Free with HRM Issue 11.3
annual guide to
relocation 2011 Featuring: + Successful relocation tips for HR + Surging relocation to Asia
ANNUAL GUIDE PHILIPPINES
Ascott expands its presence HR managers can look forward to more choices when it comes to housing expatriate staff in the Philippines. CapitaLand’s wholly-owned serviced residence business unit, The Ascott Limited (Ascott), has expanded its presence in the Philippines with the sealing of contracts to manage two new serviced residences. The 220-unit Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila will be the second Ascott-branded property in the Philippines and the company’s first property in the fast-developing Taguig City. The 215-unit Citadines Salcedo Makati will be the first Citadines Apart’hotel in the country. Both properties are slated to open in 2014.
NEWS
UK
Brits not coming home While the recent economic crisis has caused many expatriates to return to their home countries due to financial hardship, that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore for the British. In 2010, the currency dealer, Moneycorp, reported a four-fold increase in the number of expats in Europe returning to Britain compared with 2009. However, according to a survey of nearly 900 expats carried out by Lloyds TSB International, a significant number of expats (67%) now say they have no plans to return
to Britain compared with 56% just six months before – a rise of 11%. Furthermore, 65% said they were more financially stable in their new host country than in Britain, while only 14% thought that they would benefit financially from moving back. Jakob Pfaudler, managing director of banking group Lloyds TSB International, said that increasing awareness of Britain’s financial problems, highlighted by the Government’s rigorous budget cuts, had probably deterred many expats from returning home.
MIDDLE EAST
Mobility and the rise of Qatar A recent study released by GulfTalent.com highlights the rising prominence of Qatar as a destination for professionals. The trend has been driven by fast-rising salaries, falling cost of living, growing employment opportunities and an improving international brand, which came to a grand finale with the country’s surprise qualification to host the Attration of Expatriates 2022 Football World Cup. % of GCC-based expats outside the country who GulfTalent.com’s survey of wish to relocate into it 70% mobility intentions found that, while 60% the UAE remains the most attractive 50% UAE destination for professionals, Qatar 40% favoured by 49% of GCC-based 30% expatriates, Qatar is closing in fast, 20% Saudi Arabia 10% with a 44% following. Based on Bahrain Oman Kuwait 0% current trends, Qatar could become 2008 2009 2010 the Gulf’s most popular Source: GulfTalent.com Surveys destination for expatriates.
CHINA
More relocations to China Corporate relocation assignments related to China are set to continue growing. An overwhelming 96% of companies responding to the Cartus survey, ‘Destination: China,” saw increased or stable relocation assignments within China in the past two years. John Arcario, executive vice president at Cartus said, “Companies are now looking to China for its tremendous market
opportunities, and it appears they will continue to do so as world economies improve. Getting the right people to the right place is always a complex yet critical goal, and in China, the challenges are immense,” he added. Just as relocations to China are on the rise, the study notes that intra-Asia relocations are also growing as businesses
seek regional talent to fulfil assignments in an effort to overcome cultural challenges and costs associated with moves from outside the region. 46% of survey respondents expect intra-Asia relocations to be on the rise over the next two years, compared to only 35% who noticed an increase in intra-region relocation volume in the previous two years.
