Food and Hospitality Malaysia, a biennial trade-only food and hospitality exhibition in Malaysia, has launched a FHM Borneo Edition.
Organised by Informa Markets Malaysia, this inaugural event will be held from September 26-28, 2024, at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
The Food & Hospitality Malaysia took place from September 19-22, 2023, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
The three-day extravaganza is a must-attend for industry professionals seeking the latest innovations, products, and services across the entire food and hospitality spectrum. Over 150 local and international companies and brands are expected to showcase their offerings, attracting an estimated 8,000 trade visitors eager to explore and network.
This new show comes off the back of the recent rebranding of the iconic Food & Hotel Malaysia event to the Food & Hospitality Malaysia (FHM). This strategic transformation reflects the event’s reach into a diverse audience profile, encompassing exhibitors and visitors spanning a broad spectrum of hospitality professionals, service providers, and manufacturers.
As we step into 2024, China’s commercial hubs bustle with renewed activity, signalling a resurgence in innovation and a growing appetite for change, especially in the dynamic landscape of corporate travel.
In this article, we dive into the heart of these transformative currents, examining the emerging trends set to reshape corporate travel in China.
The commercial corridors of China are starting to bustle again, returning to normalcy
Sustainable travel gains traction
Sustainability has become a focal point for corporate agendas in China, aligning with the nation’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. This shift towards eco-friendly practices includes investments in electric vehicles, an expanding high-speed rail network, and a preference for green-certified hotels.
Balancing work and leisure with bleisure
Bleisure is gaining popularity as Chinese professionals seek a harmonious balance between work and leisure during their travels. The challenges in international air capacity have led to a preference for trips that seamlessly blend business with recreational pursuits, prompting forward-thinking companies to revise travel policies to support employee well-being.
Efficiency through data-driven management
The ascendancy of data-driven management is transforming corporate travel in China. Big data tools empower companies to refine travel plans, simplify expense tracking, and forecast potential disruptions. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also facilitates personalised travel experiences for employees.
Prioritising employee safety with robust risk management
Proactive risk management is becoming paramount in China’s corporate travel landscape. Companies are implementing comprehensive strategies, including real-time monitoring, updated travel advisories, and 24/7 assistance hotlines, ensuring the safety of employees on the move.
Safeguarding personal information in international travel
As data privacy concerns rise, China has introduced stringent laws like the Personal Information Protection Law and the Cybersecurity Law. Companies are now mandated to implement robust data security practices to protect employee data during international travel.
Navigating anti-corruption measures in life science
China’s anti-corruption drive, particularly within the life science sector, is reshaping corporate travel practices. Companies are adjusting policies to adhere to stricter oversight, favouring practical alternatives over luxury accommodations, and embracing digital platforms for virtual interactions.
The rise of virtual meetings in business communication
Virtual meetings have evolved from crisis measures to a fundamental aspect of business operations in China. Local and global platforms like Tencent Meeting and Zoom are integral to daily workflows, offering cost savings, flexibility, and reduced environmental impact.
Adapting corporate travel to economic challenges
Economic downturns prompt a reevaluation of corporate travel budgets. Instead of indiscriminate cuts, companies are adopting a strategic approach, leveraging data analysis tools, and embracing budget-friendly measures to maintain quality travel experiences while managing costs.
Conclusion
As we navigate through 2024, corporate travel in China embodies a dynamic journey of discovery and innovation. The sector responds to economic pressures, technological advancements, and evolving workforce preferences, reshaping global business travel norms and serving as a vibrant conduit for business opportunities. With a thoughtful approach, companies are navigating this dynamic landscape, ensuring corporate travel remains a strategic investment in business development and relationships.
Jonathan Kao, BCD Travel’s managing director for North Asia, oversees the company’s operations in China, Hong Kong, and Japan. A BCD veteran since 2016, Kao brings to his new role a deep understanding of the Asia-Pacific region’s intricate technical, operational, and cultural nuances.
Just one year after committing to the milestone – and almost two years in operation – Te Pae Christchurch has met Toitū Envirocare’s internationally-recognised standards of measuring, managing and reducing lifecycle emissions from its operations.
From the design of the building and the use of renewable energy, through to the recovery and reuse of food waste and the installation of a chemical-free e-water system, Te Pae Christchurch has applied a broad range of sustainable solutions across its operations.
