Ascott Expansion Signals Big 2026 Energy
Ascott Malaysia expansion is part of a major global growth wave in 2025, with The Ascott Limited signing a record 19000 units across 102 properties worldwide. For Malaysian travellers and investors, this signals one thing. The regional hospitality game is scaling fast and Malaysia is right in the mix.
With more than 1000 properties globally and presence in over 230 cities, Ascott is strengthening its footprint across Asia Pacific and Europe while locking in strong momentum at home.
Malaysia Still a Strategic Anchor
While Ascott entered more than 10 new cities including Wellington and Taipei, Malaysia remains a key market especially with developments like:
- Ascott Coronation Square Johor Bahru located near the upcoming Johor Singapore RTS Link
- Continued expansion across mixed use and transit connected developments
- Growing demand for branded residences and extended stay formats
Johor Bahru in particular is heating up as a strategic lifestyle and business corridor thanks to the Johor Singapore Special Economic Zone conversation gaining traction.
This positions Ascott expansion as more than just new keys. It is future focused urban integration.
Asia Pacific Growth Is Real
Pictured at the recent groundbreaking ceremony in Singapore: Dr Tan See Leng, Singapore Minister for Manpower and Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technical Officer in the Ministry of Trade and Industry (centre), with (from left) Feng Liang Ji, Chairman, China Harbour (Singapore) Engineering Company Pte Ltd; Leong Teng Wui, Chief Design & Technical Officer, The Ascott Limited; Tong Yan, Managing Director, New Vision Holding Pte. Ltd; and Kwek Leng Peck, Executive Chairman, Hong Leong Asia.
Ascott’s 2025 strategy leaned into asset light growth, franchise expansion and conversion friendly models.
Key highlights include:
- Entry into Taipei with the 185 room Ascott Nangang Taipei
- lyf debut in Wellington targeting social living travellers
- 15 new resort signings in Phuket, Bali, Phu Quoc and Langkawi
- 38 percent of signings coming from property conversions
For Gen Z and millennial travellers, this translates into more flexible living formats, lifestyle driven spaces and hybrid stay options that blend work and travel.
Resorts, Residences and Lifestyle Living
Ascott is also doubling down on higher fee segments including:
- Resorts
- Branded residences
- MICE focused developments
- Wellness driven stays
In Langkawi and across Southeast Asia, resort signings reflect continued strong leisure travel demand from Malaysian travellers who are prioritising experience over just accommodation.
Meanwhile, branded residences in Phuket and Shenzhen show how hospitality and property ownership are becoming more lifestyle aligned.
Franchise Momentum and Faster Conversions
More than a quarter of new units were signed under franchise agreements. That means faster rollouts and less capital heavy expansion.
Conversions now account for over 38 percent of new units signed. Properties like Oakwood Bencoolen Singapore and lyf Zhangjiang Shanghai were repositioned within months.
For owners, this means quicker returns. For travellers, it means refreshed properties entering the market faster.
Why This Matters for Malaysia
Ascott Malaysia expansion reflects how regional hospitality brands are adapting to a new generation of travellers.
Today’s Malaysian traveller wants:
- Flexible stays
- Central business district access
- Social spaces not just hotel rooms
- Transit connected locations
- Hybrid work friendly setups
With Johor Bahru positioning itself as a cross border economic hub and Kuala Lumpur maintaining strong business travel demand, Ascott’s model fits current and future market behaviour.
Final Take
Ascott Malaysia expansion is part of a broader global acceleration strategy, but its impact locally is clear. With flagship developments in Johor Bahru and strong regional growth across Asia Pacific, Ascott is shaping how Malaysians live, travel and invest in the next phase of hospitality.
As 2026 approaches, expect more mixed use, transit linked, lifestyle driven properties to enter the conversation.