Accor marks International Women’s Day

SINGAPORE  A story to inspire seniors to motor on, a housewife for most of her life, Phang Foo Thye went to Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay for an interview at 75.

Today the 79-year-old is a role model for younger employees with her reliable and responsible work ethic.

Despite being worried she was too old for the job, Mrs Phang went ahead with the interview.

“Instead, AccorHotels welcomed me to join them and told me that age didn’t matter as long as I could work and contribute,” recalled Phang.

The part-time kitchen assistant, who lives with her grandchildren in Bedok, says age is not a barrier when it comes to work and feels that working has been beneficial for her mind and body.

“I love working here. I get to do many things, and it is like a form of exercise for me. It keeps me active and healthy even in old age,” she said. “In the past, if I had walked in the rain, I’d have to see a doctor. After starting work, I find that I’m less prone to illness.”

Lee Mooi Agnes, 66 years old uses a smartphone, connects with family and friends on Facebook and cycles. She works in the F&B department at Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy. She is a positive, committed and hardworking team member, respected by her superiors and younger colleagues.

“AccorHotels is supportive of mature workers and has taken very good care of me. I have never felt that I was treated unfairly due to my age. I have learnt a lot from the job and also from the younger staff – I have learnt how to use a smartphone and now even Facebook,” grinned Lee.

Phang Foo Thye

Though Lee stays in Yishun and has to take three buses before reaching the hotel, the journey has never dampened her passion for the job. To keep fit and healthy, she cycles to the bus stop near her home before catching public transport to the hotel.

AccorHotels supports women in whichever role they are in with equal work opportunities and celebrates International Women’s Day to thank women for their support.

AccorHotels is a Group united by a shared passion for hospitality and driven by a shared promise to make everyone Feel Welcome.

Over 180,000 women and men in 3,800 AccorHotels establishments look after thousands of guests every day in 92 countries.

AccorHotels is the world’s leading hotel operator and offers its customers, partners and employees:

– its dual expertise as a hotel operator and franchisor (HotelServices) and a hotel owner and investor (HotelInvest);

– a large portfolio of internationally renowned brands covering the full spectrum, with luxury (Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery by Sofitel, Grand Mercure, The Sebel), midscale (Novotel, Suite Novotel, Mercure, Mama Shelter, Adagio) economy (ibis, ibis Styles, ibis budget, adagio access and hotelF1) establishments;

– a powerful marketplace and loyalty program Le Club AccorHotels

– almost half a century of commitment to corporate citizenship and solidarity with the PLANET 21 programme.

Accor SA shares are listed on the Euronext Paris exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and traded in the US on the OTC marketplace (Code: ACRFY).