Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has promoted Cavin Loh as regional general manager for Southeast Asia – Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Thailand.
With over 15 years of experience in hospitality and airport services, Loh will oversee and drive the strategic growth, operational excellence, and commercial performance of PPG in his new role.
His previous roles include area general manager and regional commercial director of Southeast Asia, which highlights his deep understanding of regional operations and commitment to customer service excellence.
SMD, a new event added to the annual SMF, drew more than 600 attendees; photo by Gerardine Donough-Tan
This year’s Singapore MICE Forum (SMF), organised by the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS), took a slightly different tack – one day for the main SMF event and two half-days for new offshoots.
All events were held at Sands Expo & Convention Centre.
SMD, a new event added to the annual SMF, drew more than 600 attendees; photo by Gerardine Donough-Tan
The Association MICE Symposium (AMS) on July 23 was jointly run by SACEOS and Singapore Business Federation, while Singapore MICE Development (SMD) took place on July 25.
The main SMF on July 24 carried the theme What’s Next, where more than 300 attendees at SMF absorbed fireside chats and panel discussions on technology, hospitality, sports, and even fashion.
In an illuminating dialogue, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) chief executive Melissa Ow said that with finite resources, Singapore has to focus on quality tourism and be a “good destination partner” delivering events with “real impact and value”.
Singapore adopts a different model as a city state. “The model is unique and built for our context. Execution is key, and public-private partnership is the cornerstone of how Singapore operates,” she added.
The SMF marketplace saw more than 20 companies showcase a variety of products and services, while SMD’s marketplace featured 15 attractions, venues, PCOs and service and education providers looking to tap new talent. There were also “lightning talks” to inform and inspire the 600 attendees at SMD.
“MICE is a growth sector and as outlined by STB’s Melissa Ow, it is planned to grow by three times by 2040,” said Richard Ireland, SACEOS president.
“This growth will provide excellent jobs with great diversity of roles, diversity of sectors serviced, travel opportunities, roles with purpose, and good career progression.”
Also held on July 24 was the Singapore MICE Awards 2025 Gala Dinner, where awards were given across 16 categories. Special recognition went to Marina Bay Sands for winning MICE Venue of the Year, and Gevme for Event Tech Application of the Year for three consecutive years (2023–2025).
This funding will help drive visitation and economic growth, delegates at Cairns Botanic Gardens
Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef has launched a new funding programme to attract and secure business events to the region over the next four years, with the initiative projected to deliver a A$54 million (US$34.7 million) direct economic impact.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland’s (TTNQ) general manager of partnerships and events, Tara Bennett, said the programme would support new business events proposing Tropical North Queensland as a destination, with a minimum of 150 delegates staying in the region for three nights.
This funding will help drive visitation and economic growth, delegates at Cairns Botanic Gardens
“International and national eligible events can apply for funding of A$10,000 or more for events taking place between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2029.”
In addition to the financial support, the Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef team will continue to provide a suite of complimentary services through the convention bureau.
These include connecting meeting planners with venues and accommodation providers and the broader local events supply network, delegate boosting and marketing support, as well as air and ground support for site inspections.
The funding initiative is supported by key partners Tourism and Events Queensland and Cairns Regional Council, who work alongside Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef to secure major business events for the region.
From left: AOCPRM 2025 committee’s Ng Chen Yit; PCEB’s Ashwin Gunasekeran; Penang State EXCO for Tourism & Creative Economy’s Wong Hon Wai; AOCPRM 2025’s organising chair Chung Tzi Yang; and AOCPRM 2025 committee’s Zetty Noreeta binti Mohd Rozali
The 9th Asia-Oceanian Conference of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (AOCPRM 2025) will be held from August 21 to 23, 2025, at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Penang, Malaysia.
This year’s theme is Rehabilitation for a Sustainable Future: Bridging Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact, and the conference is expected to attract over 1,000 delegates from more than 20 countries.
From left: AOCPRM 2025 committee’s Ng Chen Yit; PCEB’s Ashwin Gunasekeran; Penang State EXCO for Tourism & Creative Economy’s Wong Hon Wai; AOCPRM 2025’s organising chair Chung Tzi Yang; and AOCPRM 2025 committee’s Zetty Noreeta binti Mohd Rozali
Hosted by the Malaysian Association of Rehabilitation Physicians, the scientific programme will cover a range of topics in physical and rehabilitation medicine.
The conference will feature a keynote lecture by a world-renowned leader in the field; eight plenary lectures on emerging trends and challenges in global rehabilitation; 28 thematic symposia covering topics like neurorehabilitation, musculoskeletal pain, and robotics; and 10 pre-conference workshops on August 20, 2025, offering hands-on training.
There will also be the first-ever Mandarin Symposium to broaden accessibility and collaboration, said Chung Tze Yang, chair of the AOCPRM 2025 organising committee.
