Asia/Singapore Tuesday, 23rd December 2025
Page 262

Ascott Indonesia inks partnerships with INCCA and Asperapi

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Ascott Indonesia's Fenny Maria and INCCA's Iqbal Abdullah at the signing ceremony, witnessed by Ascott Indonesia management and Asperapi's Andre Runkat (far right)

Ascott Indonesia has signed an MoU with the Indonesia Congress and Convention Association (INCCA) and the Indonesian Exhibition Companies Association (Asperapi), where all parties will collaborate to support business events in Indonesia, especially Jakarta.

This comes as the Indonesian government’s plan to relocate the national capital from Jakarta to Ibu Kota Nusantara in East Kalimantan. As such, the partnership is expected to create reciprocal potential and competitive rates for event organisers.

Ascott Indonesia’s Fenny Maria and INCCA’s Iqbal Abdullah at the signing ceremony, witnessed by Ascott Indonesia management and Asperapi’s Andre Runkat (far right)

Iqbal Alan Abdullah, chairman of INCCA, said: “The relocation plan of the National Capital (has pushed) business events stakeholders to collaborate in Jakarta, to (ensure) the city even more competitive.”

“I am optimistic that business events activities will continue to thrive. This is evidenced by the organisation of various international conferences such as the G20 series in 2022 and the ASEAN Summit series in 2023, as well as various national and international trade exhibitions and shows held in Jakarta and other regions.”

He opined that Jakarta would continue to be a popular business events destination as 57 per cent of Indonesia’s population – exceeding 31 million – live in Java and economic activities are concentrated there.

“Besides, 58 per cent of the nation’s money circulation is also in Java., making it the centre of business events development in Indonesia and South-east Asia,” he added.

Fenny Maria, corporate director of sales & distribution Ascott Indonesia, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with INCCA and Asperapi, which are two prominent associations in Indonesia. This partnership will help enhance the quality of human resources through training, promotion, and networking, particularly for the MICE industry, as demand (for face-to-face meetings) increases post-pandemic.”

Asia Convention Alliance confirms details for inaugural forum

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Leading members of the Asia Convention Alliance at the 9th Asia Convention Alliance Meeting

The Asia Convention Alliance (ACA) is calling for business events players to join industry peers at the inaugural ACA Association Forum 2023 on November 11, 2023.

Slated to be held in the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC), Bangkok, Thailand, the forum expects to welcome approximately 100 delegates from the region’s 20 established associations, as well as international delegates from around the globe.

Leading members of the Asia Convention Alliance at the 9th Asia Convention Alliance Meeting

In the first installation, delegates can expect key takeaways on issues including Sustainability; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion or DEI and Environmental, Social and Governance, or ESG practices, which all point to being aligned and working towards reaching the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. Several speakers have been determined and will be announced by Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB).

#ACAAF1 is anticipated to configure the foundation of this forum through its first hosting country and further provide exposure to other ACA members in particular, to the association clientele.

This was announced during a Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB)-chaired ACA Press Conference in IMEX Frankfurt 2023.

Noor Azlan Abu Bakar, director – convention & exhibition of MyCEB, expressed: “In the past, ACA members as individual entities have had great working relationships among each other, but the recent unprecedented industry and global challenges have further propelled us to come together and overcome difficulties as a team. ACA is a true alliance which reflects the integrity of members convening to cohesively cooperate to benefit not just member countries, but the region itself. This is what we want to achieve through the ACA Forum as it is created and spearheaded by a band of the industry’s authorities.”

Nooch Homrossukhon, TCEB’s director of conventions, added: “Each destination will bring their associations from their destination to Bangkok in conjunction with 62nd ICCA Congress Bangkok. The forum will address how the association advances in the region and how convention bureaus like us were able to partner with associations in staging their events in respective destinations.”

Masungi Georeserve opens a new events space

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Masungi Georeserve, a vast conservation area of ancient forests and limestones at the foot of the Sierra Madre mountain ranges a 1.5-hour drive from metro Manila, has added a unique events place on a hilltop.

Called Silayan, the circular venue is designed to blend with, and have a 360 degree view of, the spectacular natural environment. Glass walls partition the indoor space from the al fresco area. Catering for events is done in-house, and the menu will comprise of organic and seasonal ingredients.

Other event spaces on-site include Dasalan (Meditation Hut), Tipunan, and the Rock Garden Events Hall.

Outside of the event spaces, exploring Masungi and its numerous nature trails can be incorporated into corporate programmes.

For example, The Discovery Trail includes traversing hanging bridges connecting limestone peaks; taking in the scenery on the giant spider web-like contraption; and resting in giant hammocks and raindrop-shaped “air house”.

