Asia/Singapore Sunday, 21st December 2025
Page 248

Sarawak ignites growth of hydrogen economy with Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen Conference & Exhibition 2024

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The launch event for Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen Conference & Exhibition 2024 was held in Kuala Lumpur

Sarawak is poised to accelerate the growth of its hydrogen economy with the highly anticipated Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen Conference & Exhibition (APGH) 2024.

Set to take place from June 11-13, 2024, at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, Sarawak, this event is set to propel the destination to the forefront of the green hydrogen revolution.

The launch event for Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen Conference & Exhibition 2024 was held in Kuala Lumpur

“In the Asia-Pacific region, the demand for green hydrogen is expected to grow by 50 per cent per year over the next decade. As such, there is a need to ramp up the development and construction of Green Hydrogen plants. Over the last year, it was announced that production volumes for Hydrogen have increased by more than 40 per cent to 38 million tones per annum of additional capacity, roughly half of what the world needs by 2030 to be on track to meet the net zero emissions commitment by 2050.

“Hence, there is a need to move the projects from feasibility to Front End Engineering Design or FEED stage, to the construction phase and ultimately operations. I am happy to share that our hydrogen projects are currently in the FEED stage and the Final Investment Decision (FID) is planned for next year,” said Hazland bin Abang Hipni, deputy minister for energy and environmental sustainability Sarawak, at the launch of the event in Kuala Lumpur.

He added that APGH 2024 will “bring together leading experts from around the world to discuss the latest developments in green hydrogen, especially in the technology, policy, regulation and infrastructure development space”. The event will also provide an opportunity for youths to learn about clean energy, the energy transition and green hydrogen.

During the launch event, OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad (OCBC Bank) also solidified its commitment to sustainability and decarbonisation by becoming the Exclusive Financial Institution Partner for APGH 2024.

According to Tan Ai Chin, senior banker, managing director and head of investment banking of OCBC Bank, the Bank’s involvement is aimed at meaningfully contributing to the Sarawak State’s sustainability initiatives towards achieving its goal of a low carbon and inclusive green economy by 2030. The bank’s efforts would also contribute to the OCBC Group’s Net Zero ASEAN and Greater China target by 2050.

Anticipated to attract 100 exhibitors, 500 conference delegates and 4,000 trade visitors, APGH 2024 is organised by Borneo Business Connect, and supported by the Ministry of Energy and Sustainability Sarawak and Business Events Sarawak.

Gamescom asia returns in October, adds inaugural B2C component

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Trade conference participants at gamescom asia 2022

This year’s gamescom asia will be hosted in Singapore from October 19-22, 2023, and will feature an expanded Trade Zone for B2B visitors, as well as a physical B2C Entertainment Zone exhibition for the first time.

The Trade Zone Exhibition and Trade Conference will be held on the first two days, October 19 and 20. Open to all Trade visitors and conference delegates, it will feature Expo Stage talks, networking & recharge zones, and esports zone. Country pavilions and booths from gaming companies and service providers will showcase the latest games and services to publishers, investors and IP owners who are looking for the next big thing in games.

Trade conference participants at gamescom asia 2022

Over 80 industry experts will present in person at the Trade Conference. With three extended tracks across October 19 and 20, the conference will cover the latest gaming trends, as well as tried-and-true games design, business, and marketing principles. There will also be a Content Creators Summit, held on October 20.

Conference delegates will have access to all content, as well as networking sessions like the official conference networking reception, and will be able to apply for the Developers-Publishers-Investors Speed Networking session.

Meanwhile, the Entertainment Zone will welcome visitors from October 20-22 (with 20 October open to business visitors and a limited number of pre-registered fans only), with a showcase of trending games, interactive entertainment, and featured areas like indies, esports, cosplay, boardgames, group play zones, and more.

Visitors can get their hands on games by their favourite publishers and indie studios, watch live stage entertainment, and come dressed up as their favourite game characters. There will also be a designated food alley, while merchandise from the latest games and classics will be available for purchase. Online shows PRIMETIME and STUDIO will return, on October 19 and October 22 respectively, with sneak peeks and other extended content for global audiences.

