MyCEB’s Azman Haji Tambi Chik (on the left with blue folder) and CCS' Mohamad Shahren Mohamad Yusri (on the right with blue folder) at the signing
The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Centexs Commercial Services (CCS), a Sarawak government agency, to elevate the country’s business events sector.
This collaboration aims to leverage Malaysia’s cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit for sustainable growth. MyCEB will utilise its network to promote products from Sarawak’s local businesses and enhance the skills of Sarawak’s youth.
MyCEB’s Azman Haji Tambi Chik (on the left with blue folder) and CCS’ Mohamad Shahren Mohamad Yusri (on the right with blue folder) at the signing
The partnership involves co-developing training programmes, sharing market insights, and exploring innovative event experiences. MyCEB CEO Azman Haji Tambi Chik expressed his excitement about the collaboration’s potential to unlock new opportunities and showcase Malaysia’s talent on the global stage.
Mohamad Shahren Mohamad Yusri, general manager of CCS, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the opportunity to empower local entrepreneurs and showcase Malaysia’s culture. This initiative aligns with MyCEB’s mission to position Malaysia as a dynamic hub for business events.
During the same visit to Sarawak, MyCEB’s additional activities included industry dinners with local stakeholders, and participation in the Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen 2024 conference to highlight Malaysia’s sustainability efforts.
The Winnow system allows the hotel to implement targeted strategies to pinpoint food waste streams from kitchen production
To combat food wastage from hotel buffets and events, Hilton Singapore Orchard has deployed a Winnow System, an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that uses a motion camera to accurately measure and track food waste in real-time.
Winnow collects detailed data on the types and quantities of discarded food, providing the hotel’s kitchens with actionable insights.
The Winnow system allows the hotel to implement targeted strategies to pinpoint food waste streams from kitchen production
“By analysing this data, we can identify patterns and pinpoint areas where waste occurs, allowing us to optimise food preparation during kitchen production and in return, reduce costs and food waste,” Rupert Hallam, general manager, Hilton Singapore Orchard, shared with TTGmice.
For instance, Estate, the hotel’s all-day dining buffet, uses Winnow’s insights to adjust quantities of food prepared, ensuring it meets guests’ demands without overproducing. Similarly, the culinary team can plan menus and portions more precisely for events and banquets, reducing food surplus.
Hallam added: “Our goal is to reduce overproduction and food waste by 30 per cent by the end of the year. Aside from the Winnow system, we are focusing on our kitchens’ production – particularly the cold kitchen – which produces a larger amount of fruit and vegetable trimmings. These trimmings and peels are often repurposed into stocks, sauces, or garnishes, ensuring that we utilise every part of the ingredient.”
Hilton Singapore Orchard also boasts an Eco-Wiz Digester on property, where food waste is decomposed and filtered into non-potable water which can be safely disposed of in the sewers, while maintaining optimal levels of aeration, moisture and temperature.
Other sustainability measures the property has in place include in-room motion sensors to conserve electricity, an onsite water filtration plant and bottling system, and a commitment to source local produce where possible.
Event planners can be assured that events held at the property will be sustainable, thanks to its Meet with Purpose programme, which aims to create meaningful change for both meeting attendees and communities by integrating social and environmental considerations into events.
Hallam added: “Hilton Singapore Orchard has also implemented a Meeting Impact Calculator, with the option of purchasing carbon offsets. Based on 2023’s data from the Meeting Impact Calculator, a total of 54.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions were offset at no cost to the events.”
Hilton Singapore Orchard is currently in talks with Farmd, an indoor vertical farm in Singapore that carries over 40 seed varieties from around the world, which can be grown and harvested locally in a sustainable and controlled environment while maintaining flavours and nutritional value.
“We are aiming to introduce this by 3Q2024,” said Hallam.
