HRM 14.11 Supplement

ISSUE 14.11

Asia’s best

SERVICED RESIDENCES 2014 Extended stay accommodation trends The growing allure of serviced apartments

SERVICED RESIDENCES NEWS SINGAPORE

AUSTRALIA

SPEEDIER CHECK-IN WITH FACE RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY

ASCOTT EXPANDS DOWN UNDER

One of the world’s largest serviced apartment owneroperators, the Singapore-based Ascott Limited, has expanded A new Singapore Tourism Board (STB) collaboration with hotel into Greater Sydney by acquiring three serviced residences for and serviced apartment owner and operator Far East Hospitality A$83 million (S$93 million). has yielded self-service check-in kiosks that use facial recognition The three serviced residences – Quest Sydney Olympic Park, technology.

Quest Campbelltown and Quest Mascot – from Quest Serviced Prototypes of the kiosk have been developed and one of them Apartments (Quest), Australia’s largest serviced apartment will be installed in the front lobby of the Village Hotel Katong in provider, will continue to be operated under franchises using Marine Parade within the next few months. Complementing the the Quest brand. activities of front line staff, the kiosk will verify the bookings The three properties will add 312 apartment units to Ascott and details of guests by scanning their passports or Singaporean Reit’s portfolio in Australia where it currently owns the 85-unit identification cards.

Citadines St Georges Terrace Perth.

It will compare guests’ facial features with their passport Lim Jit Poh, Ascott Residence Trust Management Limited’s photos. After some additional steps, the kiosk will dispense the (ARTML) Chairman, said there is a strong demand for serviced room key card to guests. residences from overseas and local travellers.

The entire process should take about two minutes, which will be According to the Reserve Bank of Australia, the country’s a 50% gain in productivity for the hotel.

GDP is forecasted to grow 3.5% in 2014. Also, The government is hoping that this can pave the international visitor arrivals are expected to The hospitality industry’s workforce way for a wider use for such kiosks, which can allow increase 4.8% this year and domestic tourism has grown hotels to deploy manpower to higher value-add remains strong, based on data from Tourism services.

Research Australia.

Besides this new trial, Far East Hospitality will annually since 2009, much higher than the one to two per cent average also be introducing other initiatives to improve growth projected for Singapore for efficiency in its laundry services and rooms.

MIDDLE EAST the rest of the decade.

5.5%

Source: Senior Minister of State for Health and Manpower Dr Amy Khor

WORLD

EXPATS LOVE SWITZERLAND

2014 HSBC Expat Explorer Ranking:

Switzerland, Singapore and China may Top 11 (of 34) be the top destinations for expats to • Switzerland work and live, with Canada being a top • Singapore spot for expat retirement.

• China According to the latest HSBC Expat • Germany Explorer report, Switzerland ranks first • Bahrain overall this year, with expats saying it • New Zealand is a great destination to advance career • Thailand prospects and receive a healthy salary, • Taiwan while also maintaining a good work/life • India balance.

The report also found that expats enjoy • Hong Kong • Canada growing older in Canada. Three in 10 expats identified themselves as ‘retired’, making Canada home to the highest proportion of expat retirees in the world, well above the global average of just over one in 10.

In fact, eight in 10 retired expats display significant confidence in Canada’s economy by choosing to keep the majority of their retirement investments in Canada, almost double the global average (41%).

China is home to the largest proportion of high-earning expats in the world. Nearly four in 10 expats surveyed earn over US$200,000 and over three-quarters (76%) have more disposable income than they did at home.

SERVICED APARTMENT SECTOR IS THRIVING

Dubai’s hotel apartment sector is booming. A drive towards diversification of accommodation offerings for tourists and a government push for more mid-range accommodation has contributed to the trend. Tourist arrivals also showed year-on-year growth for the past four years, with 5.8 million tourists checking into the emirate’s 88,680 rooms across 634 hotels and hotel apartments – the number is up by 2.3%.

Hotel apartments account for 28% of the room stock in Dubai, which has the highest concentration of such units in the UAE, according to a Colliers study.

The average length of stay at hotel apartments, also known as serviced apartments, was 5.3 days last year, nearly double than that at hotels.

The occupancy rate at serviced apartments reached 82% last year, a year-on-year increase of 6.5%. The average room rate was Dh433, which rose by 3.8% on the previous year.

A majority of the serviced apartments, or 38%, are unbranded. Thirty-two per cent have a local brand, such as Jumeirah Living, Golden Sands, Xclusive Group, Dunes, Abidos and Flora, and only 30% are internationally branded, such as Marriott Executive Apartments, according to Colliers.

“The supply growth of serviced apartments has outstripped hotels in recent years, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.3% in the past 10 years, versus a 10.1% growth in number of hotel rooms,” Filippo Sona, the head of hotels at the consultancy Colliers International’s Dubai office, told The National.

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PROFILE

FAR EAST HOSPITALITY

Regency House Connecting work and play L

ocated at the junction of Penang Road and Oxley Road, Regency House is a quick walk from major shopping malls along Orchard Road. Besides fine dining options along the famous district, the serviced apartment is also a minute’s walk from Killiney Road, which offers a wide selection of local and international cuisine.