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hrmasia.com
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The economic surge in Asia has seen more multinationals focusing attention on this region. They are sending some of their key staff on assignments across Asian countries, which has translated to a lot of relocation work for HR in key centres like China and Singapore. HRM finds out what relocation companies are doing to manage the increased flow of assignments By Shalini Shukla-Pandey
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n terms of economic progress, Asia is blazing ahead as compared to the rest of the world. Companies are not only diverting their best talent from elsewhere to this region, they are also shuffling their staff within Asia Pacific to remain competitive. This makes it crucial for HR to look to the relocation industry to ensure that the right people are at the right place as quickly and as comfortably as possible. Kenneth Kwek, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Cartus Asia, says there are several reasons for increased relocation activity in the region. “A booming Asia market, expansion into new and emerging markets such as Vietnam apart from well-known destinations like China; and a widening gap in available local skills are the primary reasons.” China, Singapore and India are amongst the top five Asia Pacific destinations over the past three years, according to Cartus’ recent 2010 Global Mobility Policy and Practices Survey: Navigating a Challenging Landscape. China and India have emerged as the economic powerhouses of this decade and are dominating the world stage in terms of business growth. It is not surprising that respondents expect China to be the most popular destination over the next two years. Avrom Goldberg, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Middle East for SIRVA Relocation concurs, saying Shanghai and Hong Kong are the most popular destinations into Asia. This trend has been picking up since the turn of the millennium. Since China joined the World Trade Organisation in 2001, it has opened itself to the world, becoming an engine of growth in Asia and beyond. While the Chinese economy has been growing by 8% to 10% consistently since 1979, China just doesn’t have enough skilled talent to
HR’s Checklist Kenneth Kwek, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Cartus Asia, says HR should also keep a close watch on: » Cost savings through economies of scale, best practices, supplier leverage and technology efficiencies, » Consistency, generating cost control, equity, better expectation management and globalisation of service delivery, supplier management and financial systems » Efficiency and controls that facilitate management reporting, process improvement and cost transparency
maintain this progress and thus, has to rely somewhat on the relocation of new and existing employees from overseas to fill the gap. The market had anticipated the shortage of leadership candidates as far back as 2005. In its “Addressing China’s Looming Talent Shortage” report, McKinsey Global Institute had predicted that Assignee levels have increased by China would be facing a shortage of home-grown talent for multinational companies. Despite a large supply of 3.1 million college graduates in 2005 alone, multinational over the last decade as per PwC companies were finding that less than 10% of Chinese job seekers were suitable for work in service operations. McKinsey estimated that given the aspirations of many Chinese companies, over 10 to 15 years, they will need 75,000 leaders who can work effectively in global environments. In 2005, they had only 3,000 to 5,000. While reforms in the educational system – greater emphasis on practical and language skills – will help the country fill its skilled-labour gap, China is already beginning to develop its talent by sending them abroad to gain experience.
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Hence, Goldberg says relocation companies are gearing up for even more movement not only into China from the West or from within the region, but also out of the mainland to countries within Asia and beyond.
Move types
According to PricewaterhouseCooper’s (PwC) Talent Mobility 2020 survey, assignee levels have increased by 25% over the last decade; PwC predicts a further 50% growth in assignments by 2020. There will be more assignees, more business travel, more virtual tools, High numbers of employees are and especially more returning home to exploit quick, short-term and commuter assignments. Changing composition of the business units in the organisation has also with their new-found skills in resulted in increased their countries of origin relocation activity. Kwek says, “HR professionals may need to develop a new approach that would be globally consistent and fair, with focus on strategic cost management, mobility planning and policy refinement, improving reporting and total cost capture, as well as attracting, retaining, developing and motivating its expatriates.” Goldberg also outlines how relocation and mobility has changed over the years. Where once the industry used to be looked at as a logistics provider, it has now become more strategic. “Being able to move your talent around is one of the most significant challenges a global company has now,” he says. “Companies realise that relocation and mobility has to be a subset of their global talent management strategy.”
EMERGING OPPORTUNITIES
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Driven by budget constraints, employee needs and regional issues, demand for flexibility in relocation policy types is on the rise. Kwek says companies are increasingly looking at ‘going local’ by implementing local-plus, localisation, and permanent transfer programmes in their mobility policies in order to reduce costs. These assignments are less expensive alternatives to supporting employees on traditional assignments and they conform to companies’ changing mobility strategies. Increased volume in international commuting and extended business travel has increased in proportion to long- and short-term moves. “These policy types offer cost control and flexibility, but demand careful tracking and management to avoid potential tax and compliance risks and exposure,” Kwek explains.
Managing madness
Relocation companies have begun introducing new tactics to manage the changing profile of employees and move types. In providing short-term assignment solutions, Cartus aims to help clients more effectively track and manage these assignments. “We offer a core group of services adapted to short-term assignments (policy counselling, work permit assistance, orientation, cross-cultural and language training, etc.) and additional services based on assignment length,” Kwek says. “In the areas of international freight forwarding and temporary housing, our Acadia eProcurement Model helps to deliver cost savings and service quality,” he adds. Enhancements to Acadia will be rolled out early in 2011, including functionality that posts upcoming live moves, which will further increase real-time competitiveness, as well as a calculator that allows the system to factor client per diem tolerance and transit time into the booking decision.
