IHG and APSN: Renewed Partnership

IHG and APSN's Renewed Collaboration

IHG Hotels & Resorts and APSN have strengthened 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 two parties have signed a multi-year agreement, marking the second consecutive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between them. The agreement encompasses philanthropy, advocacy, volunteering, and employment opportunities. IHG hotels in Singapore will offer full-time employment, on-the-job training, internships, and regular social activities for students. APSN students and trainees will take on roles such as concierge, bellman, kitchen steward, housekeeper, and service staff in the hotels.

This announcement comes from a 34-kilometre Giving For Good relay that IHG has held for the past three consecutive years, spanning 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 improve the lives of 30 million people worldwide 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 that impact over 6,500 lives. Diversity, equity and inclusion are 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 hiring 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 the embrace of 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 truly understands others.”

Established in 1976, APSN is a social service agency dedicated to empowering individuals with mild intellectual disabilities (IQ 50-70). Focusing on education, training, and support, APSN has helped over 6,000 beneficiaries achieve their full potential. The programmes, offered through four schools and three centres, cater to individuals at all stages of life.

Royce Seah, Chairman of APSN Ltd., said: “IHG has been a wonderful partner and a great supporter of APSN over the years. Our strong collaborative partnership has significantly impacted 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 that we can further our mission of empowering and guiding them into an inclusive society.”

More than thirty years have passed since 1989, when Holiday Inn Orchard City Centre became a pioneer in hiring people with disabilities in Singapore. Today, 5% of IHG’s full-time workforce in Singapore is 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: 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 has enabled IHG to win the Kincentric Best Employer for 2024.