Another popular landmark near the Regency House is the Istana, the official residence of the President of Singapore. Fancy some entertainment? Trendy Robertson Quay is a stone’s throw away. Connectivity throughout Singapore is a breeze, with Somerset MRT station being the closest train station to the serviced apartment. Getting to work at Singapore’s Central Business District at Raffles Place is also convenient, being just two train stops away.

Choose from 88 luxuriously furnished studio, two-, and three-bedroom apartments.

Bask by the pool with an open-sky feature over the rooftop, and soak in the

Make A Reservation Regency House 121 Penang Road, Singapore 238464 Tel: +65 6428 8600 Fax: +65 6438 7128 Email: reservations@fareast.com.sg

Regency House Refurbished Studio sun. The newly refurbished studio at Regency House exudes a contemporary feel with warm lights and monochromatic hues.

Designed for the modernist with a penchant for urban living within Singapore’s Central Business District, Regency House is indeed an ideal choice for both singles and couples.

Regency House Pool

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Regency House Facade

Orchard Parksuites

PROFILE

THE ASCOTT LIMITED

Redefining the way you live in Singapore T

he Ascott Limited is a Singapore company that has grown to be the world’s largest international serviced residence owner-operator with more than 200 properties in over 80 cities spanning more than 20 countries across Asia Pacific, Europe and the Gulf region. The company’s global presence means that executives need only work with one party for their accommodation needs wherever they travel to for assignments.

The company’s three award-winning brands - Ascott, Citadines and Somerset, cater to different lifestyle needs, further ensuring that there is a suitable apartment for every executive.

All three brands of serviced residences are in Singapore, and if you are finding accommodation here for yourself or your colleagues, choose from a total of five properties.

Ascott Raffles Place offers 146 luxurious serviced suites, offering discreet and personalised

The Ascott Limited Tel: (65) 6272 7272 Email: enquiry.singapore@the-ascott.com Website: www.the-ascott.com

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Ascott Raffles Place Singapore – Cutler Suite service in an exclusive environment, and frequently welcoming top executives, government dignitaries and industry leaders. Citadines Mount Sophia caters to savvy, independent travellers who want high quality accommodation that provides the flexibility to pay for the services they require. Designed for those with families, the three Somerset residences feature more childrenfriendly facilities such as playgrounds, playrooms and swimming pools.

These fully-furnished serviced residences in Singapore are centrally located and within close proximity of the Central Business District. A plus for executives as it saves

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them much travelling time.

Conveniences like F&B, entertainment centres and international schools are nearby, catering to the needs of individuals and executives with families.

Beyond prime location, the residences are WiFienabled and come with complimentary internet access offering excellent business connectivity and maximum comfort.

Executives will not come back to just an accommodation. Instead, they return to familiar faces, welcoming surroundings and the assurance that their needs will be taken care of.

There are even residents’ programmes including city tours and workshops on local culture to help them settle in quickly.

These are just some of the ways Ascott goes the extra mile to make executives’ stay a memorable one.

What’s here to stay, though, is the unique warmth and familiarity of home that the leader of the serviced residence industry has been renowned for around the world.

Now Defining Global Living in Singapore Our Serviced Residences in Singapore Ascott Raffles Place • Citadines Mount Sophia Somerset Bencoolen • Somerset Liang Court • Somerset Orchard

Ascott Raffles Place Singapore

Citadines Mount Sophia Singapore

From the spacious exclusivity of Ascott, to the vibrancy of independent city living at Citadines, or the pampering touches for the family at Somerset, there is a serviced residence designed to make you feel at home. Because life is about living.

Somerset Liang Court Singapore

Enjoy Ascott’s Best Rate Guarantee | www.the-ascott.com | +65 6272 7272

With three award-winning serviced residence brands, we welcome you to enjoy our renowned hospitality in more than 200 properties in over 80 cities spanning more than 20 countries across Asia Pacific, Europe and the Gulf region.

FEATURE

SERVICED RESIDENCES

Seeking longer home comforts In today’s uncertain world, overseas working assignments may be stretched further than anticipated. HRM explores how this has repercussions in terms of extended-stay accommodation for employees Sham Majid sham@hrmasia.com.sg

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G

lobal mobility assignments are facing a Catch-22 situation.

According to KPMG’s recent report, “International Assignment Policies and Practices Survey 2014”, while genuine effort has been made to reduce the costs derived from global mobility programmes, the majority of firms surveyed said their assignee figures were on the rise and that they anticipated this trend would continue for the foreseeable future.

The report adds that “while the logical approach would seem to be to cut costs by reducing the numbers of assignees, global economic expansion requires globally mobile employees”.

This inference is also corroborated by the Cartus 2014 Trends in Global Relocation: Global Mobility Policy and Practices survey.

It found that while most of the respondents signalled their mobile

SERVICED RESIDENCES FEATURE

Business vs accommodation According to Richard Tan, Vice President, Pan Pacific and ParkRoyal Serviced Suites, extended stay options continue to be in demand due to the centralisation of company business in certain cities, especially in Singapore.

Furthermore, he says globalisation has helped to increase mobility across countries.

“However, the duration of stay has shortened, due to quick and easy availability of private housing for immediate lease as permanent housing options,” explains Tan. His view is complemented by Patrick Fiat, General Manager of 8 on Claymore Serviced Residences.

Fiat says the demand for extended-stay accommodation has been growing steadily, especially in the Southeast Asia region, where rapid developments and projects are taking place.

