Asia/Singapore Sunday, 26th April 2026
Page 790

ICC Sydney beefs up its technology and digital infrastructure

0

International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) has expanded its technology infrastructure with a further investment of A$1 million (US$770,000) in new industry-leading audio-visual (AV) equipment.

The investment enhances ICC Sydney’s integrated technology solutions and delivers state-of-the-art equipment, including high definition screens, projectors, wireless microphone kits, cameras and processors.

ICC Sydney’s technology and digital infrastructure on display in the Grand Ballroom

ICC Sydney’s CEO, Geoff Donaghy, said the venue has been purpose-built to cater for the changing architecture of meetings, with the team focused on continuously elevating event experiences.

“The latest venue enhancements will support our ongoing quest for excellence, providing access to an exceptional suite of technical solutions, equipment and services, backed by unmatched in-house expertise. We have worked hard to future-proof the venue, which has the ability to further flex and adapt as new technology is introduced. This ensures we can meet the needs of every event type today and into the future,” he said in a statement.

ICC Sydney has also developed a new AV and Technology guide to support clients through every step of the event planning process.

The guide details the venue’s complete AV and technical specifications across more than 70 meeting and event spaces, including the surrounding public domain, Convention Centre, Exhibition Centre and ICC Sydney Theatre.

A future world filled with blockchain technology

0

Blockchain has been reigning as the trending tech buzzword for the past year. The technology has been making headway in Asia-Pacific, predominantly in the banking and financial industry where firms have started exploring it for improving customer experience.

We can expect more industries to embrace blockchain – according to the first-ever IDC blockchain forecast, Asia-Pacific’s (excluding Japan) spending on blockchain solutions is forecast to reach about US$282 million in 2018, almost double the amount spent in 2017.

Being digitally driven, the corporate travel industry is one that will surely evolve alongside technological innovation. We look at how blockchain can impact corporate travel in Asia, a region that dominates the business travel industry.

Blockchain 101
First things first – what is blockchain? It is an ever-growing database of transactions that are linked and secured via cryptography. Originally created for the famous Bitcoin in 2009, it is now being diversely used due to its secure nature.

Another key feature is its transparency. All related users can view the data, but it is encrypted to protect identities. Blockchain data is thus accessible yet secure. Essentially, blockchain technology allows users to make transactions anonymously.

Payment made easier
Blockchain may not eliminate the need for credit cards, but it can help verify the sending of card numbers during transactions. For multiple-party transactions such as those involving travel management companies (TMCs), airlines, and enterprises, blockchain can catalyse the process as all parties would be working on the same ledger. This allows instant payment between TMCs and airlines, making middlemen obsolete. When customer costs are reduced, and service sped up, we reap higher customer satisfaction.

Singapore Airlines’ loyalty programme Krisflyer has already planned to launch the world’s first blockchain-based airline loyalty digital wallet, which would allow members to use KrisFlyer miles for purchases at participating outlets.

Smart contracting
Smart contracting refers to the making of transactions without third parties, and due to the transparent and secure nature of blockchain, these transactions are trackable and irreversible. When transaction data is received, payment is made and the contract automatically adjusts itself.

We see smart contracting as applicable to customer loyalty programs, where members can earn and use points in real time. Blockchain-based loyalty program is especially useful during travel disruptions, as it can enable airlines to compensate and refund passengers immediately. Once again, this enhances customer satisfaction.

Passport-free travel
Blockchain technology also offers a secure identity trust framework. Tech giant IBM already has plans to use it to develop a secure identification verification program that can be enabled via smartphones. Should it succeed, travellers might not even need to carry a passport, as the system would identify the traveler directly. In Dubai, the government has already made plans to develop digital passports using biometric verification and Blockchain technology to pioneer the world’s first gateless border at Dubai Airport.

Blockchain offers great potential. Yet, there are challenges that markets in the region may face in adopting it, including lack of readiness and clarity on the regulations involved.

However, as an industry we can gain a deeper understanding of its nature to facