Plaza Premium Group has appointed Syafrina Sharif as the global head of ESG & Sustainability, effective immediately.
An international sustainability expert with a proven track record of formulating and implementing impactful sustainability strategies and communications, training programmes, outreach initiatives as well as commercial engagements, Sharif has been actively promoting and leading the corporate sustainability agenda at engineering, construction and biotechnology multinational companies over the past decade.
Based in Kuala Lumpur, she has also been supporting the development of Malaysia’s National Planetary Health Action Plan.
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has recently installed two state-of-the-art LED screens in its Plenary, and installed new control panels in meeting rooms.
The new screens can double in size, where the wide-viewing angle and flexible configurations ensure everyone in the room has enhanced visibility of the content.
The two new screens in the Plenary
The new LED screens are also 50 per cent more energy-efficient, contributing to the venue’s energy reduction targets.
In addition to the upgraded Plenary screens, MCEC has installed new AMX control panels in all meeting rooms.
The control panels offer an improved functionality and user experience, allowing the presenter to control everything from room lights to blinds, room temperature, speaker volume and music selections. The new panels also have a light-sensing feature, catering to diverse event requirements.
MCEC’s in-house tech team offer full-service production capability including in-person, digital and hybrid events, audio, vision, multimedia, lighting and rigging solutions.
Auckland (pictured) continues to drive its tech and innovation sector
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) research will be on global display when the city hosts the 31st International Conference of Neural Information Processing 2024 (ICONIP) this December.
The conference, taking place at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) from December 2-6, 2024, is expected to attract more than 300 researchers, scientists, and industry professionals specialising in neuroscience, neural networks, deep learning, and related fields to share their new ideas, progresses and achievements.
Auckland (pictured) continues to drive its tech and innovation sector
The five-day programme will include technical sessions, tutorials, workshops, plenary/keynote and panel discussion sessions by leading researchers and professionals from both academia and industry, as well as awards to honour outstanding papers presented at this conference.
Last held in New Zealand in 2008, the conference is expected to deliver nearly NZ$600,000 (US$366,681) to Auckland’s economy.
Head of tech and innovation at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Marissa Brindley, said: “… Our thriving tech and innovation sector drives productivity and prosperity, delivering an impressive NZ$13.6 billion to the region’s GDP. Hosting ICONIP is a testament to our region’s prowess in this sector and contributes to Auckland being recognised as a globally competitive tech hub.”
The conference bid was led by Maryam Doborjeh, senior lecturer at AUT, with professor Michael Witbrock from the University of Auckland. Both will act as general chair for ICONIP 2024, alongside associate professor Mufti Mahmud from Nottingham Trent University in the UK.
Doborjeh added: “New Zealand has been leveraging AI technologies to enhance data analysis, predictive modelling, and decision-making processes across industries such as healthcare, finance, agriculture, transportation and many more.
“For example, AI-driven data modelling techniques have been utilised to analyse agricultural data for optimising crop yields and resource allocation, as well as in financial institutions for risk assessment and fraud detection. AI-driven health data modelling has also been developed for diagnosis and prognosis of health conditions.
This event was secured with bid and marketing support from Auckland Convention Bureau, a division of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, and Tourism New Zealand’s Conference Assistance Programme.
Kempinski Hotels has appointed Barbara Muckermann as its group CEO.
She joins from Silversea Cruises, which is part of the Royal Caribbean Group.
She has been in the hospitality industry for more than 25 years, during which she successfully expanded sales and profitability as well as significantly upgraded the guest and customer experience for leading global firms including Loro Piana, MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.
Secondary destinations in China like Hangzhou (pictured) are becoming more attractive to incentive planners from Malaysia
The Chinese government’s recent decision to extend visa-free travel for Malaysian citizens until the end of 2025 is set to ease the process for outbound event planners looking to promote Chinese destinations for business events.
Originally implemented on December 1, 2023, the 15-day visa-free policy was supposed to conclude on November 30, 2024.
Secondary destinations in China like Hangzhou (pictured) are becoming more attractive to incentive planners from Malaysia
Adam Kamal, director of Suka Travel & Tours, shared how the extension provides Malaysian travel companies with ample time to strategise their business event promotions and initiate client pitches for 2025. He noted that prior to the introduction of the visa-free travel policy in December 2023, obtaining a visa for travel to China was a cumbersome process with no guarantee of approval.
Looking ahead, Suka Travel plans to spotlight emerging destinations like Hangzhou, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Guilin for incentive groups in the upcoming year.
Meanwhile, Mint Leong, managing director of Sunflower Holidays, revealed that after the Chinese government made the announcement in early May, some companies have already started exploring the possibility of taking their incentive groups to second- and third-tier Chinese cities in 2025, due to improvements in air connectivity, as well as the appeal of the destinations itself.
Leong elaborated that while the majority of her incentive clients this year preferred first tier cities due to direct flights, quality hotels, and meeting facilities, there is a growing interest from small- and mid-sized companies to explore alternative destinations for next year’s incentive travel programmes.