Nevertheless, Adia Loh, Area Director of Sales, Park Avenue According to the Cartus 2014 Trends in Hotels & Suites, Global Relocation: Global Mobility Policy and believes that Practices survey, cost control was identified overall, there by 75% of respondents (percentage ranked is a weaker four or five on a 5-point scale) as the main corporate demand global mobility obstacle in terms of future for long stays consequences for their company. The other due. She cites two factors making the top three were: global economic

Slashing the cash?

Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road – 1 Bedroom Deluxe Suite

• Overall compliance (at 62% and up 12

uncertainty and activity had been percentage points) and stringent control “status quo” • Immigration concerns (at 57% and up 13 in issuing of for the past two percentage points over 2012) working visas by years, 50% of the Singaporean them anticipated Government as the reasons behind this. their mobility volume would rise overall Her sentiment was also echoed in the during the upcoming two-year period.

Cartus 2014 Trends in Global Relocation: With an expected increase in Global Mobility Policy and Practices survey, international assignments, coupled with which revealed that the assignment type the uncertain and unpredictable nature anticipated to make the biggest jump of mobility assignments, workers are were developmental assignments (54%). increasingly finding themselves staying These are usually short-term with for longer periods of time while on their the main aim being to heighten respective international assignments. the experience of an employee and Hence, a rising number of to provide a career-development organisations are arranging for opportunity. extended-stay accommodation for these The next type of assignment deemed overseas-based staff.

Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road Facade to be in hot demand were short-term assignments (52%).

Costs and benefits The KPMG International Assignment Policies and Practices Survey 2014 highlighted that over the past 12 months, 18% of respondent organisations had or were planning to reduce their housing budgets.

In fact, the Cartus survey found that cost control was listed by 75% of respondents as their chief global mobility challenge in terms of future impact on their company (see: boxout).

Tan says firms usually possess a certain budget for different employee management levels; these budgets may vary from a single expat to an entire family move.

“The cost of the extended stay accommodation is usually provided by the HR team and accommodation arrangements will be made with regards to the needs of the assignee,” says Tan. He adds that most often, companies select a trusted hospitality provider they have used before.

He says the synergy between Pan Pacific properties is one that provides companies with additional choices.

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FEATURE

SERVICED RESIDENCES

“Another consideration is often the close proximity to the office, and our property, being in a central location, provides a greater opportunity for companies to place their employees with us,” says Tan. For Loh, cost consideration has always been one of the key factors for decision making, particularly where it doesn’t compromise product quality.

Her counterpart Fiat explains that from an HR perspective, extendedstay accommodation can offer more personalised services for employees as service associates have greater opportunities to develop relationships with guests and attend to ther individual preferences.

“This will, in turn, provide peace of mind for HR as their employees can enjoy maximum comfort and personal attention for their extended stay,” explains Fiat.

“Extended-stay accommodation also helps the company reduce overall costs over the long run.”

Nevertheless, he says that firms that are sending their workers on overseas assignments generally take many other factors into consideration when choosing an extendedstay accommodation for their staff.

“These include employees’ ease of transport, daily conveniences, and preferences, which may in turn affect performances,” says Fiat.

According to the Cartus report, global mobility is quickly being viewed as crucial to other company strategies.

Thirty-one per cent of respondents claimed there was a close link between the global mobility function and their companies’ other HR and talent functions (up 10 percentage points from 2012).

In addition, 38% of respondents cited 8

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Expensive for expats in Singapore

percentage points from 2012).

Extended-stay options

For employees who actually find themselves staying longer on their overseas assignments, a buffet of There is no running away from the fact extended-stay accommodation options that Singapore is a costly place for expats. is available.

According to the 2014 Cost of Living Survey Over at Pan Pacific Serviced Suites

by Mercer, Singapore was ranked as the fourth Beach Road, there is a 24-hour personal most expensive city for international workers. assistant service offered for the New York was used as the base city, and all convenience of residents, says Tan. cities were compared against it, with currency “Our personal assistants help guests movements assessed against the US dollar. to ensure they are well settled in and The survey featured 211 cities across five provide a network for local insights continents and analysed the comparative cost when settling into a new country,” of more than 200 items in each location. explains Tan. The top 10 most expensive cities for expats “For example, we help individuals for 2014 are: and families settle into their new city • Luanda (Angola) by connecting them with the latest • N’Djamena (Chad) entertainment hotspots (for individuals) • Hong Kong and linking parents up with education • Singapore networks (for families with children).

• Zurich (Switzerland) Tan adds their personal assistants go • Geneva (Switzerland) one step further to provide services such • Tokyo (Japan) as unpacking and grocery shopping.

• Bern (Switzerland) “As we aim to create a home away • Moscow (Russia) from home for our residents, we • Shanghai (China) provide an extensive range of wellness facilities, such as a fullyequipped kitchenette, fitness centre, ionised water pool, massage chairs and a residents lounge,” elaborates Tan. Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road will normally value-add with additional services and inclusions such as laundry credit.

Tan says that crucially the property minimises complications by ensuring guests can continue Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road Swimming Pool residing in their current suite without any that their global mobility programmes inconvenience of moving. were crucially important to attaining Fiat says 8 on Claymore Serviced short-term business objectives (up 13 Residences’ central location and percentage points from 2012) while 63% surrounding facilities cater to the various said global mobility was critically vital needs of individuals who stay there. to strategic global expansion (up 12 Its location is near the Central

SERVICED RESIDENCES FEATURE

Business District (CBD) of Singapore which allows business guests to commute easily to and fro.

