Asia/Singapore Thursday, 23rd April 2026
Page 25

Curtin University Malaysia takes ownership of IJBEL

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From left: BESarawak’s Jason Tan Chin Foo; and Curtin University Malaysia’s Vincent Lee Chieng Chen at the Memorandum of Agreement signing. The event was witnessed by Amelia Roziman, BESarawak CEO (centre)

Curtin University Malaysia has officially assumed full managerial and operational responsibility for the International Journal of Business, Events and Legacies (IJBEL), following a formal handover from Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak).

The transition, finalised on January 20, 2026, solidifies the university’s role as the academic lead for the world’s first journal dedicated to the economic, social, and environmental legacies of business events. While Curtin University Malaysia takes over operations, BESarawak will remain the founding and strategic partner, providing ongoing advocacy and guidance.

From left: BESarawak’s Jason Tan Chin Foo; and Curtin University Malaysia’s Vincent Lee Chieng Chen at the Memorandum of Agreement signing. The event was witnessed by Amelia Roziman, BESarawak CEO (centre)

Vincent Lee Chieng Chen, pro vice-chancellor of Curtin University Malaysia, indicated that this agreement “marks an important step in strengthening academic–industry collaboration to advance research, knowledge sharing, and thought leadership in business events and legacy studies”.

Established in 2022, IJBEL has rapidly gained international traction. Under Curtin University Malaysia, the journal is set to expand its global influence with the upcoming 2026 IJBEL Korea Special Edition. This project, a collaboration with the Goyang Convention Bureau, will feature a dedicated legacy forum during Goyang Destination Week.

Jason Tan Chin Foo, deputy CEO of BESarawak, noted that the transfer aligns with the organsation’s “legacy principles of continuity and sustainability”, ensuring the journal remains a key piece of global intellectual capital for the business events sector.

Hilton expands flagship brand in Bangkok

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Infinity Lawn

Hilton has launched the 233-key Hilton Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Golf Resort & Spa, its fourth Hilton Hotel & Resorts property in Bangkok.

Located 15 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport, the property features over 1,200m2 of flexible event space, anchored by two primary ballrooms of 330 and 260m2. These venues are supported by professional event planning services and are configured to host a range of functions from corporate retreats and board meetings to large-scale international conferences.

These business facilities are complemented by diverse dining venues, including the Lobby Lounge for informal meetings and Kitchen Craft, the hotel’s all-day dining venue for larger groups.

Leisure facilities include a spa, outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, and a dedicated Kids’ Club designed for family travellers.

Formerly operating under another brand, Hilton Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Golf Resort & Spa will undergo minor refurbishments through late 2026.

Gloria Guevara to lead WTTC as president and CEO

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The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has appointed Gloria Guevara as president and CEO. She returns to the role she previously held from 2017 to 2021.

In her new term, Guevara will lead WTTC’s work with members globally, with a focus on advocacy, member engagement and sector development.

Guevara has more than 30 years of experience across government and the public and private sectors. Her previous roles include secretary of tourism in Mexico, chief special adviser to the Saudi Arabia minister of tourism, special adviser on government affairs at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, and board positions at AMEX Global Business Travel, HSBC Mexico, Playa Hotels and Resorts and Palace Company. She also played a role in coordinating public and private sector efforts during the Covid pandemic.

Imaginative settings

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1. Lindt Home of Chocolate
Aside from a Chocolate Museum that offers tours that last around 1.5 hours, this attraction features two main event spaces: Auditorium (Ground Floor) and Lounge (Third Floor), where each can hold up to 100 people.

For a memorable incentive activity, consider the Chocolate Figures & Pralines course. Held in the Chocolateria (Third Floor), this hands-on workshop can accommodate 60 people every 75 minutes. Participants will get to pour chocolate into a bear mould, and decorate custom pralines with nuts and dried fruit.

2. Mount Titlis
Located about 1.5 hours from Zurich, Mount Titlis is able to deliver unparalleled experiences for corporate groups. Delegates can engage in winter teambuilding challenges, race each other on snowtubes, ride on electric snowmobiles at SnowXpark on Trübsee, or traverse the suspended Titlis Cliff Walk – Europe’s highest suspension bridge.

Opening end May 2026 is the Titlis Tower, a cross-shaped steel landmark at 3,000 metres above sea level. When fully open, the Tower will feature a viewing platform, an exhibition/event space, as well as a restaurant and lounge offering casual fine dining for 120 pax.

3. Christmas Markets
Zurich Tourism provides event planners with the exclusive opportunity to arrange private bookings for select Christmas Markets, before the market’s official opening hours during the winter season. For example, the restaurant within the popular Christmas Village at Sechseläutenplatz (in front of the Opera House) can seat a maximum of 500 guests for a private brunch event, while also accommodating smaller groups of 20 or more during its standard operating times.


4. The “Churchill” Red Arrow
This historic two-carriage mobile venue can be privatised for up to 96 people, seated at comfortable tables of four. The train is also equipped with a built-in kitchen and bar, allowing for culinary experiences – from aperitifs to full-course meals – to be provided throughout the ride that typically comes with amazing landscape views. Journeys normally start from Zurich, though it is possible to enquire about other starting points, such as Lausanne.