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Tips and tricks SIRVA Relocation has also been making headway in servicing clients’ regional and local needs better. It prides itself for being one of the world’s largest moving companies with a large number of directly-owned operations within the region, providing all three key relocation services - home search, moving and visa/ immigration formalities. For instance, the company has recently acquired a Shanghaibased real estate company so that it can deliver housing-related services directly in China. It was also granted a real estate licence in Hong Kong so it can deal with clients’ housing needs there as well. Cartus has also recently enhanced its suite of intercultural and language training with online personal culture profiles and reference tools through Country Navigator™, allowing trainers to analyse each assignee’s personal cultural profile in comparison with the destination country, making training more focused and effective.
Relo quirks
Relocation companies try to customise their services to each customer’s requests. However, they do get rather special requests from time to time. In one case, Cartus was tasked to coordinate the shopping shipment (in one surface shipment) of over 10 VVIP assignees to Bangalore. These assignees have a shopping incentive trip in the US every half year! In another instance, an expatriate had only agreed to accept his new assignment on condition that the company moved him as well as his three favourite antique motorbikes to the new host location. The company agreed to his request and Cartus arranged the transfer of the motorbikes. Another assignee wasn’t so lucky. The assignee, who was due to relocate from the US
Avrom Goldberg, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Middle East for SIRVA Relocation says HR needs to adopt a three-pronged approach: + Estimate the mobile workforce population within the company? + Define a mobility framework: Where is the expatriate staff going? Where is he/she coming from? What is the reason for the move? Who’s looking after him/her? What’s the cost? + Define a mobility model: In-house – least cost effective Outsourced – employ relocation companies Hybrid – mix of both; most popular in Asia at the moment
to Australia, mentioned to SIRVA that he needed to move pets as well. His four pets turned out to be racehorses! The financial services company he worked for did not support the notion so he had to move without his horses. SIRVA’s Goldberg has also come across a European-headquartered manufacturing company with a rather rigid mobility strategy. The company had a 50-page document outlining their policies on staff mobility. However, Goldberg did not find any provisions for spouse support. He was not looking in the right place as the company had actually included a non-descript line under the “Small Appliance Allowance” section saying for a spouse, an employee can buy a computer and claim costs within that allowance. The company has since heeded to counselling and now offers more extensive spouse support policies. issue 11.2
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profile Daimler Fleet Management Singapore
Leasing the smarter way Get in touch with us today and find out how Daimler Fleet Management Singapore can assist you, your company and employees in managing vehicle requirements.
Private customers and expatriates
D
aimler Fleet Management is a leading player in the automotive leasing and fleet management industry not only abroad but also here in Singapore. We offer solutions for small to medium enterprises while successfully catering to larger multinational corporations as well. At Daimler Fleet Management we endeavour to understand you and your needs. Our dedicated team will design personalised mobility solutions that not only meet your demands and requirements but most importantly allow you to focus on your people and take care of your business, whilst we manage their cars.
Corporate customers
Whether you have a clear view of precisely what you need, or would welcome an in-depth review of your needs we will work closely with you to develop a cost-efficient solution. Our solutions remove the risks from depreciation, non-revenue generating assets and negative equity liability, instead enabling you to plan and budget fixed costs. Having been active locally for more than a decade we understand the intricacies of the Singaporean environment. With an established corporate customer base in various industries, we can surely handle your industry specific requirements. Endorsement of their confidence in us is clearly evident through their lease renewals and fleet expansions over the years. Our dedicated fleet management team will help you to identify the most efficient options for your fleet or corporate car. Apart from fleet management we also offer full service leasing, short term rental and chauffeur services.
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We at Daimler Fleet Management understand the difficulties of car ownership in Singapore. Our products and services are specifically designed to suit your lifestyle ensuring that you can drive the car of your choice with peace of mind. We will relieve you from the administration tasks and financial risks of owning a car. Most importantly you do not have to worry about selling the car when you leave. We also provide the following benefits as part of our leasing packages: » Comprehensive insurance » Road tax and radio license fees » Full maintenance service » 24 hour customer care centre and roadside assistance service for Singapore » Tyres and battery replacement for fair wear and tear » Replacement vehicle provided during scheduled maintenance service and repair » On location vehicle pick-up and exchange service applicable for all servicing, repair needs and in the event of an accident. » Liability reduction cover (loss/damage cover) » Malaysia usage » Unlimited mileage » Personal accident insurance (PAI) cover We understand your desire to remain flexible, Our products and services ensure that you do.
