Asia/Singapore Sunday, 19th April 2026
Page 100

New partnership between Plaza Premium Group and Hong Kong Airlines takes off

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Plaza Premium Group’s Song Hoi See (third from left); and Hong Kong Airlines' Yan Bo (third from right) with the staff from Plaza Premium Group and cabin crew from Hong Kong Airlines

Plaza Premium Group (PPG) and Hong Kong Airlines (HKA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation and extend the range of services available to their respective guests.

Under this arrangement, business class passengers and frequent flyer members of Hong Kong Airlines would be eligible to access Plaza Premium Lounges worldwide.

Plaza Premium Group’s Song Hoi See (third from left); and Hong Kong Airlines’ Yan Bo (third from right) with the staff from Plaza Premium Group and cabin crew from Hong Kong Airlines

Currently, HKA operates a network of over 30 destinations across Asia Pacific and North America. PPG operates its flagship Plaza Premium Lounges in over 150 countries worldwide, covering almost all the destinations in HKA’s network. This year, the airline is launching longhaul routes to further expand its network, and Plaza Premium Lounges are already operating at these destinations.

As part of the cooperation in the future, PPG and HKA will also develop integrated benefits on their respective loyalty programmes – Smart Traveller is the digital experience and rewards platform for Plaza Premium Group, in conjunction with Fortune Wings Club, the global loyalty programme for Hong Kong Airlines.

This includes promotions that facilitate the conversion of points on each other’s loyalty programmes. There will also be the opportunity to redeem points accumulated on the Smart Traveller marketplace for HKA’s special offers, including e-vouchers and seasonal promotions.

The two parties also plan to develop marketing campaigns to cross-promote Hong Kong Airlines ticket packages and bundle them with the Smart Traveller’s global programme of services and products.

There will also be an opportunity to jointly develop social impact programmes that will support community-driven initiatives aimed at achieving shared social responsibility goals.

Weaving global threads

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Event brief
The inaugural BorneoCraft Global Expo and Conference 2024 with the theme Globalising Local was aimed at elevating Sarawak’s craft industry on the global stage and boosting the state’s creative economy and cultural heritage.

The event, held from November 27 to December 1, 2024, was organised by the Sarawak Craft Council (SCC) and supported by various ministries, as well as the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau and Business Events Sarawak.

Place Borneo, the appointed event organiser, was tasked with orchestrating and executing a comprehensive programme to bring the vision of Globalising Local to fruition.

Event highlights
The craft expo component was held outdoors at the Kuching Waterfront area, while the one-day conference component was held at Hilton Kuching on November 29.

The keynote address was delivered by the World Craft Council Asia Pacific region president, Aziz Murtazaev.

Interactive workshops and masterclasses provided delegates with the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals and gain deeper insights into various aspects of arts and craft.

The expo attracted around 200 exhibitors, with about half of them hailing from Sarawak, showcasing the state’s vibrant artisanal scene and offering visitors a chance to appreciate and purchase unique, handmade items.

This inaugural event also made history by setting a Malaysia Book of Records achievement for the “largest participation in a bead craft making event, with 274 participants collaborating to create a stunning masterpiece.

Another key highlight was the inaugural MasterCraft Challenge 2024, held on November 30 at the Kuching Waterfront. This three-hour competition was open exclusively to Sarawakians, and it was aimed at uncovering local talent across various craft categories, including carpentry, pottery, beading and sculpting. During the competition, 10 artisans showcased their creativity and skills, where one individual walked away with the coveted title of MasterCrafter and a cash prize of RM5,000 (US$1,128).

Challenges
Place Borneo’s CEO, Mona Abdul Manap, shared: “The main challenge was building the brand of the event from scratch and convincing sponsors, governments, speakers, exhibitors, and participants that this would become an annual event, so they could plan how to be involved in future editions.”

As such, a press conference was held in Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, before the event to raise awareness and build anticipation. International media were also flown in to experience the event first-hand and report on it, helping to build awareness of the event internationally.