Faeez Fadhlillah, CEO and co-founder of Tripfez Travel, described China as a value-for-money destination, citing comparatively lower ground costs compared to hosting events in Korea.
He shared that this year, his company has facilitated travel arrangements for Malaysian manufacturing companies expanding their operations in China, organising factory visits to their counterparts in the country. This is because with visa-free travel, business trips are no longer limited to top management only, Faeez noted. A rise in similar requests is also expected to surface next year.
The Global Startup Program in action. Photo: Tokyo Metropolitan Government
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has kicked off the Showcase Program of Sustainable High City Tech Tokyo (SusHi Tech Tokyo), an event expected to attract more than 500,000 domestic and international visitors.
Designed to showcase Tokyo-originated innovations for solving problems faced by urban areas globally, such as sustainability, energy and mobility, SusHi Tech Tokyo will run until May 26, 2024. In addition to the Showcase Program, which offers a model for urban living in the future by fusing nature and convenience, the event features a Global Startup Program and a City Leaders Program.
The Global Startup Program in action. Photo: Tokyo Metropolitan Government
The Showcase Program showcases life in Tokyo in 2050 through a range of interactive exhibits and demonstrations including cutting-edge mobility options for all abilities and state of the art technologies in renewable energy, environmental improvement and resource recycling. Visitors can also watch a flying vehicle on select days.
Keisuke Saito, director of policy research at the policy division office of the governor at Tokyo Metropolitan Government, told TTGmice that the Showcase Program, held in Odaiba and the capital’s waterfront area, is expected to attract many international tourists.
As part of SusHi Tech Tokyo, a Global Startup Program was held from May 15-16. The largest startup event in Asia, the event welcomed 40,000 participants, 4,000 representatives of startups and 400 exhibitors. Meanwhile, the City Leaders Program brought together experts from five continents to discuss problems and solutions from May 15-17.
Both programmes were designed to showcase Tokyo as a leading global business events destination, an important goal for the Japanese government which aims for Japan to become the top business events destination in Asia by 2030.
Delegates at the Australian Disability Network IMPACT Conference
The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) marked Global Accessibility Awareness Day (May 16) with a series of new collaborations and initiatives aimed at enhancing accessibility, inclusivity, and overall event experience.
These efforts, part of the venue’s Positive Impact Guide, come in response to growing demands for more welcoming and inclusive events. The recent Australian Disability Network IMPACT Conference further underscored MCEC’s commitment to inclusivity, showcasing their efforts in creating an engaging and inviting environment for all participants.
Delegates at the Australian Disability Network IMPACT Conference
The event featured accessible technology, Auslan interpreters, sensory rooms and accommodations for assistance animals, ensuring an inclusive experience for all participants. The catering options included tray service as well as table service, with a wide range of menu selections available at every station. For presenters with mobility needs, ramps leading up to the stages equipped with handles on each side allowed easy access.
Travellers Aid, a recent addition to MCEC’s Positive Impact Guide, operated a buggy service for attendees with mobility needs, ensuring everyone could easily travel to and from the conference.
MCEC also recently hosted the International Society for Autism Research Annual Meeting secured by the Melbourne Convention Bureau. At the event, one in 10 conference attendees identified as autistic.
To reduce sensory overload, stage lighting for keynote speakers was adjusted, meeting rooms were furnished with all black chairs, and hand dryers in the bathrooms have been switched off to minimise noise. There is also enough room for attendees to stand and walk at the back of the rooms without disrupting the session. A low sensory space was also available, offering a quiet and comfortable environment for attendees to take a break . A designated networking space for autistic researchers was also provided, allowing for more comfortable and inclusive interactions.
Prior to the event, MCEC team members also participated in an education workshop to understand how they can best support autistic attendees and ensure a positive experience for all.
Moving forward, MCEC is collaborating with Travellers Aid at the upcoming Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Conference, hosted by the Victorian Tourism Industry Council in August 2024, to provide a buggy service, motorised wheelchairs and personal care support for attendees.
PATA paid recognition to three tourism professionals and industry leaders, whose work has contributed to the overall development of Asia Pacific tourism and beyond, at the recent PATA Annual Summit 2024.
The PATA Life Membership was presented to Darren Ng, managing director, TTG Asia Media. As PATA’s highest individual honour, the award serves to recognise individuals for their leadership and dedication to the association.
(From left) PATA’s Peter Simone; AsiaChina’s Soon-Hwa Wong; OAG’s Mayur Patel; ECI Travel World’s Elizabeth M Chin; TTG Asia Media’s Darren Ng; and PATA’s Noor Ahmad Hamid
Ng served as the chairman of the PATA Singapore Chapter from 2008 to 2016 and is currently an advisor to the chapter. He has also been a council and advisory member of PATA, serving as an Industry council member, proxy member, and board member between 1990 and 2023. Currently, he holds a position on the Supervisory Board of PATA.
The PATA Award of Merit was presented to Elizabeth M Chin, executive director, PATA New York Chapter. This award is reserved for individuals who have consistently contributed to PATA and the PATA chapter network over an extended period of time.