5. Uto Kulm
This 54-key property perched atop Zurich’s Uetliberg mountain offers comprehensive facilities for corporate groups, including several restaurants, numerous meeting spaces, and a viewing tower. A standout venue is the Winter Garden, a light-flooded glass pavilion that accommodates up to 100 guests while offering panoramic views of Zurich and its lake.

Additionally, the car-free hotel grounds are ideal for various teambuilding activities, ranging from wooden cart-building workshops and Farmer’s Olympics to seasonal curling and art sessions.


6. Bachlihof Jona
A counterpoint to more formal spaces, this adventure farm in Rapperswil-Jona, just outside Zurich, specialises in in experiential events built around the seasons. There are two farm buildings: Schopf can hold up to 150 theatre-style, while Heugade can hold up to 200 theatre-style.

Groups can also engage in rustic, hands-on teambuilding activities such as launching a rubber chicken with a catapult accurately into a frying pan, throwing horseshoes at a target, or test their dexterity during a challenge where a golf ball must be titled and shifted on a wooden board to drop through the hole that offers the most points.

Karim von Alvensleben helms as GM of Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane

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Minor Hotels has appointed Karim von Alvensleben as general manager of Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane, ahead of the hotel’s opening in 2Q2026.

Von Alvensleben brings experience in hotel pre-openings and operations, having held senior leadership roles with Mandarin Oriental, Ritz-Carlton, Wynn, Regent, One&Only and Six Senses.

In his new role, he will oversee the pre-opening and launch of the 197-room Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane, with responsibility for operations, team development and brand positioning in the Lao capital.

Tribe Legacy campaign propels Sarawak to record business events growth in 2025

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BESarawak team and board members

Sarawak’s business events sector reached a historic milestone in 2025, driven by the Tribe Legacy Sarawak campaign.

In FY2025, Sarawak secured 160 business events, achieving 115 per cent of its annual target. These secured events, scheduled between 2025 and 2030, are projected to generate a total economic impact of RM483.5 million (US$119.2 million).

BESarawak team and board members

Projected direct delegate expenditure stands at RM262.8 million, generating RM29 million in tax revenue across 177,453 delegate days. Sarawak also maintained a 100 per cent bid success rate from 2022, demonstrating sustained international confidence in Sarawak’s destination leadership and ecosystem readiness.

On the hosting front, Sarawak successfully delivered 159 business events in 2025, a 27 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The events generated RM491.4 million in total economic impact, including RM267 million in direct delegate expenditure. These events attracted 59,926 delegates, contributed RM29.5 million in tax revenue, and supported more than 38,000 jobs across the state.

Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, stated that the results have repositioned Sarawak from an overlooked destination to the “legacy capital” of business events in the region.

He added that as Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) approaches its 20th anniversary in 2026, the sector is entering the final phase of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

The next five years will focus on deepening data intelligence and digitalisation. Under the legacy initiative, 13 high-value international events have already been aligned with strategic sectors like hydrogen, the digital economy, and aerospace. Additionally, a pilot programme is currently measuring the social and community outcomes of 60 legacy-focused events to ensure sustainable value for the state.

Pullman Kuching aligns with BESarawak’s 2026 strategy following major facility upgrade

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Song: the hotel’s collaboration with BESarawak is centred on positioning Kuching as a future-ready destination for business events; Colosseum Grand Ballroom pictured

Pullman Kuching has completed a major refurbishment of its key event spaces, supporting the hotel’s plans to work more closely with Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) as demand for business events in the state capital is expected to grow in 2026.

Sunardi Song, general manager, Pullman Kuching, explained: “Working in tandem with BESarawak from the co-bidding stage, we will shape destination proposals with clear venue capabilities, tailored hospitality solutions, and curated site inspection experiences that build confidence in both scale and delivery.

Song: the hotel’s collaboration with BESarawak is centred on positioning Kuching as a future-ready destination for business events; Colosseum Grand Ballroom pictured

“Any direct MICE enquiry that comes to us is promptly escalated to BESarawak, ensuring a unified state-wide strategy that positions Sarawak as a single, compelling proposition.”

Central to Pullman Kuching’s refreshed offering is the newly-transformed Colosseum Grand Ballroom, now Sarawak’s largest pillarless ballroom, accommodating up to 2,800 guests, alongside flexible exhibition space for up to 30 booths.

This is supported by 13 purpose-built meeting rooms, hybrid-ready technology, and an accommodation inventory of 389 guestrooms.

“The hotel is designed to support complex, large-scale events with ease. Our transformation responds directly to the evolving expectations of modern meeting planners, where flexibility, reliability and experiential impact matter most,” Song said.

He added that corporate and group business is expected to remain a substantial share of the hotel’s revenue mix in 2026, supported by Sarawak’s broader business events pipeline.

