Malaysia Airlines’ Corporate Carbon Programme takes flight
Malaysia Airlines has unveiled a Corporate Carbon Programme, making it the first airline in Malaysia to introduce such an initiative.
Climate tech company CHOOOSE will power the Corporate Carbon Programme, which marks a significant expansion following the airline’s voluntary carbon offset programme launched in June 2023.
Corporate clients will be able to access their company portal where they can estimate and manage their carbon footprints more accurately. Companies can also view detailed analytics on emission trends, access in-depth carbon project content, and track their cumulative support for selected climate projects, while addressing their Scope 3 emissions.
Additionally, they can contribute towards projects that are removing or reducing carbon emissions around the world.
The programme will soon be expanded to include Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) credits, allowing corporate clients to contribute actively to sustainable aviation practices.
Philip See, group chief sustainability officer at Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), said: “Extending our carbon programme to our corporate customers reaffirms MAG’s commitment to meeting net-zero targets and address carbon emissions; empowering corporate clients to take part in our sustainability journey in a meaningful way.
“We look forward to complementing the support of certified climate projects with the option to support SAF in the near future, recognising the crucial role it will play in decarbonising the aviation industry. By leveraging technology and partnerships, we hope to drive meaningful change in aviation guided by the MAG Sustainability Blueprint.”
FHA-Food & Beverage returns this April
FHA-Food & Beverage, Singapore’s biggest F&B tradeshow, will return to the Singapore EXPO next month.
Held from April 23-26, 2024, the show will boast 70 international pavilions. Show organiser, Informa Markets, anticipates the participation of over 1,500 exhibitors from 50 countries and regions, with an expected attendance of 60,000 attendees. There will be 12 core segments ranging from gastronomic innovations to sustainable practices.
This year, in joint collaboration with The German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, FHA-Food & Beverage has appointed Germany as the Country of Honour, where 37 exhibitors will be present within the Germany Pavilion, making it a substantial and historically biggest German participation. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend “German Day” presentations, wine-food pairings, and cooking shows.
This year edition will see the launch of an inaugural meat competition, in response to the volume of sales of meat in Singapore projected to reach 502,400 tonnes in 2026 from 411,100 tonnes in 2021.
Sponsored by the Meat & Livestock Australia, professional butchers and chefs can come together to challenge their craftsmanship and creative usage of beef and lamb. The competition will take place on April 24 and 25, and it aims to provide consumer education, as well as cooking ideas to promote beef and lamb consumption.
Back for a second instalment, the FHA Beer Awards 2024 seeks to showcase diversity and creativity of today’s brewing scene. Participants will be judged across 10 categories and winners of each category proceeding to participate in the Best of Show round.
Also in its second edition is Young Talents Escoffier – Singapore Selection. This competition serves as a platform for individuals under the age of 25 to showcase their culinary expertise.
For the first time at FHA-Food & Beverage, participants will receive accreditation from a distinguished panel of Michelin chefs in two categories: the Kitchen Category, featuring renowned chefs such as Emmanuel Stroobant of two-Michelin-star Saint Pierre, Jeremy Gillon of one-Michelin-star JAG, and more; and the Service Category, which includes sommeliers and wine professionals on the judging board.
Spice up an event at Uma Nota Manila
Event planners on the lookout for a fun and lively experience in metro Manila should consider Uma Nota Manila, a restaurant and bar that tempts with Brazilian-Japanese cuisine, eclectic interiors, and Rio carnival-inspired music.
Located at Shangri-La Hotel The Fort at Bonifacio Global City, this is the third Uma Nota after Hong Kong and Paris, and is founded by Hong Kong-based siblings Alexis and Laura Offe.
The menu is extensive and creative, from entrees of crispy tapioca with cheese squares and avocado sushi, to steaks with a twist and a black cod dish. Vegetarian, dairy, and gluten-friendly options are also available.
These items are paired can be paired with tipples – with a dash of humour and fun – such as a toasted coconut liqueur in a cup noodle-like receptacle or a drink mix pinned with the guest’s photo.
A dramatic hallway, hanging tree installation and playful lighting are some elements that help Uma Nota stand out. The space offers a standing capacity of 500 to 550 pax, or 174 pax seated. The event area can be split into four smaller spaces – The Living Room, The Bar, Meiji Room, and Tropicalia.
With music being an integral part of Uma Nota, the restaurant boasts a central DJ station and top-notch speaker system. Audiovisuals such as projector, speakers and screens can be provided on request.
Contact events.manila@uma-nota.com for more information like buyout prices, customisation of menus, and other special arrangements.
Jazeera Airways names new CEO
Jazeera Airways has appointed Barathan Pasupathi as its new chief executive officer. He takes over the role from Rohit Ramachandran, who will be stepping down after over seven years with the company.
He was formerly the chief financial officer of Jazeera Airways, and brings to his role over 30 years of experience in aviation, oil and gas, and supply chain management.
