Singapore’s business events industry can expect a trickle of small gatherings meant to test the waters for an eventual restart of activities in the country, as she moves into the second phase of reopening from June 19.
These ‘test-water events’ may be trialled in Phase Two (Safe Transition) or in the later part of the year, revealed Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS) president, Aloysius Arlando.
The decision was called at a June 1 meeting between SACEOS and Singapore’s senior minister of state, Ministry of Trade & Industry and Ministry of Education, Chee Hong Tat, who shared insights into the government’s recovery plans.
Arlando shared: “This crisis hasn’t simply paused our plans, it has fundamentally altered the way we live, work and play. The rules of engagement have changed, and difficult decisions will have to be made.
“With a focus on maintaining community health and safety, the reopening of the Singapore economy will be a very gradual process. These cautious steps are necessary to ensure we are firmly on the road to recovery.”
To prepare event companies for the eventual return of business, SACEOS – in conjunction with the Singapore Tourism Board and Enterprise Singapore – has announced an Industry Resilience Roadmap (IRR) that will serve as an operational handbook for enterprises to thrive in a post-Covid world.
Development of the IRR has commenced, and it will focus on three strategic objectives: outlining a hygienic and sustainable operating environment for the reopening of events; strengthening digital foundations and risk-mitigated business models; as well as developing new certifications, accompanied by a qualified list of industry players.
This is the association’s latest effort in pulling its members through the pandemic crisis. Previously, it launched specialised support programmes, including a number of SME Clinics focused on risk management.
“Right now, our industry is at a strategic crossroads. We must marshal our collective wisdom and strength to revitalise our businesses and create new pathways for our workforce in the new world order so that Singapore can continue to be truly competitive; a global Asia node to behold,” Arlando said.