An all-new Indie Wavemakers area will open in both the Entertainment and Trade Zone of the exhibition for studios and developers looking for publishers and investors, as well as valuable gamer feedback and testing on their new releases and demos. Indie exhibitors can also share about their games on the Indie Wavemakers Live Stage at gamescom asia.

In partnership with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), gamescom asia will also recognise the SEA Game Awards winners at the event for the first time. The awards aim to recognise and celebrate creativity, artistry, and technical genius of the finest game developers from the Southeast Asian and International video game industry. Award winners will be announced at MYDCF 2023 (Malaysia Digital Content Festival) on September 29 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and will receive further recognition at gamescom asia 2023.

Gamescom asia 2023 expects to attract over 30,000 visitors and over 150 exhibitors this year.

BITEC to stage Mega Show Bangkok 2023 this week

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The upcoming show will be held at BITEC (pictured)

Jointly organised by Comasia and Worldex, Mega Show Bangkok 2023 will be held from July 19-21, 2023, at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC).

The three-day event will bring together more than 500 booths, showcasing the latest products and design from Asia, under different sections such as Gifts & Premiums, Houseware & Kitchen, Stationery, Travel & Sporting Goods, Lifestyle Products, Smart Green Home Products, Outdoor Decoration & Furniture.

The upcoming show will be held at BITEC (pictured)

Additionally, there will be four pavilions dedicated to Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Thailand.

There will also be a series of seminars with speakers from Amazon, AJ E-commerce and Tesco Lotus addressing the latest business topics, and exchanging of trade information. This includes the 2023 China-ASEAN (Thailand) E-Commerce Development Forum, and Creator Talks: “Do or Die” Under the concept of Innovation, Sustainability & Design.

On July 19 and 20, the 2023 China-ASEAN (Thailand) E-Commerce Development Forum will be held, with an aim to bring more cooperation opportunities and development paths to the E-Commerce industry while the Creator Talks: “Do or Die” Under the concept of Innovation, Sustainability & Design on July 21 will share insights on the latest market trends.

Asian manufacturers and suppliers from Thailand, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Russia, Australia, Bangladesh, US, and UK are expected to attend.

Plan a warm welcome at Christchurch Airport

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A warm welcome at Christchurch Airport

Meeting delegates arriving in New Zealand’s Christchurch can experience top-notch hospitality right from the start, even before their event begins.

At Christchurch Airport, planners can receive their delegates at an exclusive pop-up welcome lounge, where event branding can be arranged for higher visibility. This space can comfortably accommodate 20 people, and arrangements can be made to include a space for event registration, refreshments and other hospitality elements.

A warm welcome at Christchurch Airport

A permanent welcome lounge is currently under construction, with more details to come soon.

Planners can take up advertising packages utilising various assets across the terminal to communicate with key event audiences travelling in and out of the airport.

For more information and customised packages, write to Rubecca Soper-Hazlett, marketing and events coordinator at rubecca.soper-hazlett@cial.co.nz

Stay for Good at Banyan Tree Krabi

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Guests can learn how to carve longtail boats from local craftsmen

Banyan Tree Krabi, a 72-key resort situated on Tubkaek Beach, is encouraging its guests and corporate groups to immerse themselves in the local Southern Thai culture, by joining weekly excursions to a nearby island renowned for producing batik fabrics and woodcrafts.

“At Banyan Tree Krabi, we invite our guests to embark on a day’s adventure at the quiet fishing town of Ban Koh Klang on a small island in the middle of the Krabi River,” said sustainability manager Thepsuda Loyjiw. “It’s a great opportunity to travel by traditional longtail boat along the river where they might spot some rare bird species and wild monkeys among the mangroves. The island itself is a spectacular natural setting, and among the hidden gems we visit is a series of majestic limestone caves.”

Guests can learn how to carve longtail boats from local craftsmen

A lunch, comprising homegrown fruits, vegetables and recipes passed down from one generation to the next, is served in a floating restaurant among the mangroves, and then the guests meet the villagers and interact.

