Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok – Celebrated a Day of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Partnership With Steps

(8 December, 2023 – Bangkok, Thailand) – On 1 December 2023, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok and Steps held the “Inclusivi-tea & Petit Fours: Small Bites, Big Impact” in celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities marked by United Nations on 3 December every year. 

The heartfelt afternoon featured an exclusive afternoon tea at the 30^th-floor Maa-Lai Library, with a stunning panoramic view of Bangkok city, hosted by Patrick Both, Area General Manager, Luxury & Lifestyle, Thailand, IHG Hotels and Resorts, and Max Simpson, CEO, Steps. The talented culinary squad included neurodivergent members of Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok’s team and Steps trainees, who together crafted the limited-edition Afternoon Tea Set. In attendance were members of the press, distinguished hotel guests and hotel associates, including Khun Wasan who has hearing disabilities from the stewarding team, a “Star of the Month” employee, Khun Pob from style team and two pastry chefs, Khun Bo and Khun Thunya.  

The event helped shine a spotlight on IHG’s commitment to creating a strong and inclusive culture in which everyone feels valued and are able to thrive. Currently, more than 70% of IHG Thailand properties partner with Steps to bring about long-term, sustainable change for equal and meaningful work opportunities in an environment that is truly understanding of others, with a goal of achieving 100% IHG Thailand hotels’ participation in the near future. 

“At Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, we pride ourselves in putting people first into everything we do,” says Mr. Both. “Every guest visit to Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok helps us to provide equal opportunities for our staff and allows us to give back the community and the people behind the Thai culture that we treasure.” 

Apart from this, guests can support Steps by purchasing delicious pastries made by Steps trainees at any of the five pilot hotels: Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, Crowne Plaza Lumpini Park, Holiday Inn Bangkok, Sindhorn Midtown Bangkok Vignette Collection and Holiday Inn Silom. Baked by neurodivergent people, buying these products directly provides education and employment opportunities to neurodivergent teens and adults. 

More information can be found here https://stepscommunity.com/our-partners/ihg-and-steps-partnership/