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has been recognised as Toitū net carbonzero certified
The achievement in the Toitū net carbonzero programme comes on the heels of Te Pae Christchurch’s win in 2023 Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards (Community and Government Projects category) late last year. The awards recognise contributions, remarkable achievements, innovation, and best practices in sustainability and responsible tourism.
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre’s general manager, Ross Steele, said that the venue is proud of what it has achieved in a short time.
“The Toitū net carbonzero certification, in addition to the international recognition we have received, reflects the commitment and hard work of our entire team. Many of our sustainability initiatives are being led by Te Pae Christchurch team’s younger generation, which underscores our commitment to creating a positive long-term impact and a lasting sustainability legacy.”
“We’ve been serious about sustainability since we first began planning at Te Pae Christchurch,” Steele stated.
One key factor in minimising emissions is the venue’s local purchasing policy, which prioritises purchasing from local organisations (currently 85 per cent). Analysis of freight on purchased goods as part of our emissions calculations showed this to be less than one per cent of our total emissions, which is a significant result.
The next stage for Te Pae Christchurch in building a culture of environmental excellence is finding ways to help both partners and clients achieve their own sustainability goals.
“We want to bring our clients and suppliers along with us on this journey, working with them to minimise the environmental impact of every event we hold, and through every stage of each activity,” Steele said.
FCM Meetings & Events, a flagship division of the Flight Centre Travel Group, has welcomed JingWen Wong as the leader for South-east Asia and Greater China.
She reports to Manpreet Bindra, leader, Asia, of FCM Meetings & Events.
Wong has been in the travel industry for the last seven years working for notable companies such as Singapore Airlines, before her move to FCM Travel Asia.
Jongheon Sim (Jong) has been appointed as vice president and chief communications officer of Korean Air.
He has a 27-year history with the airline – from operations to communications and external relations – and led the airline’s social media and digital communications team prior to this new position.
Hahnair has named Stephen Chung as regional vice president APAC where he will support the partner airlines using Hahnair’s distribution solutions throughout all stages of the partnership.
Based in Hong Kong, Chung will also advise existing and potential partner airlines on interline opportunities within Hahnair’s extensive network of more than 350 partner airlines and support the acquisition of new partner airlines.
Before joining Hahnair, he was commercial manager at the Cathay Pacific Group.
Malaysia Airlines will deploy its flagship Airbus A350-900 aircraft on both of its daily nonstop services between Kuala Lumpur and Doha starting April 1.
The aircraft boasts a seating capacity of 300, including 40 in Business Class, 32 in Economy Comfort, and 228 in Economy Class. With a 1-2-1 configuration, the Business Class cabin features the Thompson XL Vantage seats, providing passengers with comfort and direct aisle access, in addition to more storage space to ensure practicality and accessibility.
The airline currently operates the twice-daily service which departs from Kuala Lumpur via MH164 at 02.55 and MH160 at 21.00, with return flights from Doha departing via MH165 at 08.05 and MH161 at 01.50. These services include Qatar Airways’ codeshare on both routes.
Malaysia Airlines will deploy its flagship Airbus A350-900 aircraft on both of its daily nonstop services between Kuala Lumpur and Doha starting April 1.
The aircraft boasts a seating capacity of 300, including 40 in Business Class, 32 in Economy Comfort, and 228 in Economy Class. With a 1-2-1 configuration, the Business Class cabin features the Thompson XL Vantage seats, providing passengers with comfort and direct aisle access, in addition to more storage space to ensure practicality and accessibility.
The airline currently operates the twice-daily service which departs from Kuala Lumpur via MH164 at 02.55 and MH160 at 21.00, with return flights from Doha departing via MH165 at 08.05 and MH161 at 01.50. These services include Qatar Airways’ codeshare on both routes.
Business Events Adelaide has released the 16th edition of its Planners Guide.
Key features of this year’s Guide include a fly-through of Adelaide’s innovation, cultural and business event precincts, and sample itineraries for corporate incentive groups. Maps embedded in each page also demonstrate Adelaide’s connectedness.
The Guide helps organisers with their choice of accommodation, restaurants, wine regions and experiences on offer in South Australia. It is distributed to more than 6,000 event planners globally.