In addition, supermarkets, schools, embassies and medical centres are just steps away from the doorstep for guests who are traveling with families, says Fiat.

The serviced residences also provide conveniences such as daily breakfast, 24-hour maintenance services and daily housekeeping services.

Fiat adds other perks include wireless and wired access on multiple devices, unlimited utilities, free local calls and a welcome gourmet hamper to help guests settle in comfortably.

8 on Claymore Serviced Residences also comprise of different room types to suit different groups of clients.

It has 46 studio units for single travellers and couples, as well as twobedroom and three-bedroom residences for families.

Moreover, families that are travelling with children can keep the little ones entertained at the outdoor children’s playground and pool.

Over at Park Avenue Hotels and Suites, Loh explains that there is a collection of two serviced apartment properties and two hotels offering a choice of more than 700 rooms.

“For our hotel in Changi central and Rochester, we also provide oneand two-bedroom suites with cooking facilities, washing machine and dryer,” says Loh.

Studio residence, 8 on Claymore Serviced Residences “Our guests can also enjoy the luxury of hotel service during their stay.”

The hotels offer one and two-bedroom suites as more spacious options to cater to extended stay requirements, as well as Superior and Deluxe Rooms.

The serviced apartments come as large as the four-bedroom option.

Flexibility is key It is all well and good planning for contingencies, but when the need for extended-stay accommodation arises, Tan says it is important to illustrate flexibility.

“Yes, delayed assignments or unexpected continuation of a project happens occasionally and as a serviced apartment, we have to be flexible to ensure that our residents are able to extend their stay with us,” he explains.

3 bedroom residence, 8 on Claymore Serviced Residences

Hence, he adds that maintaining a close relationship with bookers and residents is key to ensuring suitable arrangements for extensions and departures.

Fiat also says 8 on Claymore has come across situations when projects that their clients were handling were extended due to unforeseen situations.

“We will speak to the guests to find out more about their needs for their extended stay, such as a larger unit if their families are flying in,” says Fiat.

Furthermore, special requests for cleaning schedules, childcare services and transportation can also be discussed.

“Being centrally located, our guests will find they have most facilities and services within reach,” he adds.

Tan says Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road looks at the needs of their residents and customises packages accordingly.

“We try our best to tailor our services and offerings to suit the requirements of our guests.”

For example, some guests may have certain furniture requirements or may require a tailored package with daily laundry included and where possible, Tan claims they will definitely try to cater to their needs.

“This is how Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road constantly stays ahead of the game and ensures that our customers return each time,” he adds.

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PROFILE

PARK AVENUE HOTELS & SUITES

Small things matter at Park Avenue P

ark Avenue Hotels & Suites, the hospitality arm of United Engineers Limited, is designed with the comfort of business travellers in mind. All four properties are located in key business districts, close to bustling shopping zones in the central, western and eastern parts of Singapore.

Centred on the philosophy that small gestures make a big difference, Park Avenue staff strive to be thoughtful and attentive to the guests’ needs, instead of offering flashy overthe-top services that lack relevance. Very often, many hospitality providers get distracted – while focusing on grand lobbies but forgetting the friendly ‘welcome’ that needs to go with them.

At Park Avenue, the belief is to do away with impressive extras which the guests seldom use.

Instead, the focus is on the

To find out more, please contact: Park Avenue Hotels & Suites Sales Office: 2 Changi Business Park Avenue 1, Singapore 486015 Email: parkavenue@uel.sg Web: www.parkavenueintl.com Central Reservation Hotline: +65 6830 8360

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one real thing that makes a difference: How do the guests feel when they stay there?

Park Avenue understands the importance of a balanced lifestyle, especially so when a traveller is miles away from home. Hence, every Park Avenue property is built around the promise of being the kind of space where the guests get to enjoy a holistic lifestyle that balances work, life and play – the way it should be.

All four properties of Park Avenue are situated close to entertainment and business hubs, enforcing the belief that a great stay goes beyond the walls of a hotel.

It’s also about sharing favourite local places so the guests can do more – more discoveries, more business, and more fun.

Park Avenue Clemenceau

Park Avenue Robertson

Park Avenue Rochester Park Avenue Rochester showcases 271 chic business hotel rooms and suites for discerning travellers.

Surrounded by the lush greenery of Rochester Park, the hotel is close to MRT stations and minutes away from business districts like one-north and International Business Park.

Park Avenue Changi Park Avenue Changi offers comfortable living spaces in the heart of Changi central. Located near Expo MRT station, the 251

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contemporary business hotel rooms and suites, modern furnished gym and relaxing pool keep guests pampered and occupied.

Park Avenue Clemenceau Park Avenue Clemenceau is situated in one of Singapore’s most enviable spots, next to the riverside with a wide range of dining and entertainment options.

It is also a short distance to the Central Business District. Guests will enjoy a colourful stay at one of the 150 serviced suites

where every day brings new surprises in the most delightful ways.

Park Avenue Robertson Park Avenue Robertson features a variety of 31 serviced apartments and five townhouses.

Well-appreciated for its spaciousness and tropical charm, Park Avenue Robertson has also preserved cherished yesteryear elements like a pre-war shop house façade while offering a myriad of modern amenities.