Meanwhile, The Legacy Trail is for those who want to join in various conservation and restoration efforts including tree planting and nurturing, guided by park rangers.

The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort welcomes new GM

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General Hotel Management has named Hani Akkari as the new general manager of The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort in Doha, Qatar.

Having amassed over 17 years of experience in some of the world’s most renowned luxury hotels, Akkari will oversee the hotel’s day-to-day operations and lead its commercial and strategic initiatives in his new role.

He was previously the general manager of Fairmont Doha in Katara Towers, where he led the team for the hotel’s opening which went on to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

IHG Hotels & Resorts names new GM of Holiday Inn Dandenong

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Scott Schaefer has been appointed as general manager of Holiday Inn Dandenong and will lead the team for the launch of the hotel.

He has 15 years of experience in management roles within IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Australasian properties, and most recently supported three Holiday Inn hotels and the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort.

Garuda Indonesia, Singapore Airlines deepen commercial partnership

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Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines will enter into a joint venture to deepen their cooperation in increasing passenger capacity between Singapore and Indonesia.

Expanding on the Memorandum of Understanding that the two airlines signed in November 2021, and subject to regulatory approvals, the proposed joint venture will cover routes between Singapore and Denpasar, Jakarta, and Surabaya.

The joint venture will help strengthen tourist flows between Indonesia and Singapore

In addition, both carriers will explore the implementation of new initiatives, including joint fare products and an alignment of corporate programmes to enhance the value proposition to customers.

Irfan Setiaputra, president and CEO, Garuda Indonesia, commented: “This joint venture agreement, as a further milestone of the partnership expansion initiative, will certainly strengthen the commitment between the two carriers simultaneously, delivering a seamless and valuable flying experience to both our customers across the globe.”

He added that the collaboration will also help strengthen tourist flows between Indonesia and Singapore, making it easier for international tourists to explore South-east Asia.

Singapore Airlines’ CEO, Goh Choon Phong, said: “(This joint venture) reflects our firm commitment to grow the aviation markets in Indonesia and Singapore, facilitating a greater level of business and people connections and promoting both countries as regional tourism destinations. Our customers will also enjoy even more benefits, including an improved level of network connectivity, enhanced travel convenience, and additional fare options.”

More than just a show

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The Youth Mill
Business event organisers have an opportunity to support disadvantaged young people in Australia’s Aboriginal communities when they engage in cultural performances through The Youth Mill, which works with a diverse range of Aboriginal groups to provide education, employment and cultural awareness.

Performances for events held in the Northern Territory are offered through The Youth Mill’s Beats of Culture music and Women of Artful Flavours arts programmes.

These performances allow local young artists to showcase their extraordinary talents to a broader audience, embrace and convey their heritage, as well as educate themselves and others about the depth, beauty and strength of First Nations culture, and the importance of maintaining one of the world’s oldest living cultures.

Phare, the Cambodian Circus
Phare shows – a blend of theatre, music, dance and modern circus arts – are of great renown but underneath that fine global repute is a gold-hearted purpose.

Phare artists are students and graduates from Phare Ponleu Selpak’s vocational training centre in Cambodia’s Battambang, a non-profit organisation established in 1994 to help poor and troubled local youngsters. From free education at the start, the centre went on to offer music, theatre and circus classes. Students and graduates are given a chance to hone their skills and earn a decent wage that will take them out of poverty.

Phare also uses the revenue to fund the school, allowing it to support even more local youngsters.

Phare performs every night at its big top on Siem Reap’s Ring Road, and the complete experience on-site includes opportunities to purchase souvenirs made by local artisans and sample the tasty street food.

Corporate groups can also arrange to visit Phare Ponleu Selpak in Battambang to watch a circus show by the students or take a tour of the campus.

Bangkok Charity Orchestra
The Bangkok Charity Orchestra is said to be the first orchestra to be committed to raising funds for charities in Thailand.

Beyond its work dedicated to supporting recognised charities in the country, it also promotes classical music and brings aspiring musicians together to perform on a quality stage.

The Bangkok Charity Orchestra’s key principle is to donate 100 per cent of the concert proceeds to selected charity projects. The orchestra is funded by corporate sponsors and supporters. It is also open for private engagements in formal concerts for charitable causes.

ICCA’s country and city rankings for 2022 make a comeback

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ICCA strongly believes that statistics exist to tell a story

Singapore, Seoul, and Taipei have taken the top three spots in Asia-Pacific, according to ICCA’s Country & City Rankings for 2022.

Singapore handled 101 meetings in 2022, followed by Seoul at 66, and Taipei at 55. Rounding off the top 10 Asia-Pacific list, in order from fourth to 10th, are Bangkok, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, Sydney, Melbourne, Kyoto and Jeju.

