Monday announced that it issued its prospectus for its secondary listing on the main market of Bursa Malaysia. Chief executive officer of UMS Andy Luong noted that the secondary listing aims to broaden its investor base and could potentially improve liquidity as well as provide flexibility to access different equity markets for future fundraising. Shares of UMS closed on Monday 2.2 per cent or S$0.03 lower at S$1.33. Capital World : In an update on legal claims against its unit, the group said that the Sessions Court has dismissed legal claims against its subsidiary Capital City Property on May 29, 2025, and has awarded costs of RM9,000 (S$2,728) in its favour. On Jun 4, 2025, the plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal to the Malaysian High Court in Johor Bahru, seeking to appeal the verdict. The counter ended Monday flat at S$0.002. Trading halt: Environmental engineering company Sanli Environment called for a trading halt on Tuesday morning, pending the release of an announcement. The counter ended Monday 2.4 per cent or S$0.003 higher at S$0.128.
Business Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Millennium Hotels and Resorts ties up with German hotelier Maritim in cross-brand loyalty deal
[SINGAPORE] Millennium Hotels and Resorts has partnered Germany's Maritim Hotels to launch a cross-brand loyalty programme, the hospitality group said on Monday (Jun 30). Members of Millennium's MyMillennium and Maritim's MyMaritim loyalty programmes will now enjoy discounts on bookings at participating properties across both hotel chains. The partnership was formalised at a signing ceremony at the Chelsea Harbour Hotel and Spa in London, a Millennium-managed property. Millennium operates more than 130 hotels across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, New Zealand and the United States. Maritim runs more than 30 hotels, primarily in Europe, including 25 in Germany. With the tie-up, MyMillennium members gain access to a broader network of hotels in Germany, while MyMaritim members can enjoy discounts at Millennium properties worldwide, Millennium said. As part of the tie-up, both companies will jointly participate in major trade shows and roadshows to tap new corporate and leisure markets. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up The collaboration also includes joint sales efforts and shared employee benefits, such as friends and family rate access. 'Our collaboration with Maritim Hotels is a strategic step to expand our access to Germany and the larger European Union, an important travel and business region,' said Kwek Leng Beng, chairman of Millennium Hotels and Resorts. 'It will enhance travel and strengthen our shared vision to cross borders with quality hospitality experiences.' Singapore-based Millennium is a subsidiary of mainboard-listed City Developments Limited .
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Millennium Hotels expands M Social Brand in Manhattan
Global hospitality group Millennium Hotels and Resorts is expanding the M Social brand's footprint within Manhattan's Financial District with the rebranding of a Millennium hotel in downtown New York. The property will be rebranded into an M Social property, with a launch targeted for mid-2025. This move follows the opening of M Social Hotel New York Times Square. Millennium Hotels and Resorts interim chief operating officer and chief commercial officer Saurabh Prakash said: "The introduction of M Social Hotel New York Downtown solidifies our commitment to strategic growth in key global markets. 'New York City embodies innovation and vibrancy, making it a perfect match for our brand ethos, and we are proud to deliver an exceptional hospitality experience here." The rebranded M Social hotel will feature 569 renovated rooms, encompassing 98 suites. Besides contemporary accommodations, hotel guests will enjoy a revamped lobby and environmentally friendly features such as smart thermostats and Apotheke bath products. The rooms will offer workspaces catering to business travellers and views of downtown Manhattan, as well as 3,550ft² of flexible event space, comprising six meeting rooms suitable for up to 160 attendees. The launch of the signature Beast & Butterflies restaurant is anticipated for late 2025. M Social Hotel New York Downtown managing director Alex Spektor said: "We're incredibly excited to introduce M Social Hotel New York Downtown to the Financial District. Our property not only meets the evolving demands of business guests but also serves as an ideal gateway to the city's diverse cultural scene. 'We look forward to welcoming guests to experience our unique blend of sophistication, comfort, and connectivity." Millennium Hotels and Resorts operates more than 145 properties worldwide, with a presence in key cities such as New York, Los Angeles, London, and Singapore, featuring brands such as The Biltmore and Grand Millennium. Millennium Hotels and Resorts America operations, asset management and development senior vice president Shah Adil said: "M Social Hotel New York Downtown represents the future of urban hospitality—dynamic, connected, and culturally attuned. 'We have created a space that resonates deeply with travellers who seek authentic and engaging experiences in one of the world's most exciting cities." In December 2023, Millennium Hotels and Resorts introduced the Millennium's Green Path Brand Playbook, a sustainability initiative aligning with the objectives of COP28. "Millennium Hotels expands M Social Brand in Manhattan" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Straits Times