In addition to the academic sessions, the conference will offer cultural and wellness activities, including morning Tai Chi, a tree-planting ceremony, and a Cultural Gala Dinner at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel. Optional sightseeing tours of Penang are also available for registered delegates.
The AOCPRM is held once every three years and is a major event in the Asia-Oceanian region for professionals in rehabilitation care, education, and research.
The cover page of the recently-released Sustainability Guide
BCD Meetings & Events (BCD M&E) has published its annual Sustainability Guide, a new resource which offers practical insights into both benchmarking sustainability efforts and adopting greener practices.
The 2025 guide provides a comprehensive framework for organisations, meeting planners, suppliers, and destinations, helping them make more informed and responsible choices. It emphasises key sustainable practices, including circular economy principles and carbon reduction strategies, offering straightforward approaches to sourcing sustainable events.
The cover page of the recently-released Sustainability Guide
Beyond strategic guidance, the guide also spotlights sustainable destinations, hotels, and suppliers.
“Sustainability continues to shape conversations around how we plan and deliver meetings and events,” said Bruce Morgan, global president, BCD Meetings & Events.
“In today’s evolving political and economic environment, the topic of sustainability is complex, but embracing practical solutions and creating smart partnerships opens the door to positive change and lasting impact.”
GoSnoop's Lady of Kudichin redefines corporate teambuilding in Bangkok
GoSnoop has launched The Lady of Kudichin, a new teambuilding experience set in Bangkok’s historic Kudichin neighbourhood.
The Lady of Kudichin combines mystery-solving with exploration of Kudichin, a district rich in Portuguese, Chinese, and Thai influences. The 3.5-hour game was developed with input from local artisans, historians, and residents, and focuses on strengthening trust, adaptive leadership, and collaboration.
GoSnoop’s Lady of Kudichin redefines corporate teambuilding in Bangkok
The Lady of Kudichin accommodates up to 50 participants, priced at 2,200 baht (US$67.30) per person. Teams typically consist of five to six people.
In addition, the programme can be customised for either leadership training or pure team bonding, and includes a reflection session designed to provide actionable takeaways. Optional add-ons like local dining, transportation, and photography are also available.
This new offering follows GoSnoop’s previous game The Golden Mountain’s Eclipse, which was praised for its design and cultural depth. In comparison, The Golden Mountain’s Eclipse can handle up to 200 participants at 2,100 baht per person.
Supawan Teerarat has been appointed president of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), effective August 1, 2025.
With over 39 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism sectors, Supawan brings extensive knowledge of the business events industry to her new role. She spent 16 years at TCEB, holding various positions, including director of exhibitions; vice president of strategic business development; and senior vice president. Her expertise includes organisational management, event management, bidding for major events, and destination management.
Prior to her return, she served as the president of the Thailand’s National Food Institute, where she focused on developing the food industry through innovation, R&D, and training.
The Association Specialists (TAS) has appointed Emma Hayes as its new managing director.
Her priorities include strengthening the team, building capability, developing service offerings, and continuing to provide the reliable, professional support that clients rely on.
Emma Hayes
A new strategic direction outlining TAS’ key priorities fwill be released soon, providing a transparent view of goals and focus areas.
TAS continues to work alongside more than 75 associations, societies and not-for-profit organisations across Australia. Each year, it delivers over 200 events, including more than 20 large-scale conferences. Its services span full-service association management, event design and delivery, financial management, membership support, and strategic consultancy.
Ken Orr has been appointed general manager of Millennium Hotel Queenstown by Millennium & Copthorne Hotels New Zealand Limited.
With more than 20 years of experience at the company, Orr has held a range of managerial and operational roles across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.
He stepped down from his previous position as vice president of operations in June 2025 to relocate to the South Island.
American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), has made two new strategic leadership appointments to drive growth in its SME division in Asia-Pacific (APAC).
Elizabeth Georgopoulos has been promoted to sales director for APAC, where she will lead the region’s Enterprise and Midmarket sales team, reporting into Jason Geall, executive vice president, global SME.
Chris Andony has been promoted to senior director, client management APAC SME. He will lead the APAC client management team, reporting into recently-appointed vice president & general manager, global client management SME Becky Power.
Andony brings extensive regional expertise from his previous role as director of mining and resources.
Both Georgopoulos and Andony will work closely with Amex GBT’s senior leaders in APAC, including Australia-based Nigel Rowe, vice president global business partnerships, and Sanghamitra Bose, vice president traveller care, in Singapore.
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.
His previous roles include area general manager and regional commercial director of Southeast Asia, which highlights his deep understanding of regional operations and commitment to customer service excellence.
He stepped down from his previous position as vice president of operations in June 2025 to relocate to the South Island.