ICCA strongly believes that statistics exist to tell a story

The rankings return after an absence of two years, when ICCA observed that approximately 85 per cent of all meetings were held in person at the end of 2022.

As for the worldwide rankings, the US topped the list with 690 meetings in 2022, followed by Spain at 528 meetings, and Italy at 522 meetings.

In a joint effort with members, ICCA’s Research team identified over 10,500 meetings of which some 9,000 meetings were held in person, being either unaffected by Covid-19 or held in a hybrid format.

As the association meetings industry is still catching up to the numbers of the last pre-pandemic year (13,254 meetings in 2019), ICCA conducted a brief country and city comparative analysis based on rankings rather than the number of meetings. ICCA will provide context to in-person versus planned meetings showing how these statistics can be best utilised.

ICCA CEO, Senthil Gopinath, said: “This is a tremendous undertaking by our team, one that is most welcomed by our members because the ICCA Country – and City – Rankings always generate huge industry interest. It’s heartening to see the drive towards in-person meetings is once more very strong and we predict this trend will grow throughout the coming year.”

NZICC teams up with IAPCO for new leadership programme

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From left: NZICC’s Prue Daly; The Conference Company’s Jan Tonkin; and IAPCO’s Sarah Markey-Hamm

The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) has partnered with the International Association for Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) to develop a multi-year leadership programme.

The Next Generation Leaders Programme will be designed specifically for IAPCO Members in the Asia-Pacific region, and delivered through a series of online education workshops organised by NZICC and the IAPCO Training Academy.

From left: NZICC’s Prue Daly; The Conference Company’s Jan Tonkin; and IAPCO’s Sarah Markey-Hamm

Applications for the Next Generation Leaders Programme will open in late May, with the NZICC planning to run the first workshop in July 2023.

One participant each year will also secure a coveted scholarship, named after former IAPCO President, The Conference Company founder and New Zealand industry stalwart Jan Tonkin, to attend IAPCO’s Annual Meeting and General Assembly alongside senior leaders within the global business events community.

Sarah Markey-Hamm, IAPCO’s president, said: “Without Jan’s involvement with IAPCO our association would not be in the place that it is in today. She lives and breathes the business event sector and has been instrumental in developing the IAPCO education programmes over the last 15 years. Her wisdom and counsel are cherished and freely given when asked. Even though her formal involvement with IAPCO Council has concluded she remains a strong contributor to the educational content across IAPCO’s products whilst serving on Faculty. It’s an honour that she has agreed to lend her name to the scholarship programme in our region.

“We’re anticipating strong interest from our Asia Pacific members. The online format of the workshops has opened up this opportunity to a vast audience. I’m excited to see the impact of this programme and the benefits it will bring to the participants involved and to the wider business and professional events industry in New Zealand and beyond.”

NZICC, in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, has already secured a number of large international conferences. The World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education has been confirmed as one of the first to use NZICC facilities in November 2025. The conference will see 3,000 international visitors welcomed to the city, delivering an estimated economic impact of more than NZ$6 million (US$3.6 million).

SITE CEO debuts new research, provides member updates

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Gregg: PHOTO CAPTION: Several new initiatives were introduced, and industry connections that will benefit SITE members were spotlighted

The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) will be launching the 2023 Incentive Travel Index survey, in partnership with the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) this year, as well as readies a 2024-26 strategic plan.

These were some of the updates that Annette Gregg, CEO of SITE and SITE Foundation, revealed at IMEX Frankfurt last week.

Several new initiatives were introduced, and industry connections that will benefit SITE members were spotlighted by Gregg (pictured) at the press conference

Gregg also announced a handful of refreshed, renewed and new industry partnerships with the likes of Meeting Professionals International, Destinations International, and Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals.

Participants at the press conference also got to preview results from SITE Foundation’s latest in-house research project, Participant inSITEs.

As SITE readies a 2024-26 strategic plan, its membership base is the largest it has been since the pandemic.

This year, members will receive access to online, on-demand versions of SITE’s Certified Incentive Specialist and Certified Incentive Travel Professional certification exams, and shared content through different industry partnerships and on a newly-launched members-only education platform on SITE’s own website.

Participants were also given a rundown of upcoming SITE events, which include an Executive Summit taking place in Zimbabwe this June, SITE Classic this August in Mexico, and a November International Board of Directors meeting that will be held in Egypt. Gregg also highlighted the formation of the newest SITE chapter, SITE Arabia.

“These destinations stand out as excellent emerging incentive travel locales,” said Gregg. “It’s always special to bring the insights and expertise of our community to exchange new ideas and best practices with in-country experts and educate all SITE members about what’s on offer in new destinations.”

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