Mega stars to descend on Singapore F1 races this September
Race promoter Singapore GP has unveiled a stunning entertainment line-up for the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2024 this September, with big names such as OneRepublic, Kylie Minogue, Lenny Kravitz, Disclosure (DJ), The Corrs, Kool & the Gang, Tones & I, and BabyMonster set to fire up trackside action.
Visitors to the races can expect over 100 hours of entertainment across 12 stages.
These global big names will take to the stage across the three-day races. OneRepublic will perform on September 20 at Zone 4 Padang Stage, while The Corrs will take over Zone 1 Wharf Stage on September 21.
The entertainment line-up also features other international acts such as Dean Lewis (Australia), MOS (Japan), Rangga Jones (Indonesia), and The Astronauts (Singapore),
The full entertainment schedule is available on the event website.
Additional tickets have been released with single-day walkabout tickets now available.
The Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2024 will take place from September 20 to 22.
Langham Hospitality Group appoints new China SVP
Langham Hospitality Group has named Jack Xiao as its new senior vice president – operations, China.
Based at the Shanghai office, Xiao will oversee the group’s mainland China portfolio of hotels and resorts while also supervising the functional teams for the market, including sales, revenue, F&B, HR, finance, marketing, and design and technical services.
He brings a wealth of experience to the role having worked with Accor, Wanda Hotels & Resorts, Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Yongle Huazhu.
Expanding Malaysia’s event horizons
As the new president, what are your key priorities for the business events industry?
My key priorities are to build upon the past successes of past presidents and committees of the Malaysian Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (MACEOS), and to implement the Strategic Roadmap 2022-2030, which I helped to develop.
The first phase, the recovery from the pandemic, is now over. We are currently in the second phase, where business events are vital for economic development and nation-building. My priority is to create a unified vision within the industry, viewing business events not merely as standalone enterprises but as integral parts of the country’s economic development and nation-building efforts. This aligns with both federal and state government initiatives to develop Malaysia.
We aim to support these government efforts by attracting international events, conferences, and exhibitions to Malaysia and developing homegrown events that contribute to both national and state-level development.
How do you plan to further advance MACEOS and create more opportunities for members?
A way to create more opportunities is to expand the market size of business events, so that all our members across the country can benefit from the growth. A key strategy to do this is to further develop business events in secondary cities, outside of Kuala Lumpur.
According to the ICCA Asia Pacific ranking in 2023, Kuala Lumpur was ranked seventh with 52 in-person association meetings, while Kuching was ranked 18 with 23 meetings, while Penang was ranked 63 with six meetings.
While we also aim to improve Kuala Lumpur’s ranking, there are significant opportunities to develop Penang, Kuching, and new business event cities like Kota Kinabalu, which already has good infrastructure for hosting business events.
By developing secondary cities for business events which includes capacity building through training programmes, we can diversify and strengthen Malaysia’s position as a leading destination for business events, benefiting all our members. MACEOS has also been working hard to develop more trained professionals in organising conventions and exhibitions.
What trends and developments do you foresee shaping the business events industry in Asia over the next five years?
Asia faces a landscape fraught with geopolitical uncertainties, signalling a departure from business as usual. Despite these challenges, they also present new opportunities for stakeholders. Geopolitical shifts may prompt businesses in North Asia to explore relocation within the region. It is crucial to closely monitor these developments and align business events accordingly.
Furthermore, the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to significantly impact business events. Therefore, industry professionals must grasp AI advancements to further enhance service delivery and boost event productivity. However, as we embrace technology, there is a risk of undermining Asia’s distinct cultural strengths if we overly prioritise automation over human interaction. Thus, navigating these dual dynamics of geopolitical change and technological advancement will be pivotal for shaping the future of business events in Asia.
What factors contribute to Malaysia being perceived as an attractive destination for business events?
Malaysia’s unique selling proposition lies in its exceptional value for money. The country boasts top-tier infrastructure, and its business event suppliers are world-class.
I hope the Malaysian government will consider continuing the visa-on-arrival for Indians and Chinese citizens, as it will make it very easy for business event attendees from these two large countries to travel to Malaysia to attend events here.
What steps is MACEOS taking to promote sustainability within the industry?
We have designated this responsibility to our three highly capable vice presidents. Each vice-president is accountable for incorporating sustainability into their respective programmes.
One of the vice presidents, Yusno Yunos, who leads the Innovation portfolio, also oversees sustainability initiatives, as innovation and sustainability goals go hand in hand. The other vice presidents support Yusno’s efforts, ensuring a collaborative approach.
There is already a wealth of training and knowledge-sharing activities happening within MACEOS on this critical subject. But it is not just MACEOS taking the lead; event venues, organisers, suppliers, and the entire ecosystem focus on sustainability. The industry’s overall impact will naturally improve as these stakeholders collectively embrace sustainable practices.
What are the business events developments in Malaysia that you are particularly excited about?
Previously, business events venues were concentrated primarily in the Klang Valley. However, there have been exciting new developments across the country. Penang is launching the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre, and Kota Kinabalu now boasts the impressive Sabah International Convention Centre. Additionally, the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching has plans to double its size.