The property itself has been certified with “Green Mark Gold” by the Building and Construction Authority in Singapore since its opening in 2022. This year, Hilton Singapore Orchard is working towards achieving “Green Mark Platinum” – an even higher accolade, as well as being certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
Hilton Singapore Orchard is the first and largest Hilton property in Singapore to partner with Winnow. The hotel group plans to implement Winnow’s AI technology across 20 more properties in South-east Asia this year. Properties that already have Winnow installed include Conrad Bali, Doubletree by Hilton Shah Alam i-City, and Hilton Kuala Lumpur.
Evexus, an event management software solution from Australia, will launch in Asia-Pacific on July 4, 2024.
Designed by industry experts, evexus leverages AI, sequential registration, and pay-first billing to address the needs of modern event management.
The evexus team
Supported by venture capital firms AirTree Ventures and Skip Capital, evexus was initially developed in 2018 as an internal tool for registration, live streaming, and video-on-demand hosting. Today, evexus has grown into a comprehensive solution that aims to streamline the process and reduce risks.
Evexus offers a central events hub for managing diverse event types, from in-person conferences to webinars, enhancing reach and personalisation. It features an innovative sequential registration system with cloning and drag-and-drop form builders, saving significant time for event planners.
Key features include intuitive registration, branded event websites, real-time programme management, a mobile app, and QR code-based check-in. Attendees benefit from digital posters, webinars, automated CPD tracking, and more.
The platform also supports live translation, e-poster terminals, AI-assisted builds, and gamification, enhancing engagement and interaction. Additionally, it facilitates sponsor promotion, on-demand content, data insights, and real-time live streaming.
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has secured ISO certifications for both quality management and food safety, on the heels of achieving Toitū Envirocare’s internationally-recognised standards of measuring, managing and reducing lifecycle emissions from its operations.
ISO 9001:2015 certification reflects Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre’s commitment to performance improvement, measured under seven quality management principles, including customer focus, leadership, engagement of people, process approach, improvements, evidence-based decision making and relationship management. Meanwhile, ISO 22000:2018 is the international standard for food safety, demonstrating the ability of Te Pae Christchurch to operate a high-quality food safety management system.
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre general manager Ross Steele stated that these two new international certifications demonstrate Te Pae Christchurch’s dedication to exceeding customer expectations across all aspects of event hosting.
Regular audits will be conducted to ensure Te Pae Christchurch maintains these high standards.
With its strong economy, strategic central location in Southeast Asia, and increasing reputation as a business hub, Vietnam has emerged as a key destination for events and conferences.
From world-class event venues to international hotel openings, coupled with the government’s push to promote tourism, including its MICE sector, which is set to be a key revenue generator, Vietnam has much to offer planners who want to hold events in the country.
Catering to this growing demand is Marriott International, with its strategically located hotels across the country, each with their own unique offerings. Its mission of “Your Vision, Our Commitment” aims to bring customers’ events to reality.
Hanoi: Luxurious offerings
Poised to tap on this growth is the 450-key JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi, which has been welcoming guests since 2013. Located adjacent to the National Convention Center, the modern style architecture of the hotel, designed by renowned American architect Carlos Zapata, is inspired by the dragon and Vietnam’s stunning coastline.
For meetings and events, it offers extensive facilities, including 17 versatile rooms, two newly refurbished ballrooms with the latest technology, and expansive foyer areas — all located on a single floor. The hotel boasts 2,400m²of meeting space and 2,600m² of pre-function areas that ensure flexibility for any event.
Additionally, guests can unwind at the spa, fitness centre, swimming pool, or the serene JW Lakeside Gardens, the city’s only hotel with a lakeside setting, offering peaceful areas to relax and reflect amidst lush greenery and tranquil water features.
Da Nang: Business by the beach
Sheraton Grand Danang Resort’s Pool Lawn provides a sophisticated setting
Nestled on Vietnam’s central coast, the 258-room Sheraton Grand Danang Resort & Convention Center can host events of all scales, from corporate conferences, gala dinners to team-building retreats.