Event BorneoCraft Global Expo and Conference 2024
Organiser Sarawak Craft Council
Venue Kuching Waterfront, Hilton Kuching
Date November 27 to December 1, 2024
Attendees 45,778 expo visitors and 552 conference delegates

Melbourne gears up for record-breaking Amway China incentive

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The Twelve Apostles in Port Campbell National Park pictured

Melbourne is preparing to host its largest ever incentive programme this month, as the first wave of delegates from Amway China’s Leadership Seminar are set to arrive this week.

The event, which includes over 16,000 delegates across six waves, is the largest incentive to ever be held in Australia and the largest outbound incentive from China.

The Twelve Apostles in Port Campbell National Park pictured

Attendees are arriving in Melbourne in groups of between 2,000 and 3,000 people for five days of business seminars, touring experiences and a gala dinner at the Melbourne Showgrounds. It is estimated that the event will generate A$100 million (US$63 million) in economic impact.

The delegates are staying at eight hotels across the city, generating approximately 32,000 hotel room nights. Amway China attendees will also dine at 50 restaurants across Melbourne and Victoria.

A variety of tours will allow delegates to experience the best of the city and the regions, with trips to 20 popular attractions including Sovereign Hill, Healesville Sanctuary, Werribee Zoo, Phillip Island Nature Park, Twelve Apostles, Rochford Winery, Puffing Billy, Melbourne Skydeck, and the National Gallery of Victoria showcasing the many diverse experiences on the city’s doorstep.

Melbourne Convention Bureau successfully bid for the event for Melbourne in 2022, competing against a number of other national and international destinations to secure the highly sought-after incentive programme.

Applications for hosted buyer programme at Meetings 2025 to close next week

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Eden Park in Auckland

The deadline for hosted buyer applications for Meetings 2025 is approaching, with submissions closing next week.

The event is scheduled for June 10 in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, inaugurated by a welcome event at Eden Park.

Eden Park in Auckland

Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) chief executive, Lisa Hopkins, indicated that the two-day event will facilitate an estimated 8,000 pre-scheduled meetings.

“Hosted buyers are guaranteed to come away with new insights, new contacts and excellent business opportunities. Meeting all of New Zealand’s regions from the far north to the deep south under one roof in two days is a phenomenal experience.”

Hopkins added: “There’s a seamless balance of work and social, and a lot of learning for the key decision makers and organisers of business events from Australia and New Zealand, who will enjoy complimentary flights and accommodation as well as other incredible benefits.”

The conclusion of Meetings 2025 will be marked by a celebratory event at the Viaduct Events Centre, with the support of The Events Group, Urban Gourmet, and The Production Agency, followed by the official after-party hosted on the rooftop of QT Auckland.

Now in its 29th year, 500 business event professionals from Australia, New Zealand and international markets are set to meet with over 200 of New Zealand’s top industry suppliers, destinations and operators at MEETINGS 2025.

Hosted buyers receive a customised pre-scheduled appointment diary meeting 30 exhibitors across two days, and a range of pre- and post-familiarisation tour options in Auckland and around the country.

Hosted buyer applications can be made on the MEETINGS 2025 website. Registrations for the MEETINGS day buyer programme open in mid-April.

TEQ welcomes new CEO

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Craig Davidson is the new CEO of Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ).

With a 35-year career in hotels, resorts, attractions, and nature-based experiences, Davidson has worked with Southern Pacific Hotel Corporation, Hamilton Island, Voyages Hotels and Resorts, Ardent Leisure Theme Parks, and Journey Beyond.

He has also led Tourism Australia’s Investment Attraction, Aviation Development, and Industry Development team, including Indigenous tourism products, and served on various boards, including six years as a director at Destination Gold Coast.

He brings deep local tourism knowledge combined with extensive national experience. Above all, as a Queenslander, he is passionate about the success of the tourism industry in his home state.

Gregory Tan leads as CEO of SATS-Creuers Cruise Services

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SATS-Creuers Cruise Services (SCCS), the terminal operator of Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS), has appointed Gregory Tan as its new CEO. He will oversee the company’s direction, growth, and the daily operations of MBCCS.