Contact Us: + Daimler Fleet Management Singapore Ltd 23 Serangoon North Avenue 5 #05-00, BTH Centre, Singapore 554530 + Tel: +65 6311 9728 + Fax: +65 6311 9726 + Email: dfm.sg@daimler.com + Web: www.daimler-fleetmanagement.com.sg
profile The Ascott Limited
Defining
global living T
he Ascott Limited is the world’s largest international serviced residence owneroperator with over 27,000 apartment units, in over 70 cities across more than 20 countries in 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, which cater to different lifestyle needs, further ensure there is a suitable apartment for every executive. Ascott serviced residences, which offer discreet service in an exclusive environment, frequently welcome top executives, government dignitaries and industry leaders. Citadines Residences cater to savvy, independent travelers who want high quality accommodation and the flexibility to pay for the services they require. Designed for those with families, Somerset feature more childrenfriendly facilities such as playgrounds, indoor playrooms and children’s swimming pools. All three brands of serviced residences are available in Singapore, and if you are finding accommodation here for yourself or your colleagues, you can choose from a total of six properties: Ascott Raffles Place Singapore, Citadines Mount Sophia Singapore, Somerset Grand Cairnhill, Somerset Liang Court, Somerset Orchard and Somerset Bencoolen.
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These serviced residences in Singapore are centrally located and within close proximity to the Central Business District – a plus for executives as it saves them much travelling time. Conveniences like food and beverage outlets, entertainment centres and even international schools are nearby which cater to the needs of individuals as well as executives who are here with their families. Beyond the prime location, excellent business connectivity and maximum comfort, executives will not just come back to a standard accommodation. Instead, they will 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. Coupled with the unique warmth and familiarity of home, it is no wonder that many have chosen Ascott as their preferred “home away from home” over the years. + The Ascott Limited + Tel: 1800 272 7272 + Email: enquiry.singapore@the-ascott.com + Website: www.the-ascott.com
NOW DEFINING GLOBAL LIVING IN SINGAPORE
Our Serviced Residences in Singapore Ascott Raffles Place • Citadines Mount Sophia Somerset Bencoolen • Somerset Grand Cairnhill • Somerset Liang Court • Somerset Orchard
From the spacious exclusivity and refinement of Ascott to the vibrancy of independent city-living at Citadines, or the pampering touches for the family at Somerset, there is an Ascott serviced residence designed to make you feel at home. Because life is about living. For further information call our central reservations at (65) 6272 7272 or visit www.the-ascott.com The Ascott Limited is a member of CapitaLand. It is the largest global serviced residence owner-operator in Asia Pacific, Europe and the Gulf region, managing the Ascott, Citadines and Somerset brands in over 70 cities across more than 20 countries.
THE FR ASER COLLEC TION
BAHRAIN BANGALORE BANGKOK BEIJING BUDAPEST
CHENGDU DOHA DUBAI EDINBURGH GLASGOW
GUANGZHOU HANOI HONG KONG ISTANBUL JAKARTA
KUAL A LUMPUR LONDON MANILA NANJING NEW DELHI
OSAKA PARIS SEOUL SHANGHAI SHENZHEN
SINGAPORE SUZHOU SYDNEY TIANJIN
CHENNAI (2012) PERTH (2013) WUHAN (2012) WUXI (2012)
feature
Getting a
life Many foreign talents arrive in Singapore with a limited or no social network. With both - the employee and their family needing to start from scratch, it can be a challenge and lead to an unsuccessful relocation. HRM examines the requisites of a successful relocation and provides tips on how employers and accommodation providers can help
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new city is an exciting prospect for most business travellers. And when newcomers relocate to Singapore or other Asian business centres, the first thing on their agendas is often a walking tour of their new environment. After that, it’s common to check out local recommendations for the best or most unique dining or nightspots. But while helping newly-arrived expats and their families to familiarise themselves with their new home, this ritual often lacks one important aspect. Expatriate networking and peer-to-peer social meetings often don’t happen until much later after their arrival – but experts warn employers need to ensure their foreign staff are mixing with colleagues, locals
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Certainly, it’s important to ensure the new staff member is introduced to all colleagues but these can often be awkward or routine if not done with any further context. To counter this, workplaces will often host a small welcome event for the incoming recruit. This gives them the chance to chat informally with at least their immediate team and managers; interacting much more than a simple introduction of name and job title could ever allow. Other employers will work to schedule regular out-of-office social events to coincide with an expatriate’s arrival. Family days, visits to live theatre or comedy, or even formal team-building events can help to accelerate the socialising process, ensuring the expatriate can concentrate quickly on their specific work assignment and its outcomes.