The state has secured 150 events from 2025 to 2030, with an estimated economic impact of RM445 million (US$94.7 million), signalling long-term opportunities for Pullman Kuching and Pullman Miri Waterfront under the Interhill Hospitality portfolio.

Meanwhile, Amelia Roziman, CEO of BESarawak, forecasted 2026 as a strong year, describing it as the “harvesting” phase of the Tribe Legacy Sarawak campaign launched in 2020.

Major events include the Asia Pacific Aerospace Conference and Exhibition 2026, an inaugural homegrown event taking place from January 26 to 29 and expected to attract 1,000 participants; 51st World Polymer Congress in July with an estimated 800 delegates; and 24th Asian Congress on Occupational Health 2026 in August with around 2,000 delegates.

As for source markets, Amelia said the strongest demand pipelines for 2026 are coming from Asia Pacific, particularly Singapore and Indonesia, as well as from Europe, where BESarawak participates with an independent pavilion at IMEX Frankfurt.

“We have also been receiving strong interest from China, hence we will be participating for the first time at the China International MICE Exchange in November,” she added.

Electrify Queenstown 2026 to be held in May

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A previous edition of Electrify Queenstown; photo by Will Nelson

The Electrify Queenstown summit returns this May, offering a comprehensive three-day programme dedicated to the practical and strategic transition to electric energy.

Running from May 17–19 at the Queenstown Events Centre, the event brings together industry leaders, technology innovators, and policymakers to explore the scalable solutions driving the electrification movement.

A previous edition of Electrify Queenstown; photo by Will Nelson

The 2026 lineup features high-profile speakers, including renewable energy advocate Saul Griffith, Xero founder Rod Drury, and Rewiring Aotearoa’s Mike Casey.

The summit is structured to provide value across various professional levels by integrating high-level strategy with practical application. It features sessions focused on finance, investment, and long-term energy policy for decision-makers and boards, alongside hands-on workshops designed for business owners and operators seeking immediate cost savings and efficiency gains. These insights are complemented by immersive, real-world demonstrations of e-mobility, solar integration, and smart-tech solutions for both commercial and residential use.

A highlight of the event is a moderated discussion on the future of the national energy system, providing attendees with direct insight into the policy frameworks that will shape New Zealand’s infrastructure.

For the first time, Electrify Queenstown 2026 will also introduce ticketing, including early-bird pricing, to ensure the event remains financially sustainable into the future. There are options to to attend individual days, events, or the full three-day programme.

Kuoni Tumlare partners with WorldTravellers to expand presence in Malaysia

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WorldTravellers has an office in Penang; Georgetown, Penang pictured

Kuoni Tumlare has announced a strategic partnership with WorldTravellers (WT), one of Malaysia’s most established DMCs.

Effective as of December 2025, the partnership combines Kuoni Tumlare’s global network with WT’s 30-year local track record and team of 140 professionals.

WorldTravellers has an office in Penang; Georgetown, Penang pictured

Based in Kuala Lumpur with offices in Penang, Klang, and Cheras, WorldTravellers provides end-to-end event solutions including incentive tours, teambuilding, and exhibitions.

A key feature of the affiliation is WT’s specialised expertise in Muslim-friendly travel, offering tailored packages that include halal dining, prayer facilities, and inclusive accommodation options across Malaysia.

Soh Swee Kim, WT’s managing director, commented: “By combining Kuoni Tumlare’s global strength with WorldTravellers’ local expertise, we are set to take the meetings and events business in Malaysia to new heights, expanding our footprint and delivering unmatched value to clients.”

Marco Russi, chief operating officer destination offices & MICE Europe, Kuoni Tumlare, added: “This partnership with WorldTravellers is a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional MICE experiences in Asia. By joining forces, we can offer our clients innovative solutions, local insights, and the highest standards of service in one of the region’s most dynamic markets.”

Global Exhibitions Day 2026 to focus on industry opportunity and growth

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Global Exhibitions Day's logo has been refreshed for a new decade

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has announced that the 11th edition of Global Exhibitions Day (GED) will take place on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

This year’s campaign, themed Exhibitions drive opportunities, arrives alongside a refreshed, contemporary logo designed to reflect the industry’s future-facing evolution.

Global Exhibitions Day’s logo has been refreshed for a new decade

The 2026 theme emphasises three core pillars of impact: People, Planet, and Performance.

Exhibitions drive opportunities for People by fostering collective effort, expanding skills, and creating meaningful connections that support careers, communities, and global collaboration. They also drive opportunities for the Planet by accelerating sustainable solutions, showcasing green innovations, and advancing responsible practices that help industries reduce their environmental footprint.

Finally, exhibitions drive opportunities for Performance by powering business growth, opening new markets, and enabling companies of all sizes to thrive through direct customer engagement and real marketplace connections.

UFI president Panittha Buri highlighted the industry’s role as a critical driver of economic progress, calling on governments and policymakers to recognise exhibitions as proven contributors to long-term growth and competitiveness.

Professionals are encouraged to engage with the #GED2026 campaign by hosting local activities and utilising the official toolkit to showcase the industry’s influence on global trade.

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