Before joining Jazeera Airways, Barathan was CEO of Jetstar Asia.
New indoor area to rise beside the Singapore Indoor Stadium
The Singapore Indoor Stadium, which has hosted many large-scale events since its opening on December 31, 1989, will soon be replaced with a new state-of-the-art indoor arena.
Plans for the new indoor stadium are still in the early stages, but Singapore’s minister for culture, community and youth, Edwin Tong, said in Parliament on March 7 that the venue will be constructed next to the current stadium, and boast a similar 12,000-seater capacity.
The current stadium will continue operating until the new arena is completed.
“Others around the region have refreshed their facilities, with new, modern indoor arenas that are state of the art. We believe that it is now an opportune time to develop a new indoor arena that will be among the best-in-class globally,” said Tong during his ministry’s Committee of Supply budget debate.
“We have gone around to study some of the best arenas in the world, to learn from them. We are considering an arena which can host more sophisticated events, can flexibly accommodate different types of events, have a faster turnaround time between different types of events, and offer greater value to spectators such as more varied hospitality suites, better seating and overall experience.”
The new indoor arena is the latest development in the government’s plan to transform the Kallang Alive precinct into one which is able to host world-class events.
SICC elevates standards with strategic alliances in hospitality and education
Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) has formalised partnerships with six hotels in Kota Kinabalu and North Borneo University College, marking a significant step towards enhancing hospitality services and educational opportunities.
The signing ceremonies took place at SICC during the Business Events Forum – BE in Sabah on March 1, in the presence of Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, deputy minister of tourism, arts and culture Malaysia.
A Memorandum of Agreement was first signed with six hotels in Sabah. They are Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Kota Kinabalu, Sutera Harbour Resort, Hilton Kota Kinabalu, Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu, Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu and Hotel Sixty3. These partnerships are poised to elevate the hospitality experience for visitors attending conventions, conferences, and events hosted at SICC.
Additionally, SICC has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with North Borneo University College, aiming to facilitate academic exchanges, research collaborations, and educational initiatives. This partnership underscores SICC’s dedication to promoting lifelong learning, professional development, and educational excellence, thereby contributing to the socio-economic advancement of Sabah.
By leveraging the collective expertise and resources of these esteemed establishments, SICC aims to provide attendees with unparalleled accommodation options and world-class amenities, thus ensuring memorable experiences for every guest.
Taipei leverages World Masters Games to boost business events
The Taipei City Government is banking on the hosting of the World Masters Games next year to raise its business events profile.
Held every four years, the World Masters Games is open to sports people of all abilities who are over 30 years of age, and governed by the International Masters Games Association.
Vincent Lu, subsection chief with the tourism development division, Department of Information and Tourism Taipei, told TTGmice: “This is Taipei government’s biggest project (for now). We expect to welcome more than 20,000 participants who will take part in sports from basketball to archery – because unlike the Olympics, you do not have to qualify for this event.”
Moreover, happening on the sidelines of the World Masters Games will be smaller-scale business events activities.
He added that Taipei has a proven track record of successfully hosting major international events. Upcoming events this year include the 2024 IEEE Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control Joint Symposium from September 22 to 26, which will see 2,000 participants, and Computex 2024 that will see 11,000 grace the floors at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center from June 4 to 7.
“We have 6,600 available rooms in Taipei, (and we) offer financial support and a one-stop service to help with the bidding, promotions, and site inspections, to entice event planners to consider Taiwan,” Lu noted.
Taipei’s International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) city ranking for 2022 was third in Asia-Pacific with 55 meetings, and 25th globally.
He added: “Singapore is a benchmark for us, seeing that the country is very strong in business events (Singapore was first in Asia-Pacific with 101 meetings in 2022). It is a very competitive market, but we are working towards being the first in Asia-Pacific.”
S Hotels and Resorts casts a wider MICE net
S Hotels and Resorts has already seen substantial success in leisure tourism for its Crossroads Maldives integrated resort, but the company envisions growing the business events sector by another five per cent in 2024.
Currently, leisure tourism makes up 95 per cent of Crossroads’ businesses, which provides a lot of room for growth, acknowledged Ludovic Gallerne, vice president global commerce, S Hotels and Resorts.
Gallerne told TTGmice: “The Maldives is still conventionally seen as a romantic destination for honeymooners and leisure tourists, and we are trying to change that perception. I was in Singapore recently to promote our properties, and I had people telling me they didn’t know Maldives was for MICE.
“We have so much to offer MICE guests. (Crossroads Maldives) boasts over 15 restaurants, conference facilities, a sustainability centre, and a cultural centre which offers guests insights into the country’s history.”
Hence for 2024, Gallerne shared that the company will be making its presence more known to the trade and “get out there” by participating in major tradeshows like IMEX Frankfurt, as well as hold its own roadshows in India, Thailand and Singapore, or in partnership with Hard Rock or Hilton properties. Crossroads Maldives is home to SAii Lagoon Maldives, which is under the Curio Collection by Hilton; and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives.
