Setting the Bar High For Serviced Residences

Since it was founded in 1998, Frasers Hospitality Group Ltd has evolved from a humble hospitality operator with only 412 residences in Singapore to an international giant which has left footprints in most of the major cities around the world. In Greater KL, the Frasers brand, which has bagged numerous awards, has become the gold standard of serviced residences. This doesn’t come as a surprise since its Group General Manager, Shirley Lai, was herself recently awarded HAPA General Manager of the Year by Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards (HAPA Regional 2016 – 2018 Series Awards).

With a brilliant smile, quick wit, and petite frame, Lai seems a far cry from the tough boss picture painted by her colleagues. But as a woman who has dedicated 39 years of her life in the hospitality industry and held her first managerial position at the tender age of 26, her ascent to the top was nothing but challenging.

“It was not easy being a young woman in a management position. And when dealing with more senior male subordinates, there is ego involved,” Lai recalls. “At the end of the day, for a woman to succeed in a male dominated environment, you have to be confident and comfortable in your role, and make sure that you know the ins and outs of your job very well.” Ever since then, Lai has been holding executive positions and over the years, she has left her mark working with several reputable brands before dedicating eight years of blood, sweat, and tears into Frasers Hospitality Group. “It has been a long way to the top,” she reminisces.

With a great team that has been unrelenting in lending her the support she has needed, Lai has taken the Frasers brand to new heights. The iron lady is described by her team as someone who values hard work and loyalty in people, and this is clearly reflected in the recent appointment of the new General Managers, Thompson Shieh for Fraser Place Kuala Lumpur and Tan Jin Seng for Fraser Residence Kuala Lumpur.

As of April this year, Shieh has been heading Fraser Place Kuala Lumpur, the brand’s very first 4-star offering in this city. With more than 20 years of involvement in the business, working with several reputable hotel brands, he has gained extensive experience handling the full spectrum of the Operations department. Shieh joined Fraser Place Kuala Lumpur in 2009 as the Pre-Opening Executive Assistant Manager before eventually earning his place as the General Manager of the award-winning property.

Further enhancing the team is Tan, who brings along over 40 years of experience to spearhead the Fraser Residence Kuala Lumpur. During his service in the hospitality industry, he has racked up an extensive repertoire working across multiple respectable brands in several states across the country. His appointment as the General Manager in February 2017 completed the team Lai needed to continue the driving force that has kept the brand thriving.

 

Hospitality Beyond Home

All of Fraser’s residences are designed with one thing in mind: creating a comfortable living environment for their guests akin to being at home. Their primary targets are extendedstay business travellers who are working on long projects and those who are relocating with their families. These types of serviced residences are generally preferred by the extendedstay travellers due to the ease of amenities and facilities; they feature a combination of exceptional hotel-like service offerings with the welcoming feel and space of a home.

The more chic and vibrant Fraser Place Kuala Lumpur boasts 291 guestrooms which are well-furnished with a kitchenette, either integrated or separate bedroom areas, and a comprehensive home entertainment system. Other additional amenities include a yoga room, a coin-operated laundrette, an infinity swimming pool, a well-fitted 24-hour gym, and a stylish restaurant, among other conveniences to allow guests to live there comfortably.

Similarly, each of the contemporary and minimalistic residential units in Fraser Residence Kuala Lumpur features fully furnished integrated or separate living, dining, kitchen and bedroom areas, as well as complimentary high-speed internet access that is also available throughout the property. And among the amenities offered are a 24-hour fully equipped gym, an outdoor swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, a spa, kids’ play zone, all-day dining restaurants, and more.

 

Solo travellers – whether on leisure or business – can sleep soundly at night knowing there are a number of measures taken to ensure their safety, security, and privacy remain protected. “We have controlled lift access here. That means each room is given a key that will only grant access to its designated floor,” shares Tan. “There are also security guards patrolling daily and surveillance systems installed at every exit.”

“We definitely put safety and security of our guests at the forefront. The concierge will keep record of all the cabs that come in and out of the area in case there is a need to track them down. These are just some of the perks that you can enjoy staying in our serviced residences,” Shieh adds, concluding with a smile, “It truly feels like a home away from home.”