CAPITALAND’S wholly-owned serviced residence business unit, The Ascott Limited, has opened its first Citadines branded serviced residence in Malaysia.
The 215-unit Citadines Uplands Kuching is Ascott’s 17th Citadines property to open in Asia Pacific since the introduction of the brand from Europe to the region in 2006. Currently, there are also over 40 Citadines serviced residences in Europe. With Citadines Uplands Kuching, Ascott strengthens its leadership position as the largest international serviced residence owner-operator with over 1,800 apartment units across 10 properties in Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Cyberjaya, Petaling Jaya and Nusajaya in Iskandar.
Tan Boon Khai, Ascott’s regional general manager for Singapore and Malaysia, said: “We see tremendous potential in bringing Citadines to Malaysia. It complements our existing Ascott- and Somerset-branded serviced residences and enables us to cater to a wider segment of customers.
Citadines serviced residences offer cleverly configured spaces and a flexible services menu, ideal for savvy independent travellers who like to personalise their stay. In Kuching, Citadines Uplands will appeal to the increasing Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions travellers, project groups from nearby companies and government offices, as well as student groups and visiting professors from the universities located around the property.”
He added: “Besides Citadines Uplands Kuching, Ascott will open Ascott Sentral Kuala Lumpur later this year, Citadines D’Pulze Cyberjaya and Somerset Puteri Harbour Iskandar in 2014, Somerset Medini Iskandar in end 2015 and Somerset Damansara Uptown Petaling Jaya in 2016.
As Malaysia attracts more business travellers through its Economic Transformation Programme, demand for serviced residences will continue to grow. We will continue to look for opportunities to deepen our presence in Malaysia.”