PROFILE

GREAT WORLD SERVICED APARTMENTS

Truly, a home for everyone (pets too!)

Gym Room

G

reat World Serviced Apartments has been an ideal place to stay for thousands of expatriates, travellers and Singaporeans seeking both short-term and permanent accommodation.

Located in the prime River Valley residential district on the edge of the Singapore River, the Great World Serviced Apartments is an approximate five-

Visit us at www.greatworld.com.sg to get a pictorial walk through of our residence.

Great World Serviced Apartments 2 Kim Seng Walk, Singapore 239404 Tel: (65) 6722 7000 Sales: (65) 6722 7766 Fax: (65) 6722 7001 Email: apartments@greatworld.com.sg Web: www.greatworld.com.sg

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minute drive away from the main shopping belt of Orchard Road and the Central Business District. It is also easily accessible from major roads and expressways.

The apartments straddle the riverside recreational areas of Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay, giving residents plenty of entertainment options.

Great World Serviced Apartments offers penthouses and apartments with balconies from the 31st to the 34th floor. Exquisitely furnished, residents on these floors can entertain friends over a BBQ while enjoying spectacular views of Singapore. Alternatively, they could dwell in the pleasures of a Jacuzzi spa pool in the penthouse balcony.

Each apartment is fitted with the essentials of a home. All you have to

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Pool Lounge Bar

do is to check-in with your suitcase and your new place is ready to welcome you. Features in each unit include two colour televisions, an entertainment system and DVD player, two separate telephone lines, a hairdryer, an electronic personal safe and notably Wi-Fi. Great World Serviced Apartments is resortstyle living at its best.

Residents can enjoy an invigorating workout at the huge gymnasium, near Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis court and basketball half-court.

Other recreational facilities include steam rooms, an outdoor Jacuzzi, sauna, children’s wading pool, Kidz Lounge and Pool Lounge. Dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets are also warmly welcomed at the apartments.

Residents enjoy exclusive

shopping discounts at the Great World City Shopping Centre located right next door. Measuring 400,000 square feet, the mall houses a supermarket, Cineplex, numerous food and beverage outlets as well as retail shops featuring popular fashion labels. It is an ideal place to unwind over a cup of coffee with your new friends made here at the Great World Serviced Apartments!

PROFILE

PAN PACIFIC SERVICED SUITES BEACH ROAD, SINGAPORE

Modern living in the heart of heritage Singapore S

trategically located in the rich cultural enclave of Haji Lane and Arab Street, as well as close to the Marina Bay Central Business District, Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road represents modern luxurious living at its finest.

Seamlessly translating hotel-style hospitality into an extended-stay experience, Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road offers discrete, uncomplicated service and enriching experiences to its extended-stay residents.

The 180-suite property comprises four suite categories ranging from One-Bedroom Deluxe Suite to Two-Bedroom Premium Suite to suit every need.

Each well-appointed serviced suite features tasteful furnishing, two LCD televisions, fullyequipped kitchenette and washer-cum-dryer facilities. Coupled with personalised service delivery for an unmistakable Pacific Touch, the property provides the perfect “home-away-fromhome” experience.

As part of its full service offering, the suites feature a dedicated team of

For more information, visit panpacific.com

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Personal Assistants, who are on call 24 hours a day to help connect residents to business and social networks as they settle into a new city. With the support from the Personal Assistants, residents are able to go about their daily lives, with the comfort and knowledge of a dependable support group.

Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road boasts a host of lifestyle facilities including a cosy resident’s Living Room with a library, and a gaming corner equipped with an Xbox video game console. A state-of-theart fitness centre and

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rooftop swimming pool complete the urban retreat experience. In addition, residents enjoy a ‘madeto-order’ breakfast at the Pacific Lounge on weekdays that includes a buffet spread of western and local favourites.

A stay at Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road is also complemented with business amenities including complimentary WIFI access and meeting room facility. For added convenience, complimentary shuttle services to the various business districts are available to residents.

The serviced suites are

also close to Singapore’s vibrant entertainment and dining hubs such as Clarke Quay, Boat Quay and the Raffles Place business district. A short walk from Bugis or Nicoll Highway MRT stations, the property is only minutes away by train to popular tourist attractions such as Orchard Road, the Singapore Flyer and Gardens by the Bay.

FEATURE

MOBILITY

The

growing allure of serviced apartments

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MOBILITY FEATURE

T

he demand for serviced apartments across AsiaPacific has continued to grow this year, in line with growth in global mobility which has increased by 25% over the past decade, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Talent Mobility 2010 and Beyond Report.

The Global Business Travel Association Annual Global Report and Forecast also named Asia-Pacific the leading region in the world for business travel.

Couple that with a total global business travel spend that is expected to hit a record high of £230 billion (US$370 billion) in 2014 and a 38% share of global business travel spend, and the demand for serviced apartments will continue to grow in this region, says Craig Ryan, Managing Director, Aisa-Pacific, Oakwood Worldwide.

“Indeed, the rate of growth of our brand is testament to demand from companies for serviced apartments,” says Tonya Khong, Area General Manager Southeast Asia, Frasers Hospitality. “Our current global portfolio, including those in the pipeline, stands at 92 properties in 49 key gateway cities, and more than 16,000 apartments worldwide. We are on track to double our global inventory to 30,000 over the next five years.”