Cover page of the Adelaide Planners Guide 2024
Damien Kitto, Business Events Adelaide’s CEO, explained that this year’s Guide was built specifically for online viewing.
“The 2024 Planners Guide is designed to be more interactive than previous iterations, with plenty of video content allowing us to show rather than tell why Adelaide is the ideal business event destination,” he said.
A host of Business Events Adelaide members have taken the opportunity to promote their products and services directly to the domestic and international audience, and members still have the opportunity to be included.
“The design allows for changes to be made as they happen, meaning that business event organisers always have the most up-to-date information, and members don’t need to wait a year to add more content,” Kitto added.
Fun and colour were some of the themes at AIME 2024. Photo: Adelaine Ng
The 2024 Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has concluded in Melbourne, with organisers declaring it a resounding success and setting their sights on higher business results than last year’s show.
This year’s edition saw more than 600 international buyers and 570 exhibitors (up 63 per cent and 51 per cent respectively year-on-year), and featured a larger show floor, new zones for Destination Management Companies and boutique accommodation, which saw a rapid uptake with 30 stands booked.
Fun and colour were some of the themes at AIME 2024. Photo: Adelaine Ng
The technology zone also doubled in size from last year and for the first time, a podcast booth was featured on the show floor, for post-event engagement. The Accelerate programme – aimed at nurturing an upcoming generation of event planners – was also launched, and the AIME Rockets initiative allowed 30 budding professionals to gain invaluable industry insights and connections.
According to AIME’s event director Silke Calder, the event drew rave reviews from delegates for its insightful Knowledge Program and neon-themed Welcome Event at Grazeland, celebrating Melbourne’s vibrant street food scene.
“They were blown away by the programme we put together for the first day, especially the first-time visitors. Our partnership with (brand experience company) BEAM was very fruitful and we managed to get the right topic and speakers,” Calder told TTGmice.
Calder believes AIME is well-positioned to surpass last year’s record of A$200 million (US$131 million) in deals inked. “I’d love to see us hit A$300 million this time around,” she said.
“It feels like we are definitely back. The interest we observe from countries, not only within the Asia-Pacific but also from those outside seeking to participate, is enormous,” she added.
Julia Swanson, CEO of Melbourne Convention Bureau, shared Calder’s optimism.
“Business is looking strong. The association market is back and they are extending their booking window. International business (events are also) definitely back and people are not looking one or two years ahead, but five to eight years ahead again, which is fantastic,” she said.
Swanson also highlighted the complete recovery of Melbourne’s aviation sector, emphasising the establishment of new routes to countries like Vietnam and India, which have contributed to improved connectivity.
Vinsensius Jemadu, Indonesia’s deputy minister for tourism products and events, told TTGmice that participating in AIME has been strategic for his country.
“Our arrivals from Australia last year hit a record 1.4 million, bettering pre-Covid numbers. This year, we doubled the size of our pavilion to 54m² with 12 products represented. We are looking to expand it next year to have 20 products,” he said.
“The best part about AIME has been the strength of its database and I had a comprehensive discussion with AIME’s organisers about their matching system linking the network with our sellers. We were impressed by the quality of the buyers,” Vinsensius added.
First-time exhibitor Shane Thantirimudalige, managing director of Sri Lankan DMC Beyondary, said he would wait to see if his meetings translate into bookings in the coming months before deciding whether participating in AIME has been worthwhile.
“We had a good year from Australia last year, with all 80 tours highly successful. So when AIME reached out to us, we wanted to see how we could increase the volume of visitors, because I think there is huge potential,” he said.
“But I wish we had a better stand position (instead of being right on the edge of the showfloor) for better exposure.”
Next year’s AIME has been slated to take place from February 10-12, 2025.
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
A polished urban retreat designed for business travellers, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown combines thoughtful design, seamless service, and exceptional facilities.
Jonathan Kao, BCD Travel’s managing director for North Asia, oversees the company’s operations in China, Hong Kong, and Japan. A BCD veteran since 2016, Kao brings to his new role a deep understanding of the Asia-Pacific region’s intricate technical, operational, and cultural nuances.
He has a 27-year history with the airline – from operations to communications and external relations – and led the airline’s social media and digital communications team prior to this new position.
Before joining Hahnair, he was commercial manager at the Cathay Pacific Group.
