Malaysia and Indonesia ink MoC at MBEW
Malaysia and Indonesia signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on August 29 – during the Malaysia Business Events Week in Kuala Lumpur – in a bid to build more business connections and engagement between the two countries.
The three signatories include the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Malaysian Association Of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (MACEOS), and Indonesian Exhibition Companies Association (IECA-Asperapi).
MyCEB’s CEO, Abdul Khani Daud explained that the purpose of the MoC is to establish a framework for strategic collaboration between business events stakeholders.
Areas of cooperation include marketing and promotions; sharing leads, programmes, knowledge and advice; developing standards; as well as training and education to upgrade the skills of industry players through seminars and workshops.
Abdul Khani added that the MoC will help “position both countries as preferred business events destinations” to the international market.
Later this year, IECA-Asperapi members are set to meet with MACEOS members in Kuala Lumpur to network and look into ways they can collaborate further. MACEOS will reciprocate with a visit to Jakarta next year.
As China is still closed and longhaul business events have not returned to pre-pandemic levels, it is an opportune time to leverage on the markets of neighbouring countries – Indonesia is a huge market to tap, said Francis Teo, president, MACEOS.
While this is the first MoC signed with another country, Abdul Khani intends to extend similar collaboration with Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and India next year to create more B2B opportunities which will also contribute to the quicker recovery of Malaysia’s business events industry.
Adoption of metaverse in events not yet popular in South-east Asia
Although event planners in Malaysia readily adopted events technology to organise virtual and hybrid meetings during the pandemic, usage of the metaverse has not gained much traction, said industry experts during a forum at the Malaysia Business Events Week (MBEW).
Speaking at a forum entitled Making Events Tech Adapt (META)-verse at MBEW – organised by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau and held in Kuala Lumpur – Yusno Yunos, CEO & founder of Evenesis opined that the metaverse will one day become a part and parcel of our daily lives.
Yusno, who is also the vice-president of innovation at the Malaysian Association Of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (MACEOS), further called on event planners in Malaysia to learn more about metaverse, and how this technology can be applied to business events. Aside from enhancing delegates’ experience, he opined that the metaverse will help planners further their ROIs.
This comes as global investments in the metaverse are growing significantly, hence Yusno opined it will one day become mainstream in business events. Event organisers who do not embrace the technology will not be able to attract the younger generation of audiences who are looking for immersive experiences, he cautioned.
This view is supported by Bloomberg, which estimates that investments into the metaverse will reach US$800 million by 2024.
To help manage costs of adopting the metaverse, Yusno also suggested that event venues and PCOs should collaborate with technology companies.
Another speaker, Fariz Hanapiah, creative director at Experiential Design Team, meanwhile, added that it was important to target the right audience if players do choose to use the metaverse when running events.
He elaborated that a younger audience that has been exposed to immersive online gaming might find it easy and natural to navigate a metaverse avatar, but the same cannot be said for Gen X audiences.
Other challenges include the lack of awareness by event organisers as to how to make use of the metaverse to further engagement.
Forum moderator, Harpreet Singh Maan, CEO & founder of Blocklime and ACCESS Blockchain Association of Malaysia, shared that blockchain-based events that make use of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and the metaverse are growing in the US, China, Japan and Korea, all to amplify a delegate’s experience.
However, this adoption of metaverse has not yet taken off in South-east Asia, even though large-scale hybrid events take place regularly.
Sunshine Coast to get mega live music venue in 2024
A new A$35 million (US$24 million) music venue is set to rise within Sunshine Coast’s Aura master-planned estate, giving the destination fresh capacity for events with up to 2,500 people.
Led by The Comiskey Group, the new venue will include indoor and outdoor dining, six bars, gaming room or function spaces. Scheduled to open in 2024, the venue is said to be “the crowning jewel of Aura’s premium entertainment hub in the city centre”.
“Equipped with first-rate entertainment facilities currently unseen in the region, the venue will boast a world-class PA and lighting system, band room, mezzanine level and the capacity to host over 2,500 patrons,” the company said in a press release.
“Intent on further cementing the Sunshine Coast’s reputation as a live music hub, the new venue presents the unique opportunity for local, interstate and international artists to bring their tours to the bustling community.”
The Comiskey Group, a Queensland based entertainment, hospitality and construction business, owns a portfolio of properties such as Eatons Hill Hotel and Sandstone Point Hotel, and is known for bringing world-class artists to perform in its venues.
Tokyo gazettes five more unique venues
Tokyo has added five unique venues to its roster, increasing the total number of sites for special business events in the Japanese capital to 73.
The new venues are Umewaka Noh Academy Hall, Garden Shinkiba Factory, Shibuya Tsutaya (QFront), Sumida Aquarium and Yumenoshima Park Archery Field.
At Umewaka Noh Academy Hall, near Shinjuku, organisers can hold business events related to Noh, a classical dance drama dating from the 14th century. Up to 300 pax can watch a Noh performance, browse costume exhibits or listen to a lecture introducing Noh. Alternatively, the historic space can be reserved for concerts or fashion shows.
