Corporate Social Responsibility
Mar
Mad Monkey Secures US$4.6M Investment from EXS to Accelerate their Expansion Across Southeast Asia
Mad Monkey, a leading Southeast Asia-based hostel operator and provider of high-octane, sustainable, travel experiences, has closed its first major round of fundraising from the EXS Property Innovation Concepts VCC (“EPIC”), a Singapore-domiciled fund platform sponsored and managed by EXS, a specialist private equity firm focused on real estate business & platforms across Asia. The company intends to use the funds to accelerate its ambitious expansion across Asia, substantially growing its portfolio across the region in the next 3 years, building on the great success of the past decade. Singapore, March 22, 2022 – The sun is slowly setting over the Cambodian capital. So much has changed in the uber-fast developing city in the past 10 years since the Mad Monkey team opened the first hostel in the heart of Phnom Penh. High-rises mount over pagodas, SUVs are passing slower tuk-tuks, mobile phones have become the primary payment method. But some things remain the same — the charm and soul of the entire region, inviting young adventurers back to explore its colorful streets, dreamy beaches, and magical sites, now that the pandemic-stricken world has started showing signs of recovery. Early evenings are a time when the music starts getting louder by the pool in Mad Monkey’s hostels and the party is slowly starting. But right now, there is a different buzz; the Mad Monkey team is hard at work preparing rapid re-openings of its existing locations, inviting domestic and international travelers back to its world. In the past decade, Mad Monkey has earned an iconic status in Southeast Asia and has opened hostels in 6 countries, delivering unforgettable, sustainable, and culturally immersive travel experiences to an ever-growing segment of young digital nomads & other experience-driven travelers who are hungry to travel, build friendships and experience new cultures. But reopening seems like a small task amidst a much bigger ambition now turned into an accelerated action plan. The Mad Monkey team is poised to open up to 50 hostels in the next 3 years in Asia and Australia, cementing their status as the region’s biggest player in experience-driven hospitality. To help achieve this goal, Mad Monkey has now partnered with EXS, a Singapore-based private equity firm focused on real estate businesses & platforms, through EPIC, which is focused on “New Economy Real Estate” across Asia including co-working, co-living, student housing, new hospitality, and modern fitness models. EPIC has successfully completed a US$4.6M investment into Mad Monkey to drive the company’s near-term growth and reinforce its position as Southeast Asia’s leading hostel operator. “Mad Monkey is a leading player in Southeast Asia and a great example of real estate’s continued shift towards ‘new economy’ business models that combine real estate, hospitality and technology to deliver unique experiences. The Mad Monkey team has organically built a business anchored on strong values, with social and environmental responsibility at its core, while staying aggressive with expansion plans, maintaining profitability, and developing a stable team over the past decade. We are proud and excited to enter the next phase of driving Mad Monkey’s growth across the region,” stated Eric Solberg, Chairman & CEO of EXS. EXS plans to contribute its expertise in building leading Asian real estate platforms to Mad Monkey. As a specialized private equity firm with a track record of investing successfully across Southeast Asia, EXS is a strong believer in the growing trends driving new business models across real estate. Through EPIC, EXS plans to play a major role in helping the Mad Monkey team to accelerate growth and take advantage of the rapid return in tourism across the region, creating value for…
Feb
Mad Monkey & TruTravels Raise Nearly $9000 USD for Typhoon Odette Disaster Relief
Right before Christmas, Super Typhoon Rai, known locally as Typhoon Odette, made landfall in the Philippines and left widespread destruction across the archipelago. Typhoon Odette generated wind speeds exceeding 240kph, flooding, landslides, and caused mass blackouts throughout the country. Even with preemptive evacuations and storm preparations, Typhoon Odette left over 400 dead, hundreds missing, and even more injured. Entire communities were completely cut off and were uncontactable, due to power lines being destroyed and roads being unnavigable because of landslides and fallen trees and power lines. This crisis literally hit home for us so Mad Monkey partnered with TruTravels to raise funds to go directly to the locals affected, in the quickest and most efficient way possible. We just want to thank everybody again for donating to our Typhoon Odette fundraiser. Thanks to all of YOU, we raised nearly $9000 USD that went directly to those most affected by the typhoon. In Siargao, which was hit the hardest, ₱80,000 was sent to TruTravels partners, plus ₱160,000 that was sent to Mad Monkey team members. Individuals received ₱5,000 each to help purchase building materials to rebuild their homes as well as food, drinking water, medicine, and baby supplies. Additionally, the Mad Monkey Siargao generator is still being used to power the Sayak Margar Living Water Station. This water filtration system is the biggest on the island and has been able to provide 96,000 liters of free drinking water every day, even to those in remote villages who have suffered the most from Typhoon Odette. In Cebu City, ₱30,000 was spent on relief goods for our local Barangay, which was mostly used for bottled water due to their limited access to drinking water. An additional ₱150,000 was sent to team members who received ₱5,000 cash relief. Because banks, ATMs, electricity and internet services were down, we decided that the biggest impact we could have was to give individuals cash so they were able to immediately buy the supplies and goods that they needed most. All of this was a direct result of the donations our Mad Monkey and TruTravels family around the world generously contributed. Thank you again for your support!