The government also recognises the significance of the business events industry and is engaging in discussions to advance it further. My vision is for MACEOS to actively facilitate the development of the business events industry in Malaysia, ensuring it continues to grow and thrive across the nation and in cooperation with our South-east Asian neighbours.
ICCA sets course for Porto and Panama City
The ICCA Board has selected Porto, Portugal, and Panama City as the next two destinations for the ICCA Congress.
Porto will host ICCA Congress from November 9-12, 2025, while Panama City will host the following year’s from November 8-11, 2026.
Luís Pedro Martins, president of the Porto and North of Portugal Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), is looking forward to welcoming the ICCA Congress to Porto next year, as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Porto and North of Portugal CVB.
Similarly, Fernando Fondevila, CEO of PROMTUR Panama, a destination marketing agency for Panama, is also thrilled to be chosen for the 2026 event. Panama City is the only ICCA partner in Latin America, and will also be home to ICCA’s next Regional Office.
In a press release, the association declared that “both cities are excellent examples of locations that not only support ICCA’s vision of a more sustainable meetings and events industry, but have developed impressive infrastructure and facilities that will enhance everyone’s enjoyment of Congress”.
ICCA will share more details in due time.
Raffles Hotels & Resorts debuts in Tokyo
Raffles Hotels & Resorts, alongside World Trade Center Building and Tokyo Tatemono, has announced plans to introduce the storied brand in Tokyo, Japan.
Slated to open in 2028, Raffles Tokyo is part of the redevelopment of the iconic World Trade Center in the Hamamatsuchō district, and will occupy the top 46 floors of the building.
The hotel will be in close proximity to some of city’s most notable landmarks including Tokyo Tower, the Roppongi Museum, and Rainbow Bridge, and have direct access to Hamamatsuchō station. Boasting panoramic city views, the hotel will feature 130 guestrooms, including 27 suites, six F&B outlets, a fitness studio, swimming pool, spa and bathhouse, as well as event spaces.
“We are delighted to grow the Raffles global family with Raffles Tokyo, which will feature the brand’s world-renowned hallmarks including personalised Butler Service and an inspiring environment where anything is possible for our guests. World Trade Center Building and Tokyo Tatemono are likeminded partners that share our vision for delivering luxury hospitality at the highest level, and we look forward to unveiling a new urban icon in one of the world’s most vibrant and culturally significant cities,” said Omer Acar, CEO, Raffles Hotels & Resorts.
Plaza Premium Group unveils new airport lounge in South-western China
Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has completed its expansion project in Chongqing, China with the opening of its third Plaza Premium Lounge, which is integrated with an airport dining establishment, Jon Ramen, at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport.
This new lounge marks PPG’s third location in the airport, and follows the previous openings of the first Plaza Premium Lounge and Jon Ramen at Pier E, Domestic Departures in November 2023 and the second one at Pier H, International Departures in April 2024.
The newly-opened lounge is located on the fifth floor of the departure level in Terminal T3A landside, behind Check-in Counter 3C, spanning 185m² and accommodating up to 35 guests. Unlike traditional lounges, PPG has partnered with a renowned ramen chain in China for the first time, housing both Plaza Premium Lounge and Jon Ramen under one roof.
The lounge features comfortable sofa seating, work environment, flight information displays, charging facilities, and a multi-functional meeting room capable of hosting up to 22 people.
To create a holistic journey for travellers, PPG will establish a professional concierge team at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, offering comprehensive services to complement the Plaza Premium Lounge experience, including paid transit services, baggage handling, fast-track security, and customised travel assistance for special needs passengers.
Additionally, PPG will soon introduce buggy car service at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport to enhance passenger experience.
Reverse mentoring and embracing DEI key to retaining and hiring talent: experts
Talent development advocates at last week’s Singapore MICE Forum (SMF) urged the events industry to pay it forward, audit hiring processes, and change mindsets in the war to attract staff and retain them.
They also called for the need to coach and mentor, embrace reverse mentoring, update outdated HR practices and employ journey mapping in the hiring process, during The Need for Talent Development: Investing in People for Excellence panel session.
According to Nisha Abu Bakar, co-founder World WomenTourism and founder of Elevated Consultancy and Training, mentors can help mentees expand their networks, build relationships, and gain access to valuable resources and opportunities. Mentors can also help mentees explore their growth prospects, and set meaningful goals for their professional development.
Reverse mentoring, she explained, is leadership adopting the “culture of learning and adaptability… the growth mindset among the young”, which only 12 per cent of businesses have a formal process for.
During her presentation prior to the panel discussion, Abu Bakar relayed examples of how companies such as Deloitte and the Human Capital Institute have resulted in higher employee satisfaction and loyalty; higher employee engagement and retention rates; development of future leaders; enhanced productivity and revenue growth; and promotion and progression.
In response to panel moderator and SMF chair Ian Wu’s call to pay it forward when acquiring talent, Neeta Lachmandas, founder, ConsciousService, pointed out that the events industry is interesting and exciting because it involves creation and innovation – concepts that appeal to the young – and should be played up.
