A success story: Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Lucas overcame the challenges of ASD with focused assistance from Chaoyang School, supported by ComChest. He has since made leaps in improvements in his communication skills and is fully integrated into his primary school’s integrated programme for students with mild intellectual disability and ASD. (Credit: ComChest)
Millennium
Hotels Pledges
S$1 Million
To Help
Kids With
Special
Needs
And S$300,000 to 200 critical social service programmes including disability inclusion and elderly care.
As part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) has renewed its partnership with Community Chest (ComChest) with a S$1 million commitment over three years. Starting this year 2025, the first donation of S$500,000 will be made, followed by S$250,000 annually in 2026 and 2027. The funds will go towards helping children with special needs and youth-at-risk, one of ComChest’s focus areas.
MHR’s three-year commitment is part of the global hotel owner and operator’s 30th anniversary celebrations, to be held later this year on 29 August 2025. The event will also officiate its renewed partnership with ComChest which began in 2023.
Earlier this year, MHR also donated S$300,000 to another ComChest’s initiative, Habuan Harapan to help needy communities. Pictured here is MHR Interim COO Mr Saurabh Prakash with (L-R) Mr Danny Koh, Vice Chairman of Community Chest; Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Social and Family Development; and Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for National Development.
MHR was among ComChest’s first partners on its Change for Charity initiative in 2023, which saw its six hotels in Singapore raise funds via customer donations at its restaurants and accommodation bookings.
Mr Kwek Leng Beng, CDL and MHR Executive Chairman said, “What began as a homegrown hospitality group has evolved into a globally recognised brand, with Millennium Hotels and Resorts now spanning four continents. As we celebrate this significant 30-year milestone, we take pride not only in our global expansion but also in our commitment to giving back. This partnership with ComChest reinforces our dedication to making a meaningful change to society, by providing sustainable support for children and youth who require assistance.”
Mr Kwek Eik Sheng, MHR Executive Director said, "When we first partnered with ComChest in 2023, our aim was to extend our impact beyond the hospitality industry. With this pledge, we are taking a bigger leap in our commitment to giving, honouring all who have supported us throughout the years and contributed to our success today. Together, we hope to strengthen resilience within the community and rally more businesses and individuals to create more opportunities to support those in need.”
From at-risk youth to aspiring cafe owner: Ilhan overcame adversity and found hope and purpose through his barista training at YMCA programme, Vocational and Soft Skills, supported by ComChest. (Credit: ComChest)
Diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Zoe attends Rainbow Center Yishun Park School, a special education school supported by Community Chest. She has since gained more independence with a powered mobility wheelchair and is tech-savvy with assistive technology to communicate and explore the world. (Credit: ComChest)
Since 2022, the hotel operator has engaged in inclusive hiring practices and employed individuals with disabilities. Department heads are trained to understand the unique needs of these employees and match them with roles accordingly, while work tasks are tailored. Every employee is also paired with a “work buddy” and offered flexible arrangements, such as reduced starting hours.
Mr Saurabh Prakash, interim chief operating officer and chief commercial officer of Millennium Hotels, said: “The hotel industry offers many opportunities and pathways. With the right training, right job placement and the right support system in place, our special needs employees have found their sense of belonging and adapt well to the fast-paced environment and high volume of guest interactions.”
Some special needs graduates from YMCA-Inclus Train and Place Series Programme, have found jobs at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel. The programme trains young people in skills like housekeeping, general cleaning and customer service, and works to place them in jobs. (Credit: YMCA) 
MHR hotels such as Orchard Hotel is sponsoring bento meals for The Salvation Army’s Gracehaven Children’s Home from April to December 2025.
From April to December this year, Millennium Hotels is sponsoring a monthly programme to provide children in need with nutritious bento meals in collaboration with The Salvation Army’s Gracehaven Children’s Home, a home for children and youth aged 7 to 18 who may be victims of abuse, neglect or require a more structured living environment.
For SG60, it is also rallying employee donations for the SGShare programme – Community Chest’s nationwide initiative to encourage sustained giving – via direct donations or payroll deductions.
Small actions, big rewards: Healthy bento meals prepared by MHR for Gracehaven Children’s Home.
