From left: Sumate Sudasna; Caroline Knies; and Jean-Paul da Levison
The World PCO Alliance has elected new officers for the upcoming term.
At the Alliance’s Annual General Meeting, held on June 19, 2025, Sumate Sudasna of Thailand’s CDM (Conference & Destination Management) was elected president, succeeding André Vietor of Spain’s Bco Congresos, who now serves as Immediate Past President.
From left: Sumate Sudasna; Caroline Knies; and Jean-Paul da Levison
Caroline Knies, founder and managing director of Sweden’s Meetagain, was elected vice president, while Jean-Paul da Levison, founder of Canada’s JPdL International, was elected treasurer.
The new officers will serve a two-year term with immediate effect.
InterContinental Bali Resort has appointed Abdul Hafid bin Mohamed Gaus as resort manager.
A Singapore native with over 20 years of experience across Asia, Hafid has held leadership roles at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, Shangri-La Jakarta, Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore, and Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa.
He brings extensive operational expertise and a focus on innovation, with a passion for using technology to enhance efficiency and guest experience.
Marriott International has appointed Gautam Bhandari as chief development officer for Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC), effective January 1, 2026.
Bhandari, who joined Marriott in 2007, brings over two decades of leadership experience across revenue management, operations, sales, marketing, and development. He currently serves as senior vice president, development and operations, overseeing Marriott’s Premium and Select brands in Singapore and the Maldives.
In his new role, he will drive Marriott’s growth strategy across APEC, which includes more than 650 open hotels in 22 countries and over 380 in the pipeline. His responsibilities cover development across key markets such as Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Maldives, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Based in Singapore, Bhandari succeeds Shawn Hill, who will assume the role of executive vice president and chief development officer, global, for Marriott International in early 2026.
The Indonesian Exhibition Companies Association (ASPERAPI), the umbrella organisation for Indonesia’s exhibition industry players, will host the Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA) Convention 2025.
The AFECA Convention 2025 series will be held concurrently with the Asia 20 (A20) Forum and the Indonesia Business Events Forum (IBEF) Conference and Expo 2025. All three will take place on November 5 to 6, 2025, at the Jakarta International Expo (JIEXPO) Convention Centre in Kemayoran, Jakarta.
ASPERAPI will host the triple gathering of AFECA, A20, and IBEF next month
During the IBEF launch in Jakarta last week, Hosea Andreas Runkat, chairman of ASPERAPI, said: “Indonesia’s appointment as host is a source of pride, and a significant opportunity to showcase the nation’s capacity to lead and strengthen Asia’s position in the global MICE industry.”
This year, A20 is adopting the theme, From Complexity to Clarity: The A20 Vision – Resilience, Agility, Leadership, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening Asia’s role as a global growth hub through resilience, agility, and leadership in the face of a constantly changing global economic landscape.
Through a series of forums, exhibitions, showcases, and business matching sessions, the events aim to foster cross-sector collaboration and create a space for dialogue among domestic and international industry players. This is designed to strengthen business networks, create new opportunities, and accelerate the growth of the national exhibition and creative economies.
Meanwhile, the IBEF Expo 2025 will serve as ASPERAPI’s main exhibition, a rebrand of last year’s INDES 2024. The Expo will promote the business events industry to the wider public, providing insights into the potential of the exhibition industry, and serving as a major reunion for Indonesian business events professionals.
Hosea said: “Hosting this exhibition concurrently with the AFECA event is a huge opportunity for Indonesia to show off its capabilities in front of 19 major nations, including China, Japan, and South Korea, who will be attending this year.”
IBEF 2025 is set to be the largest platform for Indonesia’s business events industry players, integrating both a trade show and a consumer show. It will also include a conference and thematic discussion sessions to explore the latest developments, business opportunities, and the future policy direction of the business events industry.
Additionally, the MICE Youth Challenge – a competition for students from 19 Asian countries will also be held on the sidelines of IBEF. The competition challenges tourism and event management students to present their innovative ideas within three minutes, using AFECA’s international standard format.
The Summit saw participation from policymakers and leaders from Australia, Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, the UK, and Malaysia
The inaugural Legacy Event Advocacy Policy (LEAP) Summit concluded on October 3, 2025, with the landmark adoption of the Borneo Legacy Declaration.
This new standard is set to redefine the global business events industry by establishing a universal, yet locally adaptable, framework for measuring and advocating for long-term, positive legacy impact.
The Summit saw participation from policymakers and leaders from Australia, Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, the UK, and Malaysia
Organised by The Iceberg and powered by Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), LEAP Summit convened government leaders, international policymakers, and industry captains to strategically leverage business events for progress in social, economic, and environmental areas.
The Borneo Legacy Declaration formalises a shared global commitment to placing legacy at the core of event planning. Its key aims include shifting the perception of business events from simple revenue generation to strategic tools for national and global development; adopting a practical, common framework for destinations and organisations to measure non-economic impact; and encouraging governments to embed legacy-driven criteria into event funding, procurement, and policy-making.
