Ascott Signs First Citadines in Malaysia

Ascott has signed its first Citadines serviced residence in Malaysia – Citadines Kuching Uplands. With this new property and other properties due to open in Malaysia, Ascott’s operating apartments in the country will more than double from the current 455 units to a total of 1,168 units across nine properties by 2013. The company has recently clinched a management contract for its second Ascott branded serviced residence in Kuala Lumpur, while its third Somerset property in Malaysia will open next year.

Ascott introduced the Citadines brand to Asia Pacific in 2006 with the opening of Citadines Shanghai Jinqiao. Since then, Ascott has opened 10 more Citadines in the region.

Mr Alfred Ong, Managing Director for Southeast Asia and Australia, said, “We see strong growth potential in Malaysia. The country’s economic growth is expected to increase from 3.5% in 2010 to 5.3% in 2014. Foreign Direct Investment is also expected to grow from US$5.8 billion in 2010 to US$8.8 billion in 2014.1 We currently have Ascott and Somerset properties in Malaysia and we see tremendous potential in bringing the vibrant Citadines concept to the country. The presence of our three brands – Ascott, Somerset and Citadines – will enable us to cater to a wider range of customers. We intend to grow our Citadines brand in Malaysia and we are looking for opportunities to bring it to Kuala Lumpur. We will also look at other potential areas for growth such as Penang, Petaling Jaya and the Iskandar region.”

Citadines Kuching Uplands is scheduled for completion by the first half of 2012. It has a prime location in the Jalan Simpang Tiga area which is set to be a hub for education and local federal government administration offices. Jalan Simpang Tiga is also a fast developing district with a wealth of commercial and retail operations as well as medical facilities. The property is a 10-minute drive from the Samajaya Free Industrial Zone with many multinational and local companies. One of the largest shopping malls in East Malaysia, The Spring Shopping Centre, is just across the road from the serviced residence and the Borneo Convention Centre is also in the vicinity.

With Citadines Kuching Uplands, Ascott will be able to tap on the city’s burgeoning MICE industry, project groups from the nearby companies and government offices as well as student groups and visiting professors from the universities located around the property.

Citadines Kuching Uplands will offer 215 apartment units, ranging from studios to one and two-bedroom units. Its facilities include a restaurant, sauna, swimming pool and gymnasium. The serviced residence is part of a mixed development project which will be developed and owned by Kenbest Sdn Bhd, a leading property developer experienced in retail and residential real estate development in East Malaysia. The building will also feature 200,000 square feet of retail area.

See recent travel news from: Travel News Asia, Ascott, Citadines, Kuching