Tan was previously SCCS’ chief operating officer and has 15 years of experience in tourism management. With extensive knowledge in aviation ground handling, he has a proven track record of strengthening relationships with key airline clients such as Singapore Airlines, Qantas, and Lufthansa.

Combining corporate events with a dash of wellness and beachfront bliss

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The 275-room Westin Desaru Coast Resort overlooks the South China Sea

Brought to you by The Westin Desaru Coast Resort

The 275-room resort overlooks the South China Sea

From a spacious conference centre to a relaxing in-house spa, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort is the ideal venue for event planners looking to maximise business excellence and leisure time in one convenient location. 

Situated along the pristine Desaru Coast, the 275-key resort is part of the Desaru Coast development, a large-scale integrated holiday and event destination. It is also strategically located between the business hubs of Singapore and Kuala Lumpur making it a convenient destination to conduct business with a touch of holiday. 

At The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, we understand that business events go beyond just meetings – they are about creating impactful connections and inspiring innovation. With our world-class conference facilities, seamless hospitality, and a breathtaking coastal setting, we provide the perfect environment for corporate gatherings that are both productive and rejuvenating,” said Colby Choo, director of sales and marketing at The Westin Desaru Coast Resort.

Catered for events of all types

What makes the resort stand out is its strategic location – less than a 2 hours drive from Singapore and situated by the beach – offering a unique combination of both convenience for those travelling from busy Singapore, as well as a serene escape among nature after a productive day of meetings.

At the heart of the resort’s corporate offerings is the Desaru Coast Conference Centre facility that it manages. From conferences to intimate business meetings, the facility, which has a total event space of 1,438m², is designed to accommodate events both large and small. 

Its star venue is the 6.8m-high grand ballroom with a capacity of up to 1,400, which can be further customised into four smaller event spaces. The resort also houses three smaller meeting spaces, suitable for small scale meetings. 

Event spaces are equipped with high-quality LCD projectors, ensuring crisp visuals for presentations and conferences. As part of its commitment to enhancing event experiences, the resort is slated to upgrade to an advanced LED screen projector later this year, offering even greater clarity and engagement. Video conferencing and teleconferencing capabilities are also available.

Unwind in comfort

The resort’s location by the coast means that its rooms and suites have spacious private balconies and terraces that overlook either the sparkling South China Sea or garden – perfect for unwinding after a day of meetings.

For nourishment, dine at the resort’s signature Italian restaurant Prego, or Seasonal Tastes, which features an interactive live kitchen the best of Asian and international cuisine. 

The resort’s latest dining establishment is the poolside restaurant and bar, Kedidi, specifically crafted for those looking for casual dining with a focus on seafood and locally sourced ingredients. It accommodates up to 102 with seating for an additional 16 diners on an outdoor terrace, making it an option for small private events with a view. 

Corporate guests can also unwind at the resort’s in-house spa, Heavenly Spa by Westin, which offers a range of face and body treatments. 

Nearby the resort are also other attractions that can be included in the itinerary for incentive trips. Take business associates out for golf at The Els Club Desaru Coast, featuring two championship-designed courses or have team bonding activities at the Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast, take an all-terrain vehicle ride through the Desaru Fruit Farm, or hone culinary skills in a cooking class at Prego. 

Whether for corporate functions, exhibitions, and entertainment events, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort’s dedicated team of event planners can help with providing the necessary service from set up to catering. 

To hold your next event by the Desaru coast, visit The Westin Desaru Coast Resort now.

Thai hospitality meets Laotian charm

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Amari Vientiane's VIP holding room is an elegant space where your guests can enjoy a drink and network

Brought to you by Onyx Hospitality Group

As Laos emerges as a dynamic travel destination in South-east Asia, its potential for business events and conferences continues to grow. 

Some milestone events were the Asean Tourism Forum 2024 and the 18th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting last November. In April, Lao Digital Week 2025 will take place at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane. 