… And at home
and peers from almost as soon as they step off the plane. This gives the expatriate, and their family, the best opportunity to settle down in the new city. By extension, it also creates the best opportunity to make a real success of an expatriate assignment.
Integrating at work …
Fortunately, very few employers still leave things to chance in this regard. Particularly in the home office, most hirers of international talent will work hard to ensure their borderless recruits integrate quickly and effectively with their new colleagues. A number of HR strategies are used to get a new arrival’s social life up to speed.
Of course, ensuring your new recruit is mixing and getting along with colleagues at the office is only one part of their social acclimatisation. A number of Newly-arrived expatriates also need to build a life are used to get a new arrival’s social life up to speed outside of their work and professional networks. Employers can’t play a direct role in this, but accommodation providers often also do their part. Serviced apartments in particular, can create an immediate community for foreign talent and their families, something many residences promote as a key selling point. “Settling down in a new city is always tough,” Tonya Khong, General Manager,
HR STRATEGIES
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“To further help our guests integrate into the life in Singapore, we organise Village signature events” Raphael Saw, Chief Operating Officer, Far East Hospitality
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Fraser Hospitality, says. “In Singapore, first and foremost, it’s necessary to assure residents of their safety.” That’s a fairly easy thing to do in what is regarded as one of the cleanest and safest business centres in the world, but Khong says it’s an important step regardless. “We provide 24-hour assistance to all our guests,” she adds. Raphael Saw, Chief Operating Officer, Far East Hospitality, agrees. “Our team and concierge is often the first point of contact when guests need assistance,” he says. Both providers will also help residents to actively plan their new lives, with useful information on public transport routes, international and local schools, and supermarkets. Serviced apartment operators often also go far beyond these simple courtesies. In particular, they work hard to create a welcoming atmosphere that helps newlyarrived expatriates to find friends, activity partners and business contacts right from the start of their international assignment. Most operators often use their local knowledge to help the guests integrate with the local culture. Ong Kee Leng, Country Manager for Singapore, The Ascott Limited says “At Ascott, we understand expatriates’ relocation needs. We have become their preferred accommodation as we aim to
provide a home-away-from-home experience. We help residents settle in quickly through residents’ programmes which include city tours and get-togethers to celebrate local festivals. Such programmes are held regularly and enable residents to make friends with other guests.” Fraser Hospitality encourages its guests to join its monthly get-together or theme party. “These events help guests to feel at home straight away,” Khong says. Importantly, the events are sometimes spread across all four Fraser properties in Singapore, giving guests the opportunity to meet and greet with guests from outside their particular building. Khong says that according to Fraser customer feedback reports, “more than 80% of residents directly appreciate the community environment (it) provides”.
Bringing families together
Of course, expatriate workers are not the only ones in need of social interaction. Most professional-level international workers will also bring the families with them. The needs of children and partners should not be overlooked; since if either has an unhappy time in the new location, it can put added stress on the worker themselves – and also lead to an early end to the assignment. Once again, serviced apartments are well-placed to assist. The major providers in Singapore will offer a full calendar of group activities for both trailing spouses and children of all ages. Khong says Fraser takes particular interest in developing social activities for these groups, and has a fulltime events coordinator in place. “It’s necessary to understand our residents’ needs,” she points out.