The last 12 months alone has seen the opening of new Frasers properties in Wuxi, Wuhan, Jakarta, and Kuala Lumpur, with plans underway to open another seven by 2015.

“This is further bolstered by the fact that corporate clients are also using us for leisure stays when they are traveling abroad for holidays, as they are familiar with the brand and want to experience the destination from the perspective of a local,” Khong explains.

Serviced apartments fill the gap between hotels and fixed-term corporate rentals by providing the win-win situation of flexibility, strategic locations, up-to-date modern conveniences, a host of lifestyle benefits, and value-added services, says Khong.

For any trip longer than just a few nights, serviced apartments are a better choice than hotels because they allow the traveller to relax and enjoy more space than a typical hotel room, complete with separate living, sleeping and dining areas, says Ryan. This Shalini makes them an ideal way for travellers Shukla-Pandey to achieve more work-life balance shalini@hrmasia.com.sg while on the road.

Apartments may also have several bedrooms, making them ideal Home away from home choices for executives travelling with With more people travelling to Asiatheir families or for group travel.

Pacific for business, reports show “Additionally, because apartments that companies face some real issues come with a fully-equipped kitchen, with culture shock. Organisations, the executive can have more relaxed particularly those with employees dining options. The company can (also) on extended-stay assignments, are minimise out-of-pocket costs when finding the day-to-day challenges their traveller does not have to rely employees and their families face in a solely on restaurants,” Ryan points out. new culture, which include a new work Serviced residences also tend to environment and language barriers, be located in key business districts, are just part of the story, says Ryan. which is a great advantage to business “Companies executives in wanting to provide helping them Oakwood Worldwide is the accommodations reduce unnecessary and services that time spent will elevate the commuting mobility experience to work. “The for their relocating convenience of Source: 2014 Asia Expatriate Management and extended-stay being located near and Mobility Awards employees, need the city’s shopping, to work with an dining and leisure experienced, trusted accommodation amenities also enhances their whole provider who can offer the global experience of being in another reach, local expertise and breadth of country,” says Khong. accommodation options required to The host of leisure and lifestyle facilitate this transition,” he explains. facilities and services available

The serviced apartment option is gaining traction over the traditional corporate housing model in Asia. Last year witnessed strong demand for serviced apartments in Singapore, hitting an average occupancy rate of 84.5%, an increase from 80.9% in 2012.

HRM explores the compelling drivers of this trend

“Corporate Housing Provider of the Year”

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MOBILITY

Last year witnessed strong demand for serviced apartments allow residents to housekeeping, room in Singapore, hitting an average enjoy work-life balance service, 24-hour concierge occupancy rate of without even having to and security,” says Khong. leave the premises. “At Modern conveniences Frasers, these include such as high-speed compared to 80.9% in 2012.

24-hour gymnasiums, internet connections, Source: Chesterton Singapore swimming pools, sauna iPod docking stations, and steam rooms, outdoor up-to-date kitchen recreational facilities, residents’ appliances and state-of-the-art home lounges, and restaurants, which entertainment systems at serviced are complemented by the added residences help business executives conveniences of breakfast, daily live more efficient lives.

84.5%

Tips and tricks To overcome the increasing challenge of making relocation booking decisions, HR and mobility managers need to have the confidence of choosing a brand that has a proven track record, not only in the country that they are looking at, but also globally.

Key considerations include: • A brand with a growing global footprint demonstrates a strong demand for the services that they are providing, and also the fact that they understand what it takes to meet the needs of the relocation market.

• Industry recognition and guest satisfaction are also important benchmarks to base your decision on, as these are votes of confidence that demonstrate commitment to service excellence which are critical to ensuring the successful stay of your assignee.

• Accessibility to information and ease of booking through online websites that are designed to make your job easier. This means the brand has a thorough understanding of the importance of meeting the needs of the customer, and is an extension of the level of service that can be expected on the ground, particularly if it also provides channels for feedback and enquiries that are responded to efficiently.

Source: Tonya Khong, Area General Manager – South East Asia, Frasers Hospitality

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“Meeting facilities and in-house business centre support are available in each Frasers property. These provide residents the flexibility of being able to work effectively from the comforts of their own home and also the option of conducting meetings away from the office.”

Family comes first Serviced apartments are adept at providing value-added services to help expatriate staff and their families feel at home in their new country of residence, no matter how big the adjustments that need to be made are.

“Simple gestures such as ensuring residents are served by the same housekeepers throughout their stay and taking note of the little things such as how residents like their pillows arranged or their beverage preferences, goes a long way to making them feel comfortable in a new environment,” says Khong.

Serviced residences also go out of their way to provide a variety of family-friendly facilities and services, such as children’s playrooms and wading pools, regular shuttle bus services to key business and shopping districts, babysitting services, and facilities such as the Fraser Kids Club to make their stay enjoyable.

Regular social and recreational activities that foster interaction among residents are also organised.

One of the highlights of the social calendar at Frasers is the monthly Residents’ Night, which is often themed around local festivals such as Hari Raya, Christmas, Deepavali, and Chinese New Year. These help residents integrate into their new country and provide a cultural experience that will make their stay all the more meaningful.

“By providing a home away from home, serviced apartments truly allow business travellers to relax, focus on their work and enjoy the culture and lifestyle of the place they are visiting during their downtime,” Ryan concludes.