28-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
How this home-grown hotel brand makes its mark across the globe
These Millennium Hotels and Resorts properties are built by long-serving staff and leadership that expanded the Singapore company into an international hospitality group. PHOTO: MILLENNIUM HOTELS AND RESORTS BRANDED CONTENT From King's Hotel to 145 hotels worldwide: How this home-grown hospitality brand makes its mark across the globe Starting with the one riverside property, Millennium Hotels and Resorts has brought its charming blend of Singaporean warmth and efficiency to its overseas outposts from London to Dubai At the trendy M Social Hotel Singapore, you can request for extra towels or pillows by simply speaking aloud in your room. Within a few minutes, these items will be delivered to your door with a warm smile. This isn't magic – it's AI-powered hospitality. Since 2022, the hotel has implemented a voice-enabled AI assistant for in-room services. Instead of calling housekeeping, guests simply state their request to the Aiello Voice Assistant device, eliminating waiting times on the phone – an elegant solution that embodies Singapore's reputation for efficiency and innovation. 'Our service style is discreet yet attentive, precise yet warm,' says Millennium & Copthorne Hotels (M&C) chairman Kwek Leng Beng who describes the Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) brand as confident, consistent and deeply respectful. Agreeing, executive director of M&C Kwek Eik Sheng says: 'A key factor to our success is authenticity. Our legacy is built by thoughtfully balancing Singapore's cultural heritage with innovation and guest expectations.' These qualities mirror the nation's own values: efficiency without sacrificing warmth and precision balanced with cultural sensitivity. It's with this distinctive approach that MHR celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, expanding to 145 properties across 80 destinations including London and New York. Building a foundation of excellence The hospitality group, owned by real estate company City Developments Limited (CDL), started with a single hotel on the banks of the Singapore River. In 1970, as the nation was finding its post-independence identity, King's Hotel opened its doors under the direction of Mr Kwek. He was 29 years old with no prior experience in the hospitality industry when his father and late founder of Hong Leong Group, Kwek Hong Png, entrusted him with this venture. From the start, the younger Mr Kwek infused the property with qualities that would become recognised as uniquely Singaporean. Mr Kwek Leng Beng at the London Stock Exchange in 1996. Millennium Hotels and Resorts became the first and only Singaporean hospitality company to be listed there, raising S$372.47 million. PHOTO: MILLENNIUM HOTELS AND RESORTS 'I saw it as more than just a commercial venture; I saw the chance to create something meaningful at a time when Singapore was poised for transformation,' says Mr Kwek, recalling that at the time, the nation was deliberately developing its tourism infrastructure as it welcomed more international visitors. King's Hotel (now called Copthorne King's Hotel) was established to offer value-for-money accommodation with warm and attentive service. PHOTO: MILLENNIUM HOTELS AND RESORTS He positioned the hotel to serve an emerging middle class, offering an experience that delivered international standards while reflecting Singaporean values – efficiency, warmth, humility and cultural pride. This model set King's Hotel apart from the five-star international chains that dominated the country's hospitality scene at the time. This approach extended to dining experiences. While other hotels offered standard international fare, King's Hotel launched Princess Terrace, specialising in Penang Nyonya cuisine – recognising Singaporeans' growing interest in quality dining options where they can bring family and friends for a special occasion treat. Mr Yeoh Cheng Kung, now director of Republic Hotels and Resorts Limited – a subsidiary of M&C – joined the company in 1970 to manage King's Hotel. During his tenure, he initiated the idea of offering niche dining options at the hotel, a project he developed with particular care. He recalls: 'During the early days of Princess Terrace, I was always in the kitchen, cooking, refining recipes and even replenishing the buffet on busy days.' The Orchard Hotel, as seen in this vintage postcard, was acquired by City Developments Limited in 1986 before consolidating under Millennium & Copthorne Hotels in 1995. PHOTO: MILLENNIUM HOTELS AND RESORTS The restaurant has remained a treasured favourite to this day, showing the hotel management's understanding of what Singaporeans valued – authentic flavours served consistently. This enduring appeal reflects