profile Crown Worldwide Group
Crown Singapore supports
Fun Fair for the disabled C
rown Singapore showed the spirit of responsible corporate social responsibility in the recent Family, Food and Fun Fair organized by Singapore’s Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA). Thirty-two volunteers from various departments participated in this fun-filled event, facilitating various activity booths including a hat-fitting booth, goodie-bag distribution booth, RDA games stall,
food and beverage stall and a face painting booth. Being the main partner, Crown Singapore invited expatriate clientele to the fair for a day of fun. Many of them showed up and each visitor received a Crown goodie-bag and a ticket for a raffle, at only $10 each. Once again, Crown Singapore showed its commitment to corporate social responsibility at this memorable event for the disabled. Crown thanks all the volunteers for their good work, especially the Corporate Services team for once again seeking partnership and spreading the message for Crown. + Crown Worldwide Group 36 Pioneer Road S628504 + Tel: 68616818 + Email: singapore@crownrelo.com
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profile Shama
Live without boundaries
W
hen you’ve uprooted and crossed borders, how do you hit the ground running in the new city you call home? The key to success lies in your address – a fact well understood by Shama luxury boutique serviced apartments. By removing all obstacles to ‘finding your feet’, Shama sees to it that its guest can live without boundaries. Asia’s most highly-renowned operator delivers on this vision by offering individualistic residences with impeccably detailed style in the most happening parts of town – residential or commercial hotspots chosen specifically to place guests at the centre of the action. And, since serviced apartments would be nothing without the service, complimenting Shama’s dwellings is a level of service quite unmatched elsewhere. Only staff with an instinct for hospitality and a passion for perfection are hired, trained and encouraged to seek out innovative ways to enhance guests’ experiences. Shama’s individual service philosophy can be experienced way beyond each guest’s private residence by dedicated housekeeping, which offers peace of mind from a familiar, friendly face and a home making level that’s sensitive to each guest’s personal preference within their own apartment and is customised accordingly.
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In fact, helping to fast-track guests’ social lives upon arriving in town, Shama’s ‘no boundaries’ programme features a personal concierge service to give access to the city’s best offerings, hand-picked by management, such as members-only clubs including KEE Club membership, Fitness First membership and an ever-evolving choice of retail, dining and pampering partner privileges. Signature Shama experiences help to settle guests into their homes, whether it be Shama Café Corner, a breakfast-cum-social-hangout area or Shama Rooftop, an urban tropical garden with barbecue amenities and Wi-Fi convenience. Shama Om offers a tranquil space for practicing yoga, Pilates, tai chi and meditation. While Shama Kids is an interactive play area designed to stimulate and inspire young minds, replete with drama stage and costumes. And both functional and friendly, Shama’s familiarisation tour gets guests acquainted with each property’s nearby highlights. Shama, one of ONYX Hospitality Group’s key brands, it currently manages 6 serviced apartment properties in Hong Kong, 4 properties in Shanghai, one each in Dalian and Bangkok, as well as new coming properties in Hangzhou and Shanghai. The brand operates two tiers of serviced apartments, consisting of Shama and a premiere tier called Shama Luxe. If you’re looking to escape the traditional boundaries of new-city living, you need only look to Shama in the hippest part of town. To experience Shama living, please contact + Tel: (852) 3100 8555 + Email: info@shama.com + Website: www.shama.com
profile Far East Hospitality
Indulge in luxurious living with Far East Hospitality
Orchard Parksuites Penthouse
F Swimming Pool
For reservation enquires, please call +65 6428 8600 + 11 Orchard Turn Singapore 238800 + Tel: +65 6428 8600 / 6736 3011 + Fax: +65 6438 7128
ar East Hospitality is the multiple award-winning hospitality arm of Far East Organization, and the largest owner-operators of hotels and serviced residences in Singapore. Orchard Parksuites is one of our most delighted residences in our portfolio.
Orchard Parksuites
A splendid balance of luxury and convenience, Orchard Parksuites is a welcoming contribution to the Orchard Road skyline. Shoppers will delight in the nearby Wisma Atria, Takashimaya Shopping Centre and ION Orchard just across the street. With the Orchard MRT train station at your doorstep, you are minutes away to anywhere in Singapore. Make your choice from our collection of 222 exclusive fully-furnished apartments – from one-bedroom lofts to luxurious penthouses. We ensure speed and efficiency to make it easy and hassle-free for guests to settle in right away – especially after long flights. And we take extreme care in meeting the needs and wants of our guests, so you can expect your apartment to be clean, spacious and well-serviced. At Orchard Parksuites, be assured of excellent services whether you are here for business or leisure.