Chin has played a pivotal role in the success of the PATA New York Chapter and supported numerous workings of the association as a whole. She began her professional journey as a corporate auditor, followed by over 25 years of diverse experiences across various industries, ranging from food service to entertainment. In 1986, Chin founded and has since served as the owner of ECI Travel World, providing travel experiences tailored to exploring destinations worldwide.
Mayur Patel, head of Asia, OAG, was presented with the PATA Chairman’s Award, reserved for individuals who have shown support, loyalty and dedication to the association and industry during their tenure.
Prior to joining OAG, Patel was with Amadeus. He also spent over seven years at IATA, in a variety of roles focused on aviation data solutions and services.
Meanwhile, PATA has appointed Soon-Hwa Wong, CEO of AsiaChina, its Ambassador for Greater China. He will work towards achieving the goals of PATA, facilitating collaboration among stakeholders in the travel and tourism industry, and enhancing the presence of PATA in Greater China.
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said: “PATA congratulates all four individuals on this sincere acknowledgement of their passion and leadership in ensuring the responsible development of travel and tourism in Asia Pacific and beyond. With their guidance, the association continues to grow and serve its purpose in supporting the industry. Their tireless efforts should inspire all of us as fellow tourism professionals to fulfil our roles in driving tourism forward.”
The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong recently held a half-day corporate fair in its Diamond Ballroom, where the event showcased the hotel’s event space, as well as featured eight vendors and their latest products and services that can enhance conference experiences.
Approximately 200 corporate professionals and event planners tried their hand at virtual reality-based teambuilding activities, AI-enhanced photo booths, and customised live printing on luggage tags. They also learnt about an onsite event registration system with tracking capabilities, as well as explored Sky100, the hotel’s partner venue situated on the 100th floor, the city’s highest event space.
Attendees crafting their luggage tag
The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong’s acting general manager, Anas Bencheqroun, said that this is the “first-ever initiative” in the industry.
“We considered what the market needs and how we can assist. In addition to showcasing our hotel services and meeting facilities, we also collaborate with third-party suppliers. This allows event planners to gain a comprehensive understanding of our hotel’s meeting capabilities and the latest corporate products available,” he elaborated.
Bencheqroun emphasised that the hotel aims to be a one-stop shop for clients, and offer unique experiences planners might not have considered in the first place.
“We will soon host another corporate fair focused on external catering. We began extending our services beyond the hotel three years ago, bringing our operations to corporate offices and museums,” he shared.
The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong also demonstrated its commitment to sustainability, integrating green practices into corporate events. For instance, the hotel partners with green vendor Plant Plant to recycle used wooden pallets into PAFCAL, a soil alternative made from sponge and ground matter. These non-soil plants are used in event floral arrangements and can be taken home by guests, reducing waste.
Bencheqroun also highlighted the importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors in corporate decision-making.
“Companies are increasingly choosing destinations based on ESG initiatives. Our non-soil plants, which can be customised and taken away after events, position us as a leader in green innovation within the hospitality industry.”
Taipei (pictured) wants to become better known in the longhaul market
The newly-built Taipei Dome – a multipurpose stadium in Xinyi District – recently opened its doors, adding to Taipei’s portfolio of mega event venues, and boosting business activities within the District.
Cheng Peng-Ching, section assistant, tourism development division with Taipei’s Department of Information and Tourism, told TTGmice during an interview at IMEX Frankfurt that the government has plans to market the venue for large exhibitions, as well as other cultural activities.
Taipei (pictured) wants to become better known in the longhaul market
Sogo City, a mixed-use retail area, is scheduled to start operations next to the dome in May, while a cinema is slated to open by end 2024. There will also be a 20-storey InterContinental hotel featuring 400 keys, and facilities such as restaurants, meeting spaces, and a swimming pool.
“There is so much potential for business events around the Taipei Dome, and the Taipei city government will continuously expand its business events infrastructure, providing more choices to event planners,” Cheng added.
New luxury hotels such as a Park Hyatt and Andaz, located within a 10-minute driving radius of the Taipei Dome and The Sky Taipei skyscraper, are also scheduled to come online by end 2024 or in early 2025.
For now, the Taipei Dome will focus on attracting events from the South-east Asian market, as Asian incentives are currently its strongest business events sector. Attracting the longhaul market, buoyed by its direct air links from Europe and US, will come at a later stage.
“We’re here at IMEX Frankfurt because there are still (event organisers) who are unfamiliar with Taipei, and what we can offer. The challenge we face is not having enough exposure (on the world stage),” she pointed out.
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Based in Kuala Lumpur, she has also been supporting the development of Malaysia’s National Planetary Health Action Plan.
She joins from Silversea Cruises, which is part of the Royal Caribbean Group.
She has been in the hospitality industry for more than 25 years, during which she successfully expanded sales and profitability as well as significantly upgraded the guest and customer experience for leading global firms including Loro Piana, MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.