Feb
Mad Monkey Presents at the 2020 Hostelworld Conference
The conference featured a number of seminars presented by Hostelworld professionals and other presenters aimed to aid those of us in the business. From introducing new technology that could eliminate reception desks (you read that right) to workshops on how to tailor marketing strategies for 2020, all participants left with plenty of knowledge to kick-start a successful year. Arguably the most moving of seminars was the segment, “Building a Better World.” It’s become clear that customers are passionate about the community, the environment, and other similar issues. Travelers and consumers want to support both sustainable and ethical brands, and Mad Monkey is so honored to announce that we were asked to present our CSR business model to the Hostelworld community. “What started as a basic hostel in the heart of Cambodia’s capital some nine years ago has become one of the largest hostel chains in the world, equipped with onsite restaurants, tours, and more—but with this enormous growth comes great responsibility—to the Mad Monkey team, our investors, and customers,” said Kelly Iverson, the comprehensive marketing manager of Mad Monkey. “That’s where CSR comes in.” Iverson went on to explain how Mad Monkey’s CSR (corporate social responsibility) business model has helped guide the company to be socially accountable in all aspects of its existence in all 13 and counting properties. From phasing out single-use plastic in 2020 to hosting weekly beach cleanup in all of our hostels found anywhere near a coastline, CSR aligns with Mad Monkey’s values and not only betters the communities but also betters a customers’ experience. According to Hostelworld’s Hostel Traveler Study and Hostel Operator Survey conducted in 2019, customers want to volunteer in things like community activities. If these aren’t organized by the actual hostels, it is estimated that some 69% of customers are organizing these community efforts themselves. This just goes to show that adopting a CSR business model in addition to sustainable business efforts is the way of the future for accommodation options in 2020.
Sep
Mad Monkey Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report | April – June 2019
Celebrations for Easter Sunday in the Philippines saw Cebu City Mad Monkeys dressed as Easter bunnies and a big easter egg hunt for delighted children and families from Barangay Lorega In preparation for opening our newest hostel Mad Monkey Siargao, our proud certified first aiders are now skilled and ready to provide assistance to our guests, fellow team members, locals & tourists during emergency situations: “Always First. Always Ready. Always There.” And over at Mad Monkey Bangkok, 11 staff also completed their First Aid Training course which included CPR training, regular first aid, snake bites, how to stop bleeding, first aid for broken bones & heatstroke. Our staff got to try out some practical CPR on a doll. April 6 is the United Nations International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, which recognizes the power of sport in promoting peace and erasing cultural barriers worldwide. For some years, Mad Monkey Hostels has been promoting comradery amongst our community members through sports. This year Mad Monkey teams helped in raising awareness of the positive contribution sports brings to the community. In the Philippines, Cebu City & Boracay hostels held pool parties and pool olympics, in Nacpan they held their own Beach Olympics. Over in Cambodia, Koh Rong Samloem island hostel rallied their guests for a mad day of “Pier Olympics & Beach Competition” 💪💪💪 In Cambodia, Mad Monkey Phnom Penh funds local teams so that more players can join and establish a sense of community. For further information, check out our full Sports Day feature here: https://bit.ly/2Ke5pDW & the football team’s website at www.rielphnompenhfc.com Mad Monkey initiatives have included supporting improvements in children’s welfare, health and education. Mad Monkey Coogee Beach, Sydney holds weekly fundraising events for the benefit of Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation. Their fun trivia night, every Wednesday, draws up to 40 guests and the proceeds help fund new equipment, training for health professionals, art, music & play activities as well as groundbreaking research. For more information: https://www.schf.org.au Mad Monkey Bangkok supports Peuan Peuan Project providing psycho-social support with essential services to children, youth and their families in Bangkok shelters. Peuan Peuan has been working since 2006 in the government shelters in Thailand to provide services to children detained. The services include: non-formal education, life skills, psycho-social counseling, hygiene education, translation and other activities to ensure their good mental health and rehabilitation during their time in the shelter. In Phnom Penh, we are continuing our funding of a classroom for children aged 8-14 years for the Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF). Last quarter we reported on our Mad Monkey Hostels Cambodia emergency fundraiser following a fire in March that devastated homes in an area where the Cambodian Children’s Fund works. 