The Garden Shinkiba Factory, which opened in May 2021 on Tokyo’s bayside, is a studio with high ceilings and floor space of 1,300m2, making it ideal for product exhibitions or tradeshows. The studio can accommodate 1,500 pax standing or 750 seated while each of the two VIP rooms can accommodate 15 pax seated. There is also a lounge and terrace.
Shibuya Tsutaya (QFront), located at Shibuya’s world-famous scramble crossing, has two event spaces: the rooftop, for large-scale events such as fashion shows, and the indoor floors for small-scale seminars or workshops.
At Sumida Aquarium, which houses 7,000 creatures across two floors, event customisation is possible such as illuminating the aquarium when a floor is reserved. The larger floor accommodates 200 pax standing or 20 pax seated. As this facility is located in the same complex as Tokyo Skytree and within walking distance of cultural centre Asakusa, events here could be easily combined with sightseeing and other activities, according to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
A legacy venue of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Yumenoshima Park Archery Field can be used for sporting or non-sporting events. Organisers can choose demonstrations, experiences and lessons in archery or use the venue for shooting commercials or staged entertainment.
Photo of the day: TCEB holds networking luncheon in Hong Kong
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and representatives of its conventions department recently hosted a networking luncheon for event planners and associations, at the Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong.
During the luncheon, TCEB presented to attendees Thailand’s ability in dealing with the pandemic, the various entry measures and regulations, and the eventual easing of restrictions and opening of the country.
The presentation also provided updates regarding Convene Plus BCG Scheme, TCEB’s event subsidy scheme. The recently-curated support scheme includes Bid Assistance, Convention Planning Service, Promotion and Marketing Support, Financial Support, and Bonus Subventions.
Royal Caribbean Group to implement high-speed Internet onboard fleetwide
Royal Caribbean Group will be the first in the cruise industry to adopt SpaceX’s Starlink, an innovative broadband Internet service providing high-speed, low-latency connectivity for a better onboard experience for guests and crew fleetwide.
Starlink will be installed on all Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises ships, along with all new vessels for each of the brands.
After receiving positive feedback from guests and crew for its trial onboard Freedom of the Seas, deployment of the Starlink technology across the fleet will begin immediately and is slated to be completed by 1Q2023.
Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, said: “This technology will provide game-changing Internet connectivity onboard our ships, enhancing the cruise experience for guests and crew alike.
“It will improve and enable more high-bandwidth activities like video streaming as well as activities like video calls.”
Faster and more reliable Internet will also make it easier for guests and crew to remain connected to work, family and friends – no matter where they are in the world.
“Our work with SpaceX is another example of how Royal Caribbean Group continues to lead the cruise industry in innovation and adoption of cutting-edge technology,” he added.
MBS, Las Vegas Sands pledge US$1m for bond-free hospitality scholarships
From 2023, more than 100 Singaporean students pursuing hospitality or tourism-related courses can tap a new US$1 million bond-free scholarship programme launched by Marina Bay Sands (MBS) and parent company Las Vegas Sands.
The Sands Hospitality Scholarship programme will run for at least three years, and is open to second-year students studying related courses at the six higher institutes of learning – Nanyang Polytechnic; Ngee Ann Polytechnic; Republic Polytechnic; Singapore Polytechnic; Temasek Polytechnic; and the Singapore Institute of Technology.
Over the three years of the programme, approximately 19 students per polytechnic and 14 students from SIT can apply for the scholarship. Recipients can use the funds for expenses such as tuition fees, course materials and overseas immersion programmes.
They can also apply for internship and full-time roles in the hospitality and tourism sectors such as housekeeping, food and beverage as well as events management.
With a currently employment of close to 10,000 people, of which two-thirds are local, MBS said the scholarship programme is part of its efforts to support the hospitality industry’s workforce development.
MBS’ chief operating officer Paul Town explained that making the programme bond-free will “stimulate interest” in the hospitality industry, rather than specifically to MBS, and will help bring out more emerging talent after the pandemic.
Ron Reese, Las Vegas Sands’ senior vice president of global communications and corporate affairs, noted that Singapore’s “resilient tourism industry” is expected to grow robustly with international travel resuming.
“By investing in education to help youth establish careers in hospitality, we are supporting the future of our industry and Singapore’s continued leadership as a top global travel destination,” he said.
Housekeeping and F&B jobs are in high demand, he noted, simply because “they really are the engine room of a property”.
“If you don’t have capacity and housekeeping, you literally are potentially closing sections of your hotel and then limiting the tourism visitation into Singapore,” he added.
Meet Taiwan strengthens Singapore connections, but quarantine hampers recovery
When exactly Taiwan’s borders will reopen for international business events remains the biggest hurdle to attracting inbound groups, travel trade members said at a Meet Taiwan event held last Thursday.
During the event, government representatives reiterated their keenness to attract meetings, conferences and incentives back to Taiwan, and mentioned the incentives – such as site inspection subsidies, help with visa applications, and welcome kits – that groups and event planners can avail.