As part of the ongoing drive to enhance tourism and accessibility, Onyx Hospitality Group has firmly established its presence in Laos, with the successful openings of Amari Vang Vieng in 2018 and Amari Vientiane in March this year, further solidifying its commitment to the region’s growth

A hub for business and events at Amari Vientiane

Newly opened in March, Amari Vientiane is an upscale hotel situated along the scenic Mekong River. 

With 248 rooms and suites – including deluxe rooms, junior suites, executive suites and a grand presidential suite – the hotel offers a variety of plus accommodations for business travellers. Facilities include a rooftop bar with panoramic views, fitness centre, large outdoor swimming pool and the Breeze Spa for relaxation after a busy day. 

For business meetings and corporate events, Amari Vientiane boasts a Grand Ballroom that can accommodate up to 540 guests, making it an ideal venue for conferences, banquets, product launches, and networking events. In addition, multiple meeting rooms equipped with the latest technology offer flexible spaces for workshops, board meetings, and private gatherings.

Dining options include the Amaya Food Gallery, which offers a vibrant atmosphere with live cooking stations that serve Laotian and international cuisine. An executive private dining area with a view of the Mekong offers an impressive spot for networking lunches and business dinners. Meanwhile, Maitree Bar offers coffee and fresh pastries in the day and transforms into a vibrant hub at night, great for socialising, as guests can enjoy cocktails and fine wines accompanied by live entertainment. 

A scenic retreat for corporate gatherings at Amari Vang Vieng

Located in Laos’ adventure hub, Amari Vang Vieng offers a refreshing alternative for corporate retreats, incentive trips, and executive getaways. Overlooking the picturesque Song River and surrounded by majestic limestone mountains, this full-service hotel delivers both tranquillity and modern convenience. 

With more than 160 rooms, including superior rooms and executive one-bedroom suites, Amari Vang Vieng ensures a comfortable stay with contemporary interiors and large windows that showcase the scenery beyond. 

Essence Restaurant serves a diverse menu of Laotian, Thai, and international dishes in a refined setting, perfect for business luncheons and group dining. Or have casual meetings over coffee at Cascade at the Lobby Lounge. 

Incentive groups keen to organise activities can take advantage of Amari Vang Vieng’s location to stay while they enjoy a range of outdoor activities that the city is known for. Planners will be spoilt for choice when deciding on their itinerary as they can choose from kayaking, take a slow boat down the Song river, go hot air ballooning, or explore the various caves. 

Seamless connectivity

The accessibility of Amari Vientiane and Amari Vang Vieng further makes them convenient choices for corporate travellers from the region.

Amari Vientiane is just 4.8 km from Wattay International Airport, making it a short drive away after long flights. 

More recently, the opening of high-speed rail services between Vientiane and Vang Vieng last year connects both cities and a bus service from Bangkok Central Station to Vientiane Station (Khamsavath) in Laos improves accessibility for those travelling from Thailand. 

For more information, visit Amari Hotels & Resorts.

IMEX Frankfurt taps into business needs of 2025

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Delegates at the education sessions

Brought to you by IMEX Frankfurt

Delegates at the education sessions

Registration is now live for IMEX Frankfurt 2025, taking place from May 20 to 22. The 2025 edition of the show is set to bring the needs of today’s event professionals into sharp focus. 

Rapid technological change, economic uncertainty, demographic shifts and the drive for sustainability are all set to shape the world this year with the resulting impact felt across the business events industry.

Through a series of improvements across customer service, event design and the education offering, IMEX Frankfurt has been reimagined to ensure event professionals have new skills, knowledge and contacts to respond to both global and regional changes.

One constant remains: delivering business value sits at the heart of the show, with IMEX continuing to invest in a new and dedicated customer service team and technology to ensure a friction-free and time efficient experience from start to finish. 

The show brings buyers face-to-face with a broad range of international suppliers, and is designed to make meeting new destinations, new venues and new partners both straightforward and fun.   