52 families were left homeless and without possessions. A few months on, we can bring good news from CCF: “Plans are in place with the land bought and cleared, and the design of the new homes agreed, made possible thanks to generous donations, which came in from Cambodia and around the world.” More information about CCF & this project can be found here: https://www.cambodianchildrensfund.org/news/fire-community-rebuild-track/ In Thailand, Mad Monkey Bangkok staff have been upskilling with ChildSafe Training provided by social workers from Peuan Peuan Project. The course provided tools for staff to identify where a child may be in an unsafe situation and was delivered through presentations, role playing, group discussions & tasks. World Health Day in April, focusing on the need for universal health coverage & UN World Day Against Child Labour in June provided us the…
Jul
Plastic-Free July: How to be a Responsible Traveler
According to EPC, global warming is already having a detrimental effect on our planet. For example, “the polar ice sheets are melting, sea levels continue to rise, and there are increasing temperatures all across the globe.” It’s time that we all take responsibility for our planet and do our bit to reduce carbon emissions and help the environment. While some greenhouse emissions are unavoidable when traveling, there are a number of things you can do to reduce environmental harm. Here are some tips on how you can become a more energy efficient traveler! Get Your Home Holiday-Ready Remember that green travel starts before you leave the house. With the excitement of your trip, don’t forget to prepare your home for the holiday before you leave. Make sure that you turn all the lights off, unplug all appliances from the wall, and lower the temperature on your thermostat. If you have an automatic sprinkler system, turn it off! Build some bonds you’re your neighbors and ask them if they can water your plants. This will ensure that your home is as energy efficient as possible while you’re away. Think About Your Mode of Transport Unfortunately, the journey itself is one of the most polluting parts of traveling. TIES states that air traffic accounts for 10 percent of greenhouse gases worldwide. Traveling by boat or train is far more environmentally-friendly than flying, so try to opt for these modes of transport whenever possible. You should also think about how you’re going to get around once you reach your destination. Walking is not always an option so try to travel by bicycle or public transport. It’s a lot better for the environment than traveling by car – and it’s much cheaper! If you Fly, Fly Non-Stop It’s totally understandable that you want to see some exotic countries on the other side world – this means that flying may be necessary from time to time. Fortunately, there are still ways to reduce your impact when flying. For instance, opting to take a direct flight is a far more environmentally way to travel, as the takeoffs and landings create most of an airplane’s carbon emissions. You should also try and fly on airplanes that are more energy efficient. It’s now possible to calculate the carbon footprint of your flight using apps such as MyClimate, which also offer advice on how to travel greener. Do not Buy Plastic Water Bottles When you’re visiting hot countries, it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking enough water every day. In foreign countries, it is often not safe to drink the tap water, so many people buy bottles of water from the supermarket. It’s recommended to drink several liters of water a day – this would mean you would buy over 20 bottles of water every week! A simple, cheap and effective way to be a green traveler is to bring your own refillable drinking bottle. Many airports now offer free drinking water – this saves you money and helps the environment! Mad Monkey Hostels also have refill stations for travelers to take advantage of during their travels. Eat in Local Places Eat locally sourced food and avoid anything that has been imported. This is a great way to support the region’s local farmers, get a more authentic taste of the cuisine, and reduce the carbon footprint of food transportation. Lonely Planet advises that you should look for restaurants advertising local produce, or eat local dishes at food markets or roadside stalls. Make sure that you never eat endangered species, like…