However, he understands that it will take another 12 to 18 months for S Hotels and Resorts to see the fruit of its marketing labour. Currently, S Hotels and Resorts works with local agencies that bring the business events in.
Last year, S Hotels and Resorts also opened an office in China, which has been a boon for business events. “In 2023, around 2,000 to 3,000 room nights during the season were filled by MICE groups from China. We aim to double our MICE numbers out of China this year,” he shred.
Gallerne added that SAii Laguna Phuket “did well in business events last year”, and as of March 2024, it has already exceeded expectations in the business events sector.
“As a whole, Thailand is doing well for business events. That is why we are looking to open a property in Bangkok, another key business events destination,” he stated.
Business travel trends 2024: How will we travel for business this year?
A full recovery in business travel spend is anticipated this year, with the market returning to levels last seen in 2019. Much has changed over the past five years: business travellers today are increasingly discerning when they travel, as they seek to derive the maximum value from each trip. New technologies, such as Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), can deliver an enhanced experience for those choosing to embark on a trip.
This Globetrender report, produced in association with Cytric Easy by Amadeus, reveals seven trends that will shape and define business travel in the coming 12 months. These trends are:
- AI PAs: The rise of “AI PAs” for corporate travellers, born from the Gen AI shift, streamlines travel tasks with intelligent, 24/7 assistance, handling everything from complex bookings to itinerary advice with friendly, responsive interactions.
- Executive field trips: Strategic getaways are on the rise, moving beyond traditional teambuilding days to longer, nature-based trips with immersive experiences, in domestic locations as well as abroad.
- Objective stacking: As sustainability and cost concerns grow, “Objective Stacking” becomes key – trips planned to achieve multiple goals, maximising efficiency. Business travelers blend work with client meetings, reconnaissance, and even leisure, reflecting a shift in corporate travel mindset.
- Blended itineraries: Corporate travel policies evolve in 2024, prioritising employee experience with personalised, relaxed travel options that go beyond traditional ‘bleisure’ trips, incorporating leisure seamlessly into business travel.
- Net zero heroes: Corporate travel embraces sustainability, aligning with global climate goals. Corporates commit to or plan for net-zero carbon emissions, integrating environmental objectives into their travel strategies.
- Digitised expenses: Corporate finance enters the digital age, replacing manual expense management with streamlined digital processes and virtual cards, enhancing user experience, data security, and policy compliance.
- Power networking: A hyper-focused approach to networking emerges, maximising every opportunity for connections. Business travelers craft richer itineraries, prioritising meetings and networking outside core agendas for more meaningful engagements.
Jenny Southan, CEO and founder of Globetrender, stated: “When looking at the future of business travel in 2024, it’s clear that two macro shifts are happening in parallel: technology is making the planning and execution of trips ever-more seamless; but there is also a desire to ‘go back to basics’, which is manifesting in nature-based corporate retreats and the revival of ‘power lunches’.
“This highlights the enduring value of human connection in building good business relationships. Ultimately, every journey needs to be optimised to justify the return on investment, and the subsequent carbon impact of flying.
“If there is one word to sum up business travel in 2024, that will be ‘discernment’. Employees no longer want to sacrifice areas of their personal lives to be constantly on the road, and companies need to balance the fulfilment of financial and ESG targets, which will mean all parties need to be more selective about what trips they commit to.”
Deborah Mahoney, head of sales, and business development – Americas, Amadeus Cytric Solutions, said: “Face-to-face meetings have many benefits, from increasing social capital to fostering ideas and engaging in more complex thinking together. In-person contact provides a competitive advantage when it comes to meeting clients and customers, as real conversations can generate more effective, efficient, and trust-building interactions.”
Mahoney added that value is key when it comes to business travel, where a trip must fufil multiple objectives, be increasingly sustainable, simple to book, and have a positive impact on both the employee and organisation for it to be worth the time and money investment.
The full report can be found here.
Reviews
The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok
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
Mama Shelter Zurich
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
Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown
A polished urban retreat designed for business travellers, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown combines thoughtful design, seamless service, and exceptional facilities.
GBTA (Global Business Travel Association) Asia Pacific Advisory Board chair Peter Koh (fourth from right), GBTA regional director Elle Ng-Darmawan (second from left), and Singapore-based board members recently co-hosted a networking cocktail on March 7.
The event, held at Courtyard by Marriott Novena’s Las Palmas Rooftop Bar, was attended by some 90 corporate travel managers and suppliers.
A lucky draw prize of complimentary registration for the GBTA APAC Conference to be held from May 14-15 at Raffles City Convention Centre was also given out. The conference will be co-located with the Worldwide ERC APAC Regional Summit Singapore for the second year running.