Among the daily pursuits visitors can experience include joining the local craftsmen who carve and create wooden models of longtail boats, which are sold in Krabi as souvenirs; and sitting with the women of Ban Koh Klang who are veterans of batik art, mixing organic dyes and painting colourful fabrics. Harvesting rice in the fields with a local family is included as a seasonal activity.

Aside from leisure visitors, corporate groups are also welcome, with a maximum number of seven participants per group.

Banyan Tree Krabi’s other recent sustainability initiatives include an Earth Day beach clean-up, and the introduction of Forest Bathing, a nature-based educational tour for guests, including children, to help raise awareness about environmental conservation and protecting local flora and fauna.

Last December, Banyan Tree Krabi also partnered with a local artisan, Souvenirs From the Sea, on a project involving beachcombing for refuse and waste products that could be upcycled into sellable items such as tote bags.

The initiative is part of the Banyan Tree Group’s Stay for Good programme. Launched two months ago, the programme aims to entice guests at five-star hotels worldwide to roll up their sleeves and join neighbouring villagers at work.

At the Balinese property of Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape, for example, guests spend a day with local farmers, foraging for fruits and edible plants, while at Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto in Japan, visitors learn how to entwine grass to make traditional thatched roofs for villagers’ homes.

Habyt names Jonathan Wong as Asia-Pacific CEO

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Habyt has appointed Jonathan Wong as its new chief executive officer for Asia-Pacific.

He will lead the business in the region by delivering commercial success for real estate partners, enhancing stay experiences for members, expanding Habyt’s presence across the region, as well as deepening its footprint in current cities.

Prior to joining Habyt, Wong held senior executive positions in CloudKitchens Asia-Pacific and Uber South-east Asia.

Improve interactions

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1. Waka on Avon, New Zealand
Experience the excitement of paddling a hand-crafted waka (canoe) down the Avon River, and learn about the importance of the waka to Maori culture. Waka paddling is one of the oldest teambuilding activities, when the Ngai Tahu tribe would race up and down the Avon River in Christchurch as a method of preserving social interaction and community engagement. In the same way, Waka on Avon’s teambuilding experience combines cultural learning, team collaboration, and a touch of healthy competition that culminates in a race off.

2. Bali Village Life & Traditional Farming, Indonesia
For many generations, Balinese residents have lived off what Mother Earth has provided them with. Tunjuk is one of such local communities, and corporates are given a chance to experience a day in a life of a Balinese villager. On this Asian Trails itinerary, visitors will get to mingle with the locals and play with the children. After a sumptuous lunch, corporates will head to the communal farm to learn about the various stages of rice cultivation, and join in the rice planting.

3. The Kangaroo Sanctuary, Australia
A 15-minute drive away from the Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters’ convention centre, stands The Kangaroo Sanctuary, established by Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns in 2011. Today, the 76-hectare sanctuary is home to 55 kangaroos that are unable to fend for themselves; most are released back into the wild.

On the three-hour walk around the sanctuary, Barns will regale the group with kangaroo rescue stories and facts, as participants get to cradle baby joeys, visit Roger’s memorial – a muscular kangaroo that found Internet fame – and watch kangaroos hop curiously by. All tour proceeds and donations are directed to the rescue and care of orphaned joeys and adult kangaroos.

4. Maruku Arts, Australia
This one-hour painting workshop in Yulara Town Square can be added onto a corporate trip heading to Uluru. The workshop kicks off with a local Anangu artist sharing stories about the Anangu culture and way of life in Pitjantjatjara, which will be translated by an assisting interpreter. Participants will also learn about traditional art, symbols, and tools used in the locals’ daily lives. The group will then have 45 minutes to paint something meaningful to them; a canvas, paints and brushes are provided. Corporates will then place all their paintings together, and take turns explaining the stories behind their brushstrokes, which will help gain a better understanding of each other.

5. Sushi Experience, Japan
Eating incredible sushi at an exclusive and hard-to-get-into restaurant is high on the list of any foodie in Japan. Luxurique, a hospitality company for MICE events in Japan elevates and adapts this experience into a teambuilding activity. Guests will be able to learn the skills of sushi making under the direct tutelage of the head chef of a Michelin-star restaurant, such as pressing, forming and kneading. Teams will then compete against each other to make the best-rolled sushi, which can be enjoyed at the end of the event with sake. This experience can be arranged in various locations around Japan, such as Tokyo and Kyoto.