RESIDENCES AT REFLECTIONS PROFILE

Waterfront living at its finest

Come home to a waterfront paradise located just minutes away from the city

R

esidences at Reflections is a collection of 151 fullyfurnished apartments ranging from cosy twobedroom suites to a lavish penthouse. Available for corporate and private leasing, these luxurious residences are part of Reflections at Keppel Bay, which is designed by world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind.

Each apartment is finely furnished to meet the taste of discerning residents.

From the finest marble to the splendid imported oak

Residences at Reflections For reservation and enquiries, Tel: (65) 6376 3400 Fax: (65) 6376 3401 Email: enquiries@ residencesatreflections.com.sg Web: www.residencesatreflections.com.sg

floor, to the designer kitchen and bathroom wares, we ensure nothing but the best at Residences at Reflections.

Residents can look forward to a myriad of lifestyle options, both on land and water. On its expansive grounds are the visuallystunning clubhouse and gymnasium that open out to Keppel Bay and the sea.

Leveraging on its unique waterfront locale, the property’s extensive range of amenities spread across the entire development.

This includes an Olympiclength swimming pool, two Jacuzzi pools, two tennis courts, five BBQ pavilions and a jogging path.

Residents enjoy full condominium services and residents-only exclusives such as housekeeping, maintenance support, airport transfer, complimentary scheduled shuttle service to MRT stations, key business and shopping districts and

complimentary car parking lot per unit.

With the rare confluence of location strengths, reach your office in the Central Business District within five minutes by car, then retreat home to a host of entertainment and dining options at the award-winning Marina at Keppel Bay; Singapore’s largest retail and lifestyle hub, VivoCity; or even Sentosa. Residents also enjoy the convenience of connecting to different parts of Singapore via the Circle Line’s Telok Blangah and Northeast Line’s

HarbourFront MRT stations.

Revel in the multi-award winning Marina at Keppel Bay where luxurious mega yachts berth. Be one of the privileged to enjoy exclusive membership benefits including special discounts at the waterfront restaurants, access to the bay-fronting member’s lounge, The Wine Glass, as well as charters onboard Marina at Keppel Bay’s three luxurious yachts – The Admiral, Endeavour and Venture.

Experience the ultimate in urban waterfront living at Residences at Reflections.

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PROFILE

THE CLUB AT CAPELLA SINGAPORE

A class above A

s the standards of living increase, so do people’s expectations for services and daily luxuries. It is no wonder that service providers across all industries, are finding ways to impress their guests.

Taking a closer look into smaller countries like Singapore, with a relatively homogeneous standard of living throughout, the pressure for organisations to stand out and be the best among peers is intense. However, like how iron sharpens iron, such competition has helped create a culture of excellence, where some of the top brands and businesses are born.

The notion of creating excellence and providing bespoke experiences for guests puts the service industry in the spotlight – a good case study would be to look at the Service Residence industry. Fundamentally, relocating and choosing a new home counts as a major decision, for indeed there can be no place like home, a personal sanctuary away from the troubles and stresses of the day.

Every service residence promises its clientele a

The Club at Capella Singapore 1 The Knolls Sentosa Island Singapore Tel: +65 6591 5015 Email: theclub.singapore@capellahotels.com Web: www.theclubcapellasingapore.com

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comfortable and convenient living space with the value add of having a concierge for residents. Others go the extra mile to offer networking events and social events to engage their tenants.

While that would be enough to stay abreast with the competition, what then goes into setting some service residences above others to claim the worthy title of a top service residence?

While expensive furnishings is one way to make an impression, creating unique experiences for lasting impressions is the new standard in the service industry – a notion The Club at Capella Singapore is no stranger to. Residing alongside its award-winning hotel counterpart, The Club offers its residents preferential access to Capella Singapore’s facilities, including a full 24-hour concierge service, as well as its own personalised service features.

Going beyond the usual

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offerings of other service accommodation, The Club takes a literal approach to the term “serviced residence”, where no request is too big. Executives trained in the art of preferential service engage each resident to understand their inclinations to create unique experiences for each guest.

From the simple things like making a reservation at a restaurant, to the intricate planning of a birthday party and even sourcing for recommendations on what schools to send the children

to, residents at The Club can be assured that all their needs will be well looked after by The Club Executives.

What’s more, set in 30 acres of lush tropical landscape, The Club offers luxuriously spacious accommodation, including an inventory of one to four bedroom suites, two-storey penthouses and standalone private manors, each fitted with a private swimming pool – a welcome sight for expatriates who are readjusting to living in land scarce Singapore.

Come home to paradise R e de f i ning the art of luxury islan d living , The Club at Capella Sing apore is a pr ivate enc lave where g ue sts wi ll en joy the quin te s sen tial Capella experience.

The Club at Capella Singapore offers Singapore’s most luxurious collection of serviced residences, with 62 sea-facing suites, 10 penthouses and nine contemporary manors. Each suite and manor is equipped with luxuriously-appointed facilities and offers a choice of breathtaking views of the South China Sea or lush greenery.

The manors, each with their own swimming pool, allow you to enjoy modern tropical living at its best.

Along with a private Club Concierge who will attend to your every need and request; residents of The Club at Capella Singapore will enjoy preferential access to exclusive facilities and services of the award-winning Capella Singapore.