“Sarawak intends to witness the transformation of the business events sector and to demonstrate its importance across all industries,” said Amelia Roziman, CEO of BESarawak. “By creating and supporting the LEAP Summit, we are sharing a bigger vision with the world – one that encourages collaboration and amplifies impact.”
The Declaration’s principles are closely aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and call for business events to be recognised as a full-fledged industry sector driving national transformation.
Tran: increase in corporate events that blend cultural discovery with social responsibility
Vietnam’s teambuilding sector is undergoing a transformation, with planners reporting growing demand for programmes that are community-driven, immersive and designed to leave a lasting impact on both participants and local partners.
Justin Tran, CEO of Quiet Asia, told TTGmice that in the last year he has seen a noticeable shift from classic teambuilding formats towards more engaging alternatives that deliver real meaning for participants.
Tran: increase in corporate events that blend cultural discovery with social responsibility
“We tailor all of our teambuilding activities based on corporates’ requests. Before, we received a lot of requests from companies wanting to do teambuilding activities on the beach or in the mountains,” Tran said, citing corporates from Amazon, Google and Microsoft who have enjoyed the company’s “Business Team Escapes” programme.
“Now, there is a lot more demand for teambuilding activities based on experiences that directly involve communities and that have a positive impact in some way. We build our activities hand-in-hand with local communities, meaning teams can learn from them and help transform lives.”
Tram Nguyen, branch office sales and marketing manager at Viettourist DMC, noted a similar pattern. She said the Dalat farmstay they partner with – once a favourite for leisure tourists – is now increasingly popular with corporates looking for more immersive programmes.
“It used to be mainly leisure bookings, but now we are seeing an increase in requests for teambuilding. Companies want to engage in more hands-on activities, where they can learn about communities and engage with them,” she elaborated.
Nguyen pointed out that such impactful activties are “directly helping the farmers to increase their salaries”, and is a “win-win” collaboration for all parties.
The trend is also fuelling opportunities for the creative sector. Huy Nguyen Van Anh, design director at The Decor Hub, collaborates with artisan groups to run 12 workshops ranging from ceramics and weaving to embroidery and silk printing.
“We are definitely seeing higher demand from teambuilding planners wanting to organise activities based around the workshops. They combine cultural immersion, tradition, fun and learning, while supporting these communities’ livelihoods.”
Rooftop Garden of Tokyo Port City Takeshiba, a smart building; photo by Kathryn Wortley
Tokyo is strengthening efforts to promote sustainable business events as part of Japan’s national development policy that incorporates UNSDGs.
The Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau (TCVB) has launched initiatives for business events organisers who are considering hosting an event in the metropolis. They include a sustainable event support desk, sustainability guidelines, a carbon footprint calculator and sustainable experience programmes, available both in-person and online for hybrid meetings.
Rooftop Garden of Tokyo Port City Takeshiba, a smart building; photo by Kathryn Wortley
The move marks TCVB’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, building on its destination membership of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, attained in May 2023, and hosting of Tokyo’s inaugural Sustainable MICE Showcase in December 2024, which introduced topics like smart, environmentally-friendly venues, and sustainable approaches to F&B.
“The goal of our activities is to make sustainable tourism visible and to revitalise the tourism industry using it as a norm,” said Masaru Suzuki, TCVB’s director general.
“To promote sustainable tourism in a vast city like Tokyo, it is essential for DMOs, the government, tourism-related businesses and local communities to work together in consensus.”
Events that have utilised the sustainable event support include the Tokyo Sustainable Seafood Summit 2024, which prepared the sustainability policy for its event with the help of TCVB staff.
Among the green options adopted were the use of environmentally friendly exhibition materials such as FSC-certified cardboard, onsite panels and pre-event emails to distribute lecture materials, water dispensers, bamboo tumblers and cardboard name badges.
In addition, the venue was selected based on its accessibility by public transport, unsold lunches were utilised as staff dinners to reduce food loss, and participants were asked to dress in warm clothing to save power.
Venue
I was there to catch the iconic Mariah Carey for her The Celebration of Mimi tour, a sold out, one-night only performance in Singapore.
The concert was held at Singapore Expo’s Arena @ Expo, a multipurpose concert hall large enough to accommodate up to 6,684 persons.
The upgraded tiered seating ensured that audiences, no matter which ticket category they are in, can see the stage. Seated on the second-last row, I had an unobstructed view of the legendary diva and full view of the stage, although I wish the extra screens at the side were slightly bigger as I was short-sighted.
What stood out most for me was that audio quality allowed Carey’s powerful vocals – including her signature whistle-register notes – to resonate throughout the hall. The backup singers, dancers and band were in perfect harmony, and the stage provided ample space for them.
Facilities
In terms of facilities, the essentials were there with two washrooms, a new cloakroom to deposit large bags, and other items for a fee – ideal for travellers with luggage.
