CHINA needs to relax the stringent rules governing associations and nurture a more vibrant industry by gaining a deeper understanding of the roles of associations in society.
New associations must register with both the relevant ministry overseeing its field and the Ministry of Civil Affairs, hindering the establishment of associations. Government scrutiny of association activities also acts as an obstacle.
However, sources have revealed that the Chinese government could introduce reforms to ease these restrictions before end-2014 at the earliest, a move that could boost the MICE industry.
American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) China representative, Maria Tong, observed that many NGOs have offered advice on possible reforms to existing legislations, such as mandating applications to be submitted to oen authority instead of two.
At the same time, ASAE research found that Chinese associations are still in their infancy, with little concept of association management.
International association management firms should thus enter the China market gradually, communicating knowledge on association management to help improve professional standards, and enhance the relationship between associations in China and the US.
Meanwhile, Tong pointed out that attracting the young, a challenge for counterparts in the West, was also an issue here. ASAE provides a range of services for associations including harnessing new communication methods such as social media and keeping abreast with the latest trends to better engage youth members.
Likewise, MCI Group’s director of association management and consulting, Florence Chua, commented that industry associations must research on the youth’s consumption and social behaviour and develop accurate understanding of their needs.
Translated from the original TTG-BTmice China e-Weekly, October 8, 2014, article by Ong Yanchun
