CapitaLand Investment’s hospitality arm, The Ascott Limited, has made a significant step towards enhancing disability inclusiveness with a generous contribution of SGD 400,000 to the global non-profit organization Save the Children.

This initiative is part of the CapitaLand AccessABLE Programme, funded by the CapitaLand Hope Foundation (CHF).

The partnership was officially announced during a special concert at Somerset Rama 9 Bangkok, Thailand, held on May 17, in honor of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD).

The concert featured performances by artists with disabilities and attracted around 100 attendees, showcasing initiatives promoting disability inclusion in Thailand’s arts and hospitality industries. Proceeds from ticket sales enabled donations of wheelchairs to the Foundation for Children with Disabilities (Thailand) and white canes to the Thai Blind People’s Foundation.

During the event, Dots Coffee established a kiosk to promote its inclusive employment model, empowering individuals with visual impairments.

A Meaningful Initiative

This contribution will enhance the lives of 160 children and youths with disabilities in Thailand and the UK by equipping them with critical skills, confidence, and opportunities for participation in educational and economic activities.

Tan Seng Chai, CHF’s executive director, stated: “CHF is committed to building resilience in communities where CapitaLand operates by supporting initiatives that promote education, health, and well-being for children, youth, and seniors. Our AccessABLE Programme enriches the lives of persons with disabilities by improving their independent living skills and encouraging social engagement.”

This collaboration not only benefits the community but provides Ascott staff with opportunities to engage in identifying and solving accessibility challenges.

As Tan emphasizes, “These hands-on experiences strengthen CapitaLand’s culture of volunteerism and allow our team to enact real, lasting change on the ground.”

The Programme in Thailand

In Thailand, the Ascott-Save the Children partnership supports the creation of a customized skills curriculum for 60 visually impaired youths, preparing them for long-term success in the workforce. The programme focuses on vital workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Anticipated outcomes include employment opportunities at Dots Coffee, while remaining participants will receive job placement assistance.

Guillaume Rachou expressed his gratitude for the partnership, remarking: “We are honored to collaborate with Ascott and CHF to dismantle barriers hindering visually impaired youth from securing meaningful jobs. Our life skills training programme is tailored specifically for youth with visual impairments to help them thrive both in professional and personal contexts.”