how the team recognised and fulfilled customer preferences instead of simply following trends. For MyMillennium members: Culinary heritage meets innovation Millennium Hotels and Resorts restaurants have long reflected Singapore's rich and diverse food traditions, from Penang Nyonya cuisine at Princess Terrace to North Indian specialties at SanSara. This culinary diversity now extends to the digital domain through the hospitality group's Culinary Compass. The programme invites MyMillennium members to explore 16 restaurants while collecting digital stamps to redeem rewards such as complimentary drinks and Chef's Table experiences, connecting Singaporeans' passion for food with tech-enabled discovery. Taking home-grown values worldwide Throughout the 1980s, MHR refined this winning blend of authenticity and attentive service as it established more properties in Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines. The 1990s saw rapid expansion beyond Asia. The company bought hotels in the UK and New Zealand, then purchased the Copthorne hotel chain for £219 million (about S$490 million then) in 1995. This led to the formation of M&C. The 1990s marked Millennium & Copthorne Hotel's expansion outside of Asia, including the acquisition of the Millennium Hotel and Conference Centre Gloucester London in 1993 for US$109 million. PHOTO: MILLENNIUM HOTELS AND RESORTS While M&C became the parent company, MHR was later established as its global hotel brand. During this period of international expansion, the original King's Hotel was renamed Copthorne King's Singapore, connecting it to the company's growing collection of hotels around the world. In 1996, MHR became the first and only home-grown hospitality company listed on the London Stock Exchange. The listing raised S$372.47 million, with CDL retaining a 55 per cent share of the company. It remains the only Singaporean company to have been listed on the exchange. 'The London listing was a game-changer,' says Mr Kwek. This opened doors to opportunities and built investor confidence, giving the hospitality group access to international funding sources and strengthening its positioning on the international stage. This milestone represented more than just financial success. 'With my hotels, I catapulted Singapore to the world map,' adds Mr Kwek. 'Our hotels sold, and are still selling, the Singapore brand today.' (From left) Group chief executive officer of City Developments Limited (CDL) Sherman Kwek, executive chairman of CDL and chairman of Millennium & Copthorne Hotels (M&C) Kwek Leng Beng, and executive director of M&C and CDL's group chief operating officer Kwek Eik Sheng. PHOTO: CITY DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED Mr Benedict Ng, MHR's vice president of operations of South-east Asia who joined the company in 1994, witnessed this transformation first-hand. 'When I joined Copthorne King's Hotel, we were a respected Singapore brand,' he says. 'We're now a global hospitality company, but we continue to represent our enduring Singaporean identity that's defined by our roots and values.' While competitors adopted asset-light models that focused on management contracts rather than property ownership, MHR chose to own most of its hotels. This approach focused on long-term planning over short-term gains, which also reflected Singapore's own careful, methodical path to development. 'By owning the bricks and mortar, we could ensure control over the guest experience and protect long-term value,' Mr Kwek explains. The ownership mindset has become part of the company's operational philosophy. When faced with challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic, its strategy differed from other players. Mr Ng, who was overseeing the group's US operations during this period, explains: 'Unlike Singapore, where government support kept hotels afloat, US properties had to fight to survive. We focused on cost control, creative revenue streams and team morale.' This demonstrated how the company's emphasis on adaptability and hands-on management enabled it to navigate challenges across markets. Owning its properties has proven financially sound. In 2024, the company earned over £960 million (about S$1.7 billion) in revenue, a 6 per cent increase from the year before. Despite its global success and financial strength, the company has never lost sight of its people-centred approach. Mr Yeoh's leadership has fostered remarkable loyalty among staff. 'Some of my team members have been with me for decades – Madam Tseng Wai Fun from my executive team had worked with me for nearly 50 years,' he says. She started as an administrative executive, then rose to become a purchase manager before becoming an executive manager. Mr Yeoh Cheng Kung, director of Republic Hotels and Resorts, joined the company in 1970 to manage King's Hotel and has fostered a family-like culture among staff throughout his career. PHOTO: MILLENNIUM HOTELS AND RESORTS Innovating with a human touch Today, MHR thoughtfully uses technology to make stays more convenient without losing the human touch. M Social's AI voice assistant and M Social Decentraland, the group's virtual hotel in the metaverse, are just some of these innovations. M Social Suzhou is one of a dozen properties owned and operated by Millennium Hotels and Resorts in China that embodies the brand's distinctive blend of contemporary design and local elements. PHOTO: MILLENNIUM HOTELS AND RESORTS 'Singapore's DNA – innovation, multiculturalism and precision – is deeply woven into who we are,' says Mr Saurabh Prakash, interim chief operating officer and chief commercial officer of MHR. 