CapitaLand’s wholly-owned lodging business unit, The Ascott Limited (Ascott), is cementing its position as a reputable serviced residence operator worldwide with a record number of openings.

Ascott’s country general manager Lew Yen Ping, who is in charge of Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia, outlines the company’s plan to position Citadines Flatiron Phnom Penh as an attractive property in bustling Phnom Penh.

What is the prupose of your visit to Cambodia?

I am delighted to be here in Cambodia once again to further strengthen the long-term partnership between Meridian International Holding (Cambodia) Ltd and The Ascott Limited. First, I would like to thank Mr. Ko and board members for awarding Ascott Management contract for the serviced residence of its latest development – The Flatiron by Meridian.

Could you share some background of Ascott?

Ascott pioneered the serviced residence concept 35 years ago with the launch of Asia Pacific’s first international-class serviced residence in Singapore. Since then, we have grown into a leading international lodging owner-operator. And today, we have over 112,000 apartment units in 180 cities across over 30 countries in the Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the US.

How would you rate your market position?

Ascott is a pioneer that made inroads into Cambodia and we are currently the largest international serviced residence operator in the Kingdom. With a total of three properties in the city (Casa by Meridian, Skylar by Meridian, Flation by Meridian), we will continue strengthening our leadership position. Our portfolio in Cambodia will now increase to about 573 units across three properties in Phnom Penh.

How do you evaluate the new project?

Slated to open in 2021[Q4], Citadine Flatiron Phnom Penh will be Ascott’s third serviced residence in the capital. We expect strong demand for its serviced residences given its excellent location and positive future outlook.

With our past world-acclaimed achievements, we recognise the ideal location of the project. To its credit, it is a new township and one of the first planned city projects near the Central Business District. And, it is close to the Special Economic Zone that houses the manufacturing base of many international corporations. The serviced residence is also near the Prime Minister’s office, Cambodia Railway station and shopping malls.

What is so unique about the property?

Besides Ascott’s premium hospitality and the unique home-away-from-home experience that our serviced residences provide, Citadines Flatiron Phnom Penh will feature a range of apartments from hotel rooms, studios and one to three-bedroom units to cater to travellers with different lifestyles. [The tower will have 330 apart’hotel units and 272 office units.]

Additionally, it will offer travellers unparalleled convenience and complete lifestyle experience.

They will also enjoy a wide range of facilities - a sky pool, fitness arena, breakfast and residents’ lounge, and meeting rooms.

Furthermore, they will have convenient access to various dining, retail and lifestyle facilities such as the Flatiron by Meridian Social Kitchen, which is known for its self-contained live, work and play environment.

This is a significant milestone in the partnership between Ascott and Meridian International Holding.

We look forward to the opening of Citadine Flatiron Phnom Penh and in welcoming global travellers to experience Ascott’s award-winning hospitality.

Lastly, we would like to once again convey our appreciation to Meridian International Holding for awarding Ascott the management contract and the opportunity to be part of the prestigious Flatiron by Meridian.