6. Build Your Own Bike Workshop, Singapore
In this one-of-a-kind workshop booked through Seek Sophie, corporates will be able to build a company bicycle that can be used for lunch runs, or donated to charity. During this three-hour workshop run by facilitators from Unspokin, participants will be able to build a belt-driven bicycle (designed in Singapore) worth S$1,200 (US$890) from scratch. The building experience will be segmented into different portions so that the best team of mechanics will win a prize. The end result is a custom bicycle that is hand-built, will last a long time, and is for a great cause.

SFDA returns to MBS for a fifth edition

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Food industry members at SFFA 2022, now known as SFDA 2023

Speciality Food & Drinks Asia (SFDA) 2023, a fine food and beverage show, is touching down in Singapore for its fifth edition from September 26-28, 2023, at Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre.

SFDA is expected to host up to 8,000 trade visitors and over 200 exhibitors from across the region, bringing together the entire F&B industry and include restaurants, pubs and bars; meat and poultry; and speciality coffee and tea. It will be co-located with the second edition of takeaway and delivery show Food2Go.

Food industry members at SFFA 2022, now known as SFDA 2023

Attendees can expect presentations and chef demonstrations, panel discussions with thought leaders from industry players at the Innovation Stage, and taste the industry’s newest brews at The Tap Room.

SFDA organiser Montgomery Asia has also partnered with FoodTech investor Big Idea Ventures (BIV) to host the international finals of the first-ever Big Idea Food Competition – which focuses on identifying the best in alternative protein – at SFDA 2023.

In addition to the Big Idea Food Competition, two other competitions include the Singapore National Coffee Championship, as well as the inaugural ASEAN Butchery Competition, hosted by Montgomery Asia and the Meat Traders Association Singapore.

Sarawak’s MICE industry records stellar performance for FY2022

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An aerial view of Kuching, Sarawak's capital

Sarawak’s business events performance for FY2022 surpassed targets on both economic and legacy impact returns.

With face-to-face meetings back in full swing, Sarawak hosted 100 business events in FY2022, which had RM230.3 million (US$49.5 million) in total economic impact. Direct delegate expenditures injected another RM125.1 million into the economy while 18,275 short- and long-term jobs were created within the last 12 months.

An aerial view of Kuching, Sarawak’s capital

For secured events in FY2022, the legacy performance recorded an 82 per cent success rate with 91 out of 100 secured events planning to drive benefits to sectors, trade and investment, communities, the environment and governance. A total of 485 impacts were identified with the highest in the services, tourism, agriculture, education & human capital, and innovation categories.

Sarawak also secured 100 future business events with a projected total economic impact of RM325.3 million, which would bring about a direct delegate expenditure of RM177.3 million and tax revenue of RM19.6 million. The local community will also benefit from these events, with an additional 25,896 jobs to come online. The secured events target exceeded 111 per cent, while other economic returns exceeded 196 per cent.

Furthermore, Sarawak has been successful in international bidding, securing 100 per cent of all bids. These will come with a projected total economic impact of RM179.4 million and over 14,000 job opportunities on the horizon, making FY2022 the most successful bidding year in the last two years.

FY2022 marked the business events industry’s third year in executing the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. One of the industry’s objectives is to align with the PCDS 2030 by focusing on securing sustainable, legacy-driven business events from the six priority economic sectors and seven enabler sectors. The six priority sectors are manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, forestry, mining and services) and the seven enabler sectors are digital transformation, innovation, education & human capital, basic infrastructure, utilities, transport and renewable energy).

BESarawak’s chairman, Abang Abdul Karim Abang Openg, said in a press release: “We stayed on track in securing events of key interests aligned with the Sarawak Government’s objectives of stimulating economic and social growth, while growing our core business, optimising costs and opportunities and strengthening Sarawak’s stakeholder collaborations and talent pool to boost industry competence. Through business events, Sarawak is laying the foundation for sustainable development with the intention of leaving a transformative impact on local communities for years to come.”

Interprefy takes AI speech translation solution to global AI summit

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