Several Taiwanese DMCs, PEOs, and PCOs were also present at the event. They shared about the addition of new conference and exhibition venues like ICC Tainan and Taipei Music Center, as well as recommended several post-event programmes and activities in locations such as Hualian and Taitung to the more than 60 Singapore-based event planners and travel agents present.
However, Taiwan’s current quarantine requirements – three days plus a four-day self-initiated epidemic prevention in the same location – stand in the way of the sector’s recovery.
Millie Sze, outbound manager, Ace Tours & Travel, told TTGmice: “The event was good because it allowed us to catch up with sellers, and learn what is coming up in Taiwan. After two years, it’s good to obtain updates.”
She added that although the information was helpful, buyers like herself were keen to find out more about Taiwan’s reopening plans, so that she could help her corporate clients “start planning” and “do up quotations”.
For Angele Lee, client service director with Event & Marketing Solutions, Taiwan is one of the considered destinations among her clients. Meet Taiwan’s event allowed her to re-establish closer connections.
Meanwhile, Taiwanese travel suppliers also acknowledged that the quarantine requirement was the industry’s biggest hurdle, but believed it was important to be at the event to reconnect with their Singaporean counterparts.
Paul Hsieh, deputy general manager, Edison Travel Service, said: “We know sooner or later that Taiwan will open; it’s just a matter of time. Everyone has been asking about our opening date, but it’s been really difficult. That is why we have been pushing our government to open.”
He further opined: “I think that after the election in November, borders might reopen. I am hopeful. Nobody wants to send an incentive group if they have to deal with quarantine!”
“Taiwan suppliers have been ready to reopen since the start of 2022. They’ve also transformed themselves during the pandemic to run hybrid meetings and virtual tours, as well as create new products.
“I am sure that once the quarantine rules are removed, the travel situation will go back to normal pretty fast. That is why we are here to reconnect and keep in touch,” Han Cheng, representative for Taiwan Tour Co, said.
As of press time, and according to Taiwan News, Taiwan’s head of the Central Epidemic Command Center has indicated that the destination is eyeing late September as the likely timeframe to ease its border restrictions.
CTM takes corporate travel leap into Japan
Corporate Travel Management (CTM) is expanding its Asian footprint with a wholly-owned presence in Tokyo, Japan.
The new Tokyo office is operated alongside the travel solutions provider’s offices in the region, such as Hong Kong, Singapore, China and Taiwan.
The launch follows long-held demand and is designed to maximise on the pent-up need for international travel to Japan, particularly from global firms with a Japanese presence.
“Based on very robust customer feedback over the past few years, we have been working behind the scenes to cement our growth strategy for the Asia region,” said Larry Lo, CEO of CTM Asia.
“Demand for domestic business travel in Japan is brisk. And once Asian countries’ borders reopen, the picture improves significantly,” he added, noting that the move allows CTM to be well-positioned to capitalise on the region’s broader travel recovery in the months ahead.
CTM’s plan to expand into Japan was initiated several years ago following the realisation that having a Japan office would be strategically important.
A Japan presence is “precisely what many existing Asia clients and prospects have been asking for: end-to-end service delivered within Japan, a key business hub within the region”, noted Lo.
Lo added that CTM’s customers both in and outside Asia have long expressed interest in obtaining the same CTM service and technology experience in the Japanese market: a market with high servicing and technology expectations.
CTM’s managing director and founder Jamie Pherous said: “With the opening of our new CTM Asia office in Tokyo, our presence in the region grows, and our power to win new business grows. Our value proposition grows stronger, too, with a CTM-owned and -operated location in the urban heart of this strategically key country.”
The expansion is the second this year for CTM following its acquisition of Safe2Travel in Singapore, in April 2022.
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.
Sarawak Tourism Board will host the convention of Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) from September 20-23, and utilise the opportunity to showcase the Malaysian destination’s cultural experiences, food, music and handicraft.
The event for about 500 member travel agents will be held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.
Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, minister of tourism, creative industry and performing arts Sarawak, said during a press conference last week that Sarawak is a relatively new destination for the Indian market, and the convention will boost the destination’s visibility in India.
“Malaysia has seen consistent growth in tourist arrivals throughout pre-pandemic years. TAFI’s convention is a great opportunity for us to enhance Sarawak’s visibility in India and make Sarawak next destination of choice for tourism and business events in the Indian market,” said the minister.
While Kuala Lumpur and Genting Highland are already popular with the Indian market, Tourism Malaysia is working to raise the profile of lesser known Malaysian destinations among Indian trade partners and travellers.
TAFI is known to take its conventions to locations that not popular in the Indian market. Doing so allows the event to help create awareness about the destination.
The 2022 convention will bear the theme, Build Back Better, and is the first meeting for members in four years.
Attendees can expect to enjoy a tribal-inspired theme that showcases the best of local culture and food.
Zainuddin Abdul Wahab, Tourism Malaysia’s director general said: “The resumption of scheduled international flights from India has been timely in promoting Malaysia to Indian travellers. Hence, we anticipate Indian arrivals to rise 30 per cent above pre-pandemic levels this year.”
Malaysia recorded 735,309 Indian tourist arrivals in 2019, a growth of 15 per cent over the previous year.