2014 Forbes Travel Guide

– Five-Star Hotel

2013 Singapore Tourism Board – Best Hotel Experience 2013 Travel + Leisure

– World’s Best Service

To arrange for a private preview of your exquisite long stay experience, please contact our Club Managers at +65 6591 5015 / theclub.singapore@capellahotels.com.

The Club at Capella Singapore 1 The Knolls Sentosa Island Singapore +65 6591 5015

www.theclubcapellasingapore.com

PROFILE

FRASERS HOSPITALITY

International Gold-Standards F

rasers Hospitality Pte Ltd (Frasers), a member of Frasers Centrepoint Limited, is a global leader in premier serviced residences that constantly strives to provide excellent service and innovation to meet the evolving needs of the corporate traveller. Since its inception in 1998, Frasers has been growing rapidly from an initial 412 residences in Singapore to more than 16,350 residences worldwide.

A visionary company, Frasers will have 92 properties, including those in the pipeline, in 49 key gateway cities in Europe, Middle East, Africa, North Asia, Southeast Asia, Asia Pacific and Australia by 2017.

Be spoilt for choice amongst branded lifestyle offerings including Frasers Gold-Standard luxury serviced residences (Fraser Suites, Fraser Place and Fraser Residence), Modena

by Fraser, the second-tier serviced residences for ‘road warriors’, and

Capri by Fraser hotel residences, which caters to the ‘always-on’ e-generation.

Frasers’ intrinsic understanding of the importance of quality service and the unique needs of business executives is reflected in the number of industry accolades it has garnered to date, which most recently include: • World’s Leading Serviced Apartment Brand by World Travel Awards, • Corporate Housing Provider of the Year

by Asian Expatriate Management and Mobility Awards, • Best Serviced Apartment Group by Business Traveller Middle East, and • Best Serviced Apartment Brand of China by China Hotel Starlight Awards.

With numerous awards adding to its achievements, Frasers continues to make its mark on the international hospitality scene with its strong vision for growth and exceptional service offerings.

Frasers Hospitality 491B River Valley Road, #14-04 Valley Point, Singapore 248373 Central Reservations (Singapore): +65 62 700 800 or Singapore Toll-free: 1800-FRASERS (372 7377) Fax: +65 64 150 519 Email: reservations.singapore@ frasershospitality.com Web: frasershospitality.com

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Fraser Place Fusionopolis, Singapore

Fraser Residence Orchard, Singapore

Fraser Place Robertson Walk, Singapore

PROFILE

8 ON CLAYMORE SERVICED RESIDENCES

A stay to remember

at 8 on Claymore Serviced Residences 8

on Claymore Serviced Residences is synonymous with personalised services, boasting an ideal location aimed at both business and leisure for a long-term stay in Singapore. Managed by the award-winning business hotel, Royal Plaza on Scotts, 8 on Claymore Serviced Residences hopes to deliver the intangibles that make guests feel at home.

8 on Claymore Serviced Residences is situated at the heart of Orchard Road. A gourmet 24-hour supermarket, banking services and world-class healthcare services are all within walking distance.

It is also easily accessible from Orchard Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) train station, which connects you to the rest of the city. If shopping is on the agenda, different malls offering a wide selection of retail, dining and entertainment experiences are just at the guests’ doorstep.

Patrick Fiat, General Manager and Chief Experience Officer (CEO)

8 on Claymore Serviced Residences 8 Claymore Hill, Singapore 229572 Tel: (65) 6737 8388 Fax: (65) 6737 8688 Email: info@8onclaymore.com.sg Web: www.8onclaymore.com.sg Facebook: www.facebook.com/8onclaymore

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of 8 on Claymore Serviced Residences, remarked, “We want our guests to have a memorable experience with us and have stories to tell about Singapore, about 8 on Claymore Serviced Residences and about our staff when they are finally home. We like to address them by their first names, understand their distinctive preferences and create unforgettable and sometimes, amusing experiences for them.

This is our benchmark and definition of personalised services in hospitality at 8 on Claymore Serviced Residences.” Fiat is also the General Manager for Royal Plaza on Scotts.

8 on Claymore Serviced Residences, the flagship serviced residence under Summit Serviced Residences™ of Preferred Hotel Group™, offers 85 varied units of living spaces configured to accommodate different travellers and residents.

From chic studios, two- or three-bedroom residences to a spacious penthouse, all units are furnished with a washer and dryer, and a well-appointed kitchen with superior appliances that provide guests with the choice of cooking and entertaining at home.

At 8 on Claymore Serviced Residences, Guest Services Executives welcome guests with a

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3 bedroom residence

Residents’ Lounge exterior personalised orientation tour and impeccably attend to their needs for their entire stay.

Other privileges include a thoughtful welcome hamper with essential items as well as L’Occitane’s Verbena body and hair care collection to help guests relax and energise after their travels. Buffet breakfast is served daily. In-room dining services are also offered in the residences.

Housekeeping services are available on weekdays.

Complimentary high speed internet and a wide selection of cable channels are provided in all residences.

In addition, 8 on Claymore Serviced Residences offers resortstyle elements such as an outdoor pool with an open air deck, cabanas and a barbeque area amidst a tropical setting. There is also a state-of-theart gym with Technogym equipment and a children’s pool so that the kids are not left out on the fun.