Our Guests
Orchard Parksuites has enjoyed favourable reviews and feedback consistently over the years. As of
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press date, reviewers on tripadvisor.com have been pleased with how the “service level is excellent and comparable to 5 Stars hotels. The building is located centrally in the heart of Orchard Road, yet the environment within the property is tranquil. Access to great foods, shopping, and cafes are all within 5 minutes walk.” Our attentive reception is also available round the clock to assist with any requests you may have. This is where “[t]he people at the front desk, housekeeping, and security are always very helpful and greet you with smiles.” We have many guests who grow with us and we now welcome them as regular faces at Orchard Parksuites. We welcome you to stay with us and experience for yourself, a warmth and comfort that no hotel can match.
Facilities & Services
» Swimming and wading pools » Jacuzzi » Sauna & steam rooms » Gymnasium » Tennis courts » BBQ pits » Underground car park » Complimentary Breakfast » Daily Housekeeping services » Round-the-clock maintenance » Laundry service and in-house launderette » 24-hour guest services » 24-hour security » Wireless Broadband Internet access at lobby and pool area » Airport transfer » Cable TV
Accolades
Orchard Parksuites is also the proud winner of » Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards Regional Series 2008 to 2010 » Best Newcomer 2008/2009 in Wotif.com » 3rd winner for Signature Serviced Residence: Orchard Parksuites
Balancing every variable in your relocation equation. If experience is the best teacher, then no one can offer you a better relocation education than Cartus. Organizations of all sizes rely on us to address their precise needs by applying the insights we’ve gained through thousands of unique engagements. Your Cartus team will align your culture, your resources, and your objectives with the industry’s best practices and emerging trends—developing and delivering a program that achieves your goals in the most cost-effective way possible. And as you move into new markets, know that Cartus is ready to give you and your employees seasoned guidance every step of the way. To put our experience to the test, call on Cartus at trustedguidance@cartus.com.
www.cartus.com Primacy Relocation is now a part of Cartus. ©2011 Cartus Corporation. All rights reserved.
profile PARKROYAL Serviced Suites
Your local connection
in the heart of the city P
ARKROYAL Serviced Suites Singapore is conveniently located to connect you to business and leisure amenities within minutes. Just hop onto the MRT train, which is within walking distance, and you will be on your way to the CBD and shopping, dining and entertainment centres in no time. A stay at PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Singapore promises to be unforgettable, with 90 suites and apartments that are designed specifically with extended-stay travellers in mind. Every room is spacious yet intimate, providing you with the right mix of style, comfort and functionality. And on top of all that, every unit offers inspiring panoramic views of the city skyline or the sea. After work, unwind with a book or watch a movie on the LCD television and home entertainment system. To relax and rejuvenate, take a dip at the resort-style swimming pool or pamper yourself at the world-class St Gregory wellness spa. Guests also have the option of working up a sweat in the well-equipped gym and aerobics studio or participate in other activities such as yoga and aerobics.
Daily chores are made easier as every floor comes with a conveniently located self-service laundrette. Personal washing machines and dryers are also available in 2-bedroom suites. To complete the refined living experience, a stylish kitchenette allows you to prepare your favourite home-cooked meals or try your hand at cooking some local dishes. You can always speak to the concierge for some easy recipes to get you started. The concierge team is always ready to share their extensive knowledge of the city to help you fit in like a Singaporean. You can rely on them to make recommendations on how you can enjoy authentic local experiences and get under the skin of Singapore during your stay. Night or day, there’s no better place to visit than the Bugis area for some of the best local delicacies in town. For a spot of shopping, visit Suntec City, a megamall with hundreds of shops to satisfy even the most discerning shopaholic. At PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Singapore, we are your local connection to the heart of the city. + Book your stay now at parkroyalservicedsuites.com + PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Singapore 7500A Beach Road, #01-345/346, The Plaza, Singapore 199591 + Tel: +65 6296 2511 + Email: enquiry.prssin@parkroyalhotels.com
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profile Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Singapore
The excitement of
personalised city living S
tylishly designed with superior furnishings and premium accessories, the iconic Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Singapore offers an ideal luxury serviced accommodation in a city centre location. It is situated next to Somerset MRT station on Orchard Road, right in the heart of Singapore’s prime shopping district. The apartment is also just 20 minutes from Changi International Airport and less than 10 minutes from the Central Business District. This prime location means that guests are never far from the action, whether they want to work, play, dine or take in a few local sights. Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Singapore will charm you with sensory indulgences the moment you enter. Warm lighting and spacious suites with modern Pacific Rim influences create a rich urban escape. Well-appointed and contemporary in design, the 126 stylish suites and penthouses are ideal for guests seeking a comfortable extended stay in Singapore.