The resort boasts 3,300m² of contemporary event space in its own conference centre building, supported by state-of-the-art audio-visual technology, caters to all event types, including intimate beachfront sessions and grand corporate showcases.
With one of the largest ballrooms in Danang, the resort’s pillar-free Grand Ballroom with 10m-high ceilings can host up to 1,000 guests, while its 13 versatile meeting spaces are equipped with the necessary technology, ensure productive and seamless events. Additionally, it offers Danang’s only dedicated group check-in area, enhancing convenience for arriving guests.
Elegant outdoor venues like the Pool Lawn, Beach Lawn and Upper Deck, along with the scenic Non Nuoc Beach, offer sophisticated settings for cocktail receptions and alfresco gatherings overlooking the sea.
Ho Chi Minh: Shining bright
Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel is strategically located near to Ho Chi Minh’s popular attractions
Named as Asia’s Best MICE Destination 2023 for the fourth consecutive year at the 4th annual World MICE Awards held in March 2024, Ho Chi Minh’s appeal continues to stand strong.
A testament to the city’s appeal is the Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel, an iconic landmark at the intersection of the bustling Dong Khoi and Dong Du streets. Its 485 rooms and suites provide views of the vibrant city or Saigon River.
For events and meetings, the hotel boasts 14 event rooms, a pillarless ballroom, 17 breakout rooms, and a total of 2,200m² of event space, equipped with modern amenities for meetings.
Its prime location offers guests easy access to renowned attractions such as the Saigon Opera House, Ben Thanh Market, War Remnants Museum, the Independence Palace, as well as a variety of shopping and entertainment options.
Ready to host your next meeting in Vietnam? Make a booking now and let Marriott Bonvoy bring your vision to life.
Minor Hotels has made two key promotions in Thailand at its Koh Samui and Koh Phangan resorts.
Ahmed Asim has been appointed as the new general manager of Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas, while Frederic Kolde takes on the role of general manager at Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort.
From left: Ahmed Asim and Frederic Kolde
Having started his career in hospitality in 2005, Asim was most recently the resort manager at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Hotel.
For Kolde, he joins Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort from Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel where was the hotel manager since 2023.
Gavin Maloney has been named as director of sales and marketing at Hyatt Regency Sydney.
With a career spanning over 25 years, he brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success with top luxury brands across four continents. He will lead the sales and marketing team at Hyatt Regency Sydney in his new role.
Throughout his career, Maloney has spearheaded transformative initiatives that have revitalised and repositioned several esteemed hotel brands across Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.
Amari Kuala Lumpur's Veria Ballroom can host up to 200 people
The Jadeite function room at Amari Spice Penang can be customised for different layouts
With their unique, vibrant cultures, modern infrastructure and strategic locations in Southeast Asia, Malaysia and Thailand are noteworthy MICE destinations in their own right.
For those considering organising events in these countries, there are a wealth of meeting venues and facilities available in Amari hotels, part of the Onyx Hospitality Group, across both countries.
Well-connected venues in Malaysia
The Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, boasts world-class convention centres and hotels.
Setting a new standard for business events is Amari Kuala Lumpur. Situated within the KL Eco City mixed-use development in the upscale Mid Valley district, the hotel offers easy access to major corporate offices, a retail mall, and rail hub with inter-city and inter-state rail connections.
For business meetings, stay at any of the Club Deluxe or Club One Bedroom Suites and get complimentary evening cocktails and use of the meeting rooms. Its flexible meeting rooms can accommodate small groups of 20 people, while its Veria Ballroom can host up to 200.
In the northern state of Penang, the Amari SPICE Penang is the largest business hotel in the area. Directly connected to the Setia SPICE Convention Centre and SPICE Arena, it offers seamless access to the world’s first hybrid solar-powered convention centre.
The hotel’s extensive facilities include a 240m² pillarless ballroom and six function rooms equipped with audio-visual equipment. These rooms can be transformed into various layouts depending on your event needs. The largest space, the Jadeite function room, can accommodate up to 250 people.