Impact-driven

The driving force behind much of the show’s experiential content is the new Talking Point for 2025: Impact 2.0 – Activating the Future. This has been developed to address the current global climate and with a firm focus on taking positive action and using events to make real, lasting change happen. 

A dedicated education track, plus many of the show’s activations, have all been designed to galvanise event professionals into taking positive action. Impact is one of nine learning tracks forming part of a revamped education program of 150+ sessions. 

This includes new – and very current – areas of focus such as Design Matters as well as Leadership and Culture (where the speakers are shining examples of extreme leadership – expect more details soon). All learning tracks focus on sharing insights that are meaningful, applicable, ROI-driven and often surprising.

“Live experiences hold significant currency in 2025. When everything can be clicked, streamed or viewed online, it’s the real-life moments that many people crave. IRL (in real life) experiences are not only an important way to establish trust and nourish our need for social connection, but they enable us to immerse ourselves in a community of common interests,” said Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group.

“The latest iteration of our show has been shaped by our fundamental human needs and will help event professionals to deliver more positive business impact, build powerful global relationships and – let’s not forget – have fun!”

Registration for the event is now open. IMEX Frankfurt takes place at Messe Frankfurt from May 20 to 22, 2025.  More details about the show’s learning programme, including dedicated education for association and corporate planners, can be found at IMEX Frankfurt

Inbound business travel to China gains momentum as visa restrictions ease

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Immigration at Beijing Daxing International Airport

China’s inbound corporate travel market is showing strong recovery, largely thanks to the Chinese government’s recent visa-exemption policies, which have made it easier for corporate travellers to enter the country.

Calvin Xie, general manager Greater China, FCM Travel, observed that “more companies are considering China as a MICE destination thanks to the (30-day) visa-exemption policy, which now covers 38 countries (such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Japan) since 2024”.

Immigration at Beijing Daxing International Airport

Flight Centre Travel Group has chosen to hold its ANZ leadership conference in Shanghai in October 2024. It flew 170 senior leaders from Australia and New Zealand into the city.

In addition to the visa exemption policy for 38 countries, the Chinese government also rolled out a 240-hour visa-free transit policy that covers 54 countries – such as Canada and UK – since December 2024.

Jonathan Kao, managing director North Asia, BCD Travel, agreed there has been a “notable resurgence in business-related travel”.

He said: “The extended visa-free arrangements and simplified application procedures, though not specifically tailored for corporate travel, are extremely beneficial for business travellers.”

As last-minute business trips are “quite common”, simplified visa processes and visa-free policies mean employees can easily arrange trips to China without the previous “complex and time-consuming” procedures, Kao noted.

BCD Travel has seen an uptick in enquiries and bookings to major economic hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, while Japan and South Korea are significant Asian sources of inbound corporate travel to China. From Europe, Germany and the UK are key markets. German companies, especially those in the automotive and industrial machinery sectors, as well as UK-based financial institutions and technology firms, contribute substantially to corporate travel volume.

At FCM Travel, high-technology and financial sectors do well, Xie pointed out.

Martin Go, growth manager, TruTrip, has seen an uptick in business travel from Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Thailand to China, with travellers representing various sectors such as semiconductor, professional services, insurtech, and distribution and engineering.

Xie said the overseas expansion of Chinese companies is driving stronger outbound corporate travel from China than inbound.

“However, as inbound leisure travel keeps stimulating the economic recovery of China, it will potentially drive up corporate travel volume into China at a later stage in 2025,” he added.

TMC representatives say business travel to China comes with its challenges.

Xie opined that the relatively high cost of travel within China’s major Tier One cities, as compared to South-east Asia, persistent cultural and language differences, and varying payment systems continue to create obstacles for international business travellers.

Kao warned of “tough competition” from other destinations around the world.

“Countries like Singapore, Vietnam, and some European cities also offer attractive business environments, with their own set of incentives and advantages. China needs to continuously highlight its unique selling points, such as its large domestic market, advanced technological capabilities, and rich talent pool, to differentiate itself from competitors,” he elaborated.

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