Frank Koo, founder and director, Nexplay, commented that beyond credentials, the events industry should attract those who are agile, flexible, and have transferable technical skills.
For today’s talents that value DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) and realise the economic impact of the events industry, an organisation that is purpose-driven may also find it easier to attract and hire, Edward Chew, director, service development, employment, SG Enable, a Singapore agency dedicated to enabling persons with disabilities, pointed out.
Lachmandas noted SMEs, which make up the majority of companies in the events ecosystem, need to understand the importance of journey mapping – a visualisation document that showcases the steps in trying to accomplish a goal – for hiring. Executives involved in hiring also need to make a good first impression in communicating the company’s brand and vision, and follow through with onboarding.
She added that if employers give employees who want to grow new opportunities, even if they leave after two or three years, it is still “not a bad equation” in terms of their contribution.
The events industry, she observed, should position the roles to be filled by appealing to talent who are keen on problem-solving, “self aware and understand their strengths and weaknesses”, can manage their emotions and like “systematic thinking interdependency”.
Singapore MICE industry celebrates excellence at awards night
The winners of the Singapore MICE Awards (SMA) were announced last Thursday during a gala dinner at Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, in celebration of the achievements and contributions made towards Singapore’s business events industry.
Organised by Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS), there were a total of 18 award categories this year – up from 10 at the inaugural SMA last year – such as Medium Trade Show of the Year, Exhibition Booth Design of the Year, and Caterer of the Year.
Winners included Marina Bay Sands, which picked up Venue of the Year for the second year running; Gevme, which picked up Event Tech Company of the Year; while Consteller (Singapore Expo), Fairmont Singapore & Swissôtel The Stamford, and Kingsmen Exhibits picked up awards for their sustainability initiatives.
Meanwhile, the Large Trade Show of the Year went to Singapore FinTech Festival 2023 by Constellar Exhibition, while Business Event of the Year was won by Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) 2023 by MP Singapore and Enterprise Singapore. Shangri-La Singapore was also recognised as Hotel Venue of the Year.
The judging process involved industry experts from around the world, representing diverse backgrounds and perspectives. The winners of the SMA were determined based on the collective average scores and valuable inputs from the esteemed panel of judges.
Beyond recognising and inspiring excellence in business events, the awards strive to build industry recognition and credibility, drive industry growth and development, and provide a platform for sharing of best practices among business professionals in Singapore and the region.
Tall Ship Adventures unveils new venues, extends MoU with ITE
Tall Ship Adventures (TSA), owner-operator of the renowned Royal Albatross – Asia’s only luxury tall ship – has unveiled three new products suitable for corporate events, as well as extended its partnership with Institute of Technical Education (ITE)
The first is Southern Albatross, a new 50-seater twin-hull fast boat that offers a 60-minute ride that cruises along the Sentosa coast, and around the Southern Islands.
Next, a 2,697m2 Balinese-style venue overlooking the water has been set up. Designed to host corporate and special events for up to 200, the venue offers team-bonding activities, customised catering, and barbecues.
During the day, the Royal Albatross will also be transformed into a dockside bar and restaurant before setting sail for its scheduled dine-and- sail programmes.
TSA and ITE has also officially entered into a fourth Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for another three years. This renewal, marking a decade-long partnership that began in 2015, aims to further enhance career and internship placement for ITE students.
Under the MoU, valued at close to S$250,000 (US$186,080), TSA will provide 16 scholarships annually to ITE students enrolled in the Higher Nitec in Passenger Services course. These scholarships will cover training fees and allowance, enabling students to attain the Royal Albatross Passenger Handling Certificate and the Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) Food Safety certification.
Additionally, TSA will offer industry attachment opportunities to ITE students and staff, equipping students with essential skills in crewing, passenger handling and safety during internships, and staff with up-to- date industry insights.
Low Khah Gek, CEO of ITE, remarked: “Our partnership with Tall Ship Adventures empowers our students to build their careers in the tourism sector. By bringing the classroom to the decks of the Royal Albatross, we provide students with the opportunity to learn through practical experience, helping them to foster a deeper understanding of industry standards and cultivate the necessary skill sets to thrive in this dynamic environment.”
Since the first MoU in January 2015, the partnership has successfully engaged over 120 ITE students in the Passenger Services course.
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Shanghai Pudong International Airport, recognised as one of the busiest international hub in China, will install SITA’s common-use self-service bag drops (SBD) and kiosks for foreign airlines and their passengers to speed up passenger processing.
Half of the airport’s total passenger traffic is made up of international travellers, and numbers are set to rise as more international routes reopen post-pandemic. As such, there is a pressing need for faster and easier operations at the airport.
The contract will see the deployment of 52 kiosks and 14 SBDs across the airport, allowing international passengers to independently check in early before counters open.
Coming up next, SITA will work with Shanghai Pudong airport to enhance end-to-end self-services through a low-touch, safe environment, which is also in line with the airport’s digital transformation strategy.
Sumesh Patel, president, SITA APAC, said: “As air travel booms globally, and airports see a massive surge in travellers, there is an increased need for technology that can speed up the boarding process, reducing delays and traffic for passengers.”