Shun Tak Group embraces the philosophy of “Investing in People,” incorporating the user-centered principles of universal design into property planning, management, and services. Universal design goes beyond installing barrier-free facilities; it leverages investments in the physical environment to support human development. By integrating inclusive elements from the outset of planning and proactively enhancing facilities and services throughout operations, the Group upholds the rights of people of different ages, abilities, and life stages to move around independently and participate in social life, with greater convenience, safety, and dignity. Shun Tak Centre, The Westwood, and The Belcher’s, all managed by the Group, recently received multiple accolades under the Universal Design Award Scheme 2026/27, organized by the Equal Opportunities Commission (“EOC”). These recognitions affirm the property management team’s continued efforts to proactively enhance accessibility, optimize facilities and services, and accommodate the needs of diverse users.
The Universal Design Award Scheme recognizes companies and organizations that demonstrate excellence in adopting universal design. Emphasizing a user-centered approach, universal design incorporates inclusive elements at the initial planning and design stages so that people of different ages, abilities, and life stages can conveniently use the built environment, facilities, and services without subsequent retrofitting or special arrangements for particular groups. In this year’s scheme, Shun Tak Centre received the Gold Award and the newly introduced Double Gold Award, while The Westwood and The Belcher’s each received a Silver Award. The Double Gold Award recognizes premises that received a Gold Award in the inaugural scheme and meet the Gold Award requirements again in the current edition, further affirming Shun Tak Centre’s sustained commitment to implementing universal design.
Across the Group’s properties, facilities are not developed merely to meet minimum regulatory requirements; services are proactively extended to address different user needs. Shun Tak Centre combines smart technology with human-centric design, introducing intelligent fall detection and alarm systems in accessible restrooms to help the management team provide timely support. Consumable monitoring sensors also enable more efficient replenishment of restroom supplies. The Centre has introduced intelligent disinfection and cleaning robots equipped with obstacle-avoidance functions, while digital information kiosks offer reading modes for wheelchair users and touchscreen navigation. Sign language translation and subtitles in promotional content further enhance information accessibility. Together with automatic doors, audio prompts, wheelchair borrowing services, and powered wheelchair charging stations, these measures provide comprehensive support for visitors with different needs.
The Westwood focuses on enhancing arrival routes and the shopping environment, with fixed ramps, handrails equipped with Braille information, automatic doors, and designated drop-off areas near entrances. Elevator audio signals, accessible control panels, and clear directional signage help users navigate the premises with ease. Accessible restrooms, nursing rooms, and baby diaper-changing facilities also provide added convenience for caregivers and families, demonstrating how universal design accommodates needs across different life stages.
The Belcher’s integrates inclusivity into residents’ daily lives through ramps, automatic sensor doors, and touchless elevator sensor buttons, enhancing access and the experience of using shared facilities. The estate also offers wheelchair borrowing services to support seniors, individuals with limited mobility, and residents and visitors with temporary needs, creating a welcoming and convenient living environment.
While these measures may appear to be upgrades to property facilities and services, their ultimate purpose is to enhance people’s well-being and social participation. When people of different abilities can travel, shop, access services, and participate in their communities more conveniently, this helps unlock their employment potential and stimulate consumer activity, creating a virtuous cycle of improved livelihoods and increased economic activity. This illustrates the close connection between investing in physical assets and “Investing in People,” with human development as the ultimate goal.
Looking ahead, Shun Tak Group will continue to take a user-centered approach, incorporating universal design from the initial stages of project planning. By combining smart technology, facility enhancements, and attentive services, the Group will continually improve accessibility, safety, and user experiences across its managed properties, putting “collaborative inclusivity” into practice in daily operations and creating long-term value for stakeholders and the wider community.