'Our strength lies in being ahead of the curve, not chasing it.' That said, technology should be used to enhance the human connection, not replace it. Mr Saurabh says: 'Our teams are trained to use digital tools to understand preferences, personalise experiences, and anticipate needs – but always with empathy at the core.' Millennium Hotels and Resorts' interim chief operating officer and chief commercial officer Saurabh Prakash says the hospitality group stays ahead by blending innovation with multicultural venues. PHOTO: MILLENNIUM HOTELS AND RESORTS This forward-thinking outlook extends to how the group is reimagining hospitality spaces. The M Social brand embodies the ability to blend tradition with innovation. For instance, at M Social Penang, you'll find Peranakan influences woven seamlessly into the brand experience. Just as Singapore balances modern efficiency with respect towards cultural heritage, MHR properties maintain the local character of its properties while offering consistent service quality. Other than digital transformation, MHR has quietly been greening its operations. Its six Singapore hotels recently earned Global Sustainable Tourism Council certification – no small feat in an industry known for resource consumption. The buildings use practical energy-saving measures, like systems that adjust room temperatures when guests are out. Rooms at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore feature water filtration systems, eliminating single use plastic bottles while providing guests with drinking water. PHOTO: MILLENNIUM HOTELS AND RESORTS The company's community efforts follow the same understated style. Beyond its $1 million Community Chest donation, MHR also focuses on inclusive hiring practices, such as creating jobs for people with special needs. Green hospitality in practice Aligned with Singapore's Green Plan 2030 and the Singapore Tourism Board's Sustainability Roadmap, Millennium Hotels and Resorts achieved Global Sustainable Tourism Council certification for all six of its properties here. 'Sustainable tourism is a collective responsibility that begins with our workforce and involves every stakeholder in our value chain,' says Millennium & Copthorne Hotel's executive director Kwek Eik Sheng. 'By fostering an eco-conscious work culture, we aim to create a ripple effect that encourages environmental engagement and ownership, integrating sustainability into our day-to-day operations.' Key initiatives include occupancy-based energy systems in rooms and eliminating single-use plastics, showing how practical hospitality solutions can support national environmental goals. Amid the growing role of technology and push for sustainability, the hospitality group has not forgotten its core strength – its staff. Mr Kwek says that this is what has kept the company strong through decades of change: 'Trends come and go, but trust and consistency build lasting loyalty. Many of our team members have been with us for decades.' This is a sentiment echoed by Mr Kwek Eik Sheng who says that while the 'hardware' of the hotels has transformed since the early days, the true heart of its operations – its people – remains unchanged. 'Many of our long-serving staff have become like extended family,' he says. 'These enduring relations have shaped my perspective on hospitality, highlighting that genuine warmth, connection and care are values that truly define a memorable experience.' This commitment to put people first while embracing innovation continues to guide MHR forward. Both new technology and experienced staff contribute to its efficient yet warm hospitality as it continues to expand globally while maintaining its Singaporean roots – a balance that has defined the company since its beginning and continues to guide it to the future. Visit Millennium Hotels and Resorts to learn about its 30th anniversary celebration and offers. In partnership with Millennium Hotels and Resorts Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Tourism Breaking News
25-03-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Grand Millennium Tabuk wins ‘Best Luxury & MICE Hotel, KSA'
Post Views: 87 Grand Millennium Tabuk won the title of 'Best Luxury & MICE Hotel, KSA' at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. 'This achievement inspires us to think bigger and aim higher. We will invest more in elevating our guest experiences, embracing sustainable practices, and fostering innovation to ensure our services remain exceptional. Additionally, we will focus on strengthening partnerships within the industry to collectively raise the standard of excellence in the UAE. This award is not just a milestone but a catalyst for continuous growth and improvement.'-Marc Sawaya, Cluster Commercial Director, Millennium Hotels and Resorts