The serviced suites have been designed after taking into consideration what the frequent business travellers seek in an ideal accommodation during overseas postings. And as it turned out, the most important things were having local insights and being able to live just as easily as at home. The round-the-clock Personal Assistant at the serviced suites is akin to a modern day butler. Their role is to help guests connect to their new surroundings, get from point A to B and experience the real Singapore. Guests can rely on these highly trained and dedicated Personal Assistants to get them around, whether for a business engagement, social networking or a relaxing soiree. In terms of facilities, the apartments are designed to make working as easy and efficient as possible. The suites include IP telephone system with IDD, DID and voicemail features, wired or wireless broadband Internet access and other things to help guests get on with business. For something special, guests can invite colleagues, clients or friends to a gathering at the Sky Garden and unwind with a cocktail or two while taking in the views over Orchard Road, Raffles Place and the surrounding area. Every business person knows that it is just as important to be able to relax and re-energise as it is to work. With a hydro-therapeutic spa, mineral water pool and state-of-the-art gym, Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Singapore has everything to unwind and stay in shape, both physically and mentally. Enjoy the excitement of city living, personalised for you here at Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Singapore - recently named Singapore’s Leading Serviced Apartment at the World Travel Awards 2010. Book your stay now at panpacificservicedsuites.com + Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Singapore 96 Somerset Road, Singapore 238163 + Tel: +65 68845222 + Email: getconnected@panpacific.com
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96 Somerset Road, Singapore 238163 Tel: +65 6884 5222 Fax: +65 6884 5125 E-mail: getconnected@panpacific.com panpacificservicedsuites.com
profile The Club at Capella Singapore
Unrivaled location
for top-tier serviced-style long-stay accommodations I
n a tropical oasis on Sentosa Island, The Club at Capella Singapore is not only one of the most exclusive and serene long-stay addresses in town, it also offers unrivalled convenience and accessibility – just 10 minutes from the CBD, shopping and entertainment districts. Within a stone’s throw away is the Sentosa Golf Club, one of Asia’s top championship courses where guests enjoy preferential access. Also just a stroll away is the exclusive ONE°15 Marina Club which offers world-class marina facilities and is replete with a comprehensive range of luxurious private club amenities including a selection of restaurants, a fitness centre, tennis courts, swimming pools, games room, kids play room and a spa. As for the young ones, scenic and familyfriendly Palawan beach is just down a pathway, offering exciting recreational activities such as beach volleyball, wave riding, cycling, rollerblading and kayaking alongside a relaxing beach environment. Long stay accommodation options at The Club are 72 sea-facing suites and penthouses of one to four-bedrooms, flexibly suitable for single executives, professional couples and families. Most exclusively, there are nine manors that are in a class of their own with private pools and expansive bathrooms with outdoor showers. Apart from their own private clubhouse (with its own pool, tennis court, gym, guest lounge and function room) guests can also enjoy an unlimited access to a host of Capella hotel facilities, from Auriga spa and celebrated restaurants to a state-of-the-art fitness centre. Design and amenities are world-class, as might be expected at a resort designed around a colonial
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manor by the legendary architect Lord Norman Foster – with interiors by designer Jaya Ibrahim, a long-time favourite of Aman resorts founder Adrian Zecha. In soothing and sophisticated earth tones, units are stylishly furnished with spacious walk-in wardrobes and top-of-the-range amenities; from fully equipped Miele kitchens and Bose home entertainment systems to Apple iPod docks and Sony 46-inch high definition flat screen televisions in living rooms and all bedrooms. Wireless internet and cable televisions are complimentary. Along with daily housekeeping is the “ultimate experience in personalised service” with 24-hour personal assistants and services ranging from baby-sitting, laundry and dry-cleaning to airport pick-ups – in Rolls Royce Phantom. On 30 acres of rolling hills, The Club at Capella is ultimately one of Singapore’s premier addresses in an unrivalled location – a premium option in serviced-style accommodation for top-tier longer-staying guests. For more information, please contact our Club Executive at + Tel: +65 6591 5015 + Email: theclub.singapore@capellahotels.com
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