Hotels Across Both Countries Adorned in Blue and Yellow on World Down Syndrome Day,
Championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Marriott International’s portfolio of hotels and resorts in Indonesia and Malaysia joined hands in a heartfelt initiative dedicated to supporting the rights, inclusion, and well-being of individuals with Down Syndrome. In celebration of World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) on 21 March 2025, over 130+ hotels and resorts in both countries championed inclusive activities, awareness programs, and collaborations with like-minded partners, spotlighting blue and yellow colors, the global colors for Down Syndrome awareness. These initiatives reaffirmed the company’s steadfast commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), a core pillar of the company’s mission to foster an environment where all individuals are valued and empowered.
As part of this commitment, Marriott International has set a bold 1% DEI employment goal, ensuring that at least 1% of its workforce comprises individuals with special needs across its hotels in Indonesia and Malaysia.
“At Marriott International, we believe in creating an environment where everyone belongs,” said Ramesh Jackson, Regional Vice President at Marriott International, Indonesia & Malaysia. “This is more than a campaign – it’s a movement that reinforces our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion – not just within our hotels, but in the communities we serve. This initiative aligns with our ongoing efforts to provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have a place to thrive in the hospitality industry.”
World Down Syndrome Day, celebrated on March 21, aims to raise awareness and promote inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome. The date represents the triplication (trisomy) of the 21 st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome. Since officially recognized by the United Nations in 2012, the day features global events and initiatives to increase understanding and challenge misconceptions about Down syndrome.
Empowering Through Opportunity
This initiative is also in alignment with Marriott International’s 2025 Social Impact Goals, specifically the mission to Empower Through Opportunity. By 2025, Marriott is dedicated to investing at least $35 million to expand and deepen programs that foster hospitality skills and career opportunities for youth, diverse populations, women, people with disabilities, veterans, and refugees. Through meaningful employment initiatives and community engagement, the company continues to create an inclusive and supportive environment for every individual to succeed.
A Unified Effort to Inspire Change
From Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur, Bali to Kota Kinabalu, Marriott International’s portfolio of extraordinary hotels and resorts marked this special day by not only illuminating their properties but also engaging in inclusive activities, awareness programs, and collaborations. Guests, associates, and local communities joined the conversation and showed their support, sharing messages of inclusion, and advocating for a world that embraces everyone.
The Westin Jakarta
The dome atop the hotel lighted up with “World Down Syndrome Day” in blue and yellow. Individuals from POTADS (Persatuan Orang Tua dengan Anak Down Syndrome) served as guest baristas at Daily Treats, while guests received in-room amenities in themed colors with a greeting card. Associates wore blue and yellow ribbon pins, and the lobby area featured a canvas for guests and associates to place blue and yellow handprints, symbolizing unity.The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Mega Kuningan
Associates wore blue and yellow pins, with a special content piece highlighting them across uniforms. Guests enjoyed themed pastries and desserts at the Club Lounge and Asia Restaurant, while blue and yellow mocktails and cocktails were available by the pool, Lobo, and Ozone Bar, accompanied by themed décor like yellow umbrellas and blue sunbeds.W Bali - Seminyak
A selection of bold blueberry and zesty lemon cupcakes, Kusamba salted caramel, and passion fruit macarons were served at the cookie counter in honor of inclusivity. Associates at W Lounge also wore blue and yellow ribbons.The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place
The lobby showcased a floral centerpiece of Yellow Freesia and Blue Hydrangeas, with the vase tied in a blue and yellow ribbon. The Club Lounge served an Amar Al-din welcome drink, garnished with a blue RC Ribbon, alongside color-themed cookies. Associates wore yellow and blue ribbons, and tent cards and digital signage highlighted WDSD’s significance.Courtyard by Marriott Bali Nusa Dua Resort
Guests received blue-and-yellow ribbons at check-in and left a special note on origami paper. The Kids Club hosted a blue-and-yellow mask-making session, and the culinary team served themed cakes, cocktails, mocktails, cookies, and pastries. The resort also held a ‘21 for 21’ Power Walk (2.1 km) to symbolize Trisomy 21, open to guests and associates.Miri Marriott Resort & Spa
The hotel visited Sunflower Center, bringing a blue and yellow cake for the children. A balloon arch, pastries, and drinks in WDSD colors were displayed in the lobby, inviting in-house guests to join the celebration.Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu
In the spirit of Ramadan, associates visited Persatuan Sindrom Down Kota Kinabalu (PSDKK) Learning Centre to host games and distribute goodie bags. Associates wore blue and yellow pins and mismatched colorful socks to spark conversation and raise awareness.Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur
The lobby (The Hub) was decorated with blue and yellow balloons, inviting guests to reflect on inclusivity. The Human Resources team hosted a Down Syndrome Awareness Talk for associates, with the training room decorated in WDSD colors and awareness ribbons distributed.Element Kuala Lumpur
Associates wore yellow and blue outfits and awareness ribbons. The culinary team also prepared color-themed pastries for breakfast, while children received yellow and blue balloons. A message board allowed guests to share words of support for the community.The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur
The breakfast buffet featured Pulut Tai Tai, a traditional blue pea flower-infused glutinous rice dish garnished with yellow edible flowers, celebrating Malaysia’s culinary heritage and inclusivity. At The St. Regis Kids Club, children engaged in a blue and yellow hand-painting activity, representing self-expression and individuality, symbolic of individuals with Down Syndrome.
To learn more about how Marriott International is empowering communities, visit Serve360.marriott.com.