There was air-conditioning from the moment we entered the hall queuing area so attendees could wait in comfort – an essential for hot and humid Singapore. During the concert, I felt comfortably cool even from my seat in the back.
F&B kiosks and merchandise stands were also placed inside, ensuring that concert-goers could queue in air-conditioned comfort and get their purchases easily before going into the concert hall.
Location
Conveniently situated in Singapore’s east, Arena @ Expo offers accessibility and ease for both local and international visitors. The venue is just a six-minute walk from Expo MRT station, which connects to two train lines and takes you to central Singapore in about 20 minutes.
For international travellers flying in, Arena @ Expo is a quick 11-minute drive from Singapore Changi Airport, making it a convenient stop for short-stay travellers or those with tight schedules.
MICE application
Beyond concerts and public performances, the venue’s flexible configurations make it suitable for business and private events. The full-hall setup accommodates 6,684 guests, while the half-hall option fits up to 3,698, ideal for more intimate shows or corporate gatherings.
The venue’s direct connection to the Singapore Expo halls provides opportunities for event organisers looking to expand their event in one location.
With nature, sports events and a variety of recreational activities, Taipei invites business travellers to stay longer
For business travellers and MICE participants, Taipei offers more than conference halls and meeting rooms. When the forums and exhibitions conclude, there is no need to rush home – Taipei invites you to stay a little longer.
From marathons and cycling routes to fitness expos and basketball tournaments, the city reveals a vibrant rhythm beyond business. By day, you may engage in professional networking; by night, you can stroll through lively night markets or ride along riverside bike paths, extending your business trip into a rejuvenating journey of both body and mind.
Nature within reach
From open plains to mountain parks, nature is easily accessible from Taipei via convenient rail and road connections
One of Taipei’s greatest charms is its seamless connection between urban life and nature. For business travellers with tight schedules, this accessibility is invaluable.
Within minutes of leaving a meeting, you can find yourself in riverside parks, unwinding along scenic cycling routes. In less than an hour, you can escape to Yangmingshan National Park, where hot springs, hiking trails, and panoramic mountain views offer physical and mental refreshment.
A morning ride at Dadaocheng Wharf, an afternoon soak in a mountainside hot spring, and an evening back in the city savouring gourmetcuisine. Along the way, stylish cafés add touches of creativity and lifestyle aesthetics.
Rising sports culture from the World Masters Games
The 2025 World Masters Games hosted by Taipei in May generated more interest in sports-related programmes and activities
The 2025 World Masters Games sparked a wave of enthusiasm for sports across Taipei. The event inspired a broader movement: more private synthetic venues for sportand fitness have flourished, while numerous civil organisations are investing in sports-related programmes and activities.
This surge in participation highlights how Taipei is evolving into a city where wellness and active living are integral parts of everyday life, further enriching the experience for international business visitors.
Big dome, bigger stage
The Taipei marathon has gained international recognition
With the completion of the Taipei Dome, the city now has a premier venue capable of hosting world-class sports and entertainment events. For business travellers, this means the opportunity to complement a conference schedule with unforgettable live experiences, sharing the energy of tens of thousands of spectators.
Meanwhile, the Taipei Marathon, recognised by World Athletics, has steadily gained international recognition. While the race itself draws global runners, it also offers business visitors a chance to witness the city’s dynamic spirit — watching thousands of participants dash past landmarks like the Presidential Office, the Xinyi District skyline, and the riverside parks.
For MICE participants, Taipei is more than just a host city for meetings. It is a place where business blends seamlessly with leisure, sports, and culture — a vibrant urban destination that allows the world to rediscover the city through the rhythm of movement.
The Taipei City Government offers support for corporate groups. contact MICE One-stop Service by email: micetour@gov.taipei or call: +886 2 2720 8889 (#2104/#2105).
Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has promoted Becky Lim to chief sales officer.
With over 20 years’ experience in payments, loyalty, and airport hospitality, Lim has spent six years as managing director, commercial, building a global client portfolio and driving consistent revenue growth.
In her new role, Lim will lead PPG’s global sales teams, drive revenue growth, refine sales strategies, oversee product development and pricing, and expand responsibility for Airport Meet & Greet and Lounge Operations.
She previously held senior roles at DragonPass Asia Pacific, Visa, American Express, and DBS Bank, and holds a BA in Marketing with High Honors from Michigan State University.
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.
He brings extensive operational expertise and a focus on innovation, with a passion for using technology to enhance efficiency and guest experience.
In his new role, he will drive Marriott’s growth strategy across APEC, which includes more than 650 open hotels in 22 countries and over 380 in the pipeline. His responsibilities cover development across key markets such as Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Maldives, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.
In her new role, Lim will lead PPG’s global sales teams, drive revenue growth, refine sales strategies, oversee product development and pricing, and expand responsibility for Airport Meet & Greet and Lounge Operations.