From city hub to beachside in Thailand
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Amari Bangkok's ballroom can host up to 1,200 guests
Amari Phuket is located in a quiet area of Patong Beach
Amari Pattaya's Beach Lawn sets the scene for a sublime outdoor event amidst the greenery
Neighbouring Thailand is another dynamic hub for business events, offering excellent transport connections, modern amenities and cultural experiences.
Amari Bangkok provides an elegant, luxurious setting venue for various occasions, be they banquets or corporate retreats. Located in the bustling Ratchaprasong district, the hotel blends contemporary design with Thai elements. Its versatile event spaces, including the Bangkok Ballroom, which accommodates up to 1,200 guests, and can be divided for smaller gatherings.
Beyond Bangkok, Thailand’s beachside towns provide scenic backdrops for memorable events, complete with luxurious resorts and state-of-the-art venues.
Amari Phuket, located on a secluded part of Patong Beach, offers a private paradise with stunning ocean views and easy access to water sports and local shopping. The hotel’s modern Thai decor and floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the breathtaking seascape. Exclusive lounge benefits are available for Coral Lounge and Club Suite guests, including daily breakfast and all-day refreshments.
Amari Phuket is ideal for various events, from small meetings to full-day conferences, offering both indoor and outdoor venues like the Voyager Lounge, Coral Roof Terrace, and the resort’s landmark, The Jetty, perfect for sunset gatherings and stargazing dinners.
On Thailand’s eastern coast lies Amari Pattaya, a lush resort that offers a tranquil environment amidst busy business meetings.
There is the pillarless Grand Ballroom at a spacious 584m² that can hold up to 700, while various event spaces such as meeting and function rooms can be customised to different layouts. Take the event outdoors to the Beach Lawn, which can hold 500 guests for a reception, or up to 1,000 for an evening of cocktails.
Each hotel also has a team of dedicated event planners on hand to carefully plan and execute events according to different needs.
Looking for a space for your next event? Contact onyx.sales@onyx-hospitality.com for a special offer now.
TFE Hotels has announced several key hotel general manager appointments across its Adina, Vibe and Travelodge network in Australia and New Zealand.
Having been with TFE Hotels for 15 years, Shaarn Letele is the new hotel general manager of the soon-to-be-refurbished Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour.
From left: Annabell Javinez, Shaarn Letele, and Frances Ryall
Frances Ryall joins TFE Hotels fresh from a stint with IHG, where she was operations manager of Crowne Plaza Coogee. She will head as hotel general manager at Vibe North Sydney.
Meanwhile, Arthur Rojas, who started his career with TFE in 2011, has been named cluster general manager of Travelodge Melbourne Docklands and Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Southbank.
In Auckland, New Zealand, Annabell Javinez takes on the role as general manager of Travelodge Hotel Auckland Wynyard Quarter, while Suzanne Pentecost has been appointed general manager of the 164-key Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart.
Just 10 minutes from Phuket International Airport on the serene northern coast, this 178-key, Bill Bensley-designed resort offers delegates a quiet, tropical paradise steeped in Phuket’s tin-mining heritage
The newly-opened Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok anchors the One Bangkok development with cosmopolitan elegance. Featuring the city's largest ballroom and a spectacular new penthouse suite, it delivers exceptional hardware and deeply authentic, soulful service for business and leisure travellers alike
Behind the imposing, Brutalist concrete that defines Zurich’s Oerlikon district lies a surprising secret. While its exterior honours the neighbourhood’s industrial roots, stepping inside Mama Shelter reveals a vibrant, neon-soaked world that is a far cry from its rigid shell
Throughout his career, Maloney has spearheaded transformative initiatives that have revitalised and repositioned several esteemed hotel brands across Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.
Ponant has appointed Deb Corbett as CEO Asia Pacific.
Corbett has been with the company for seven years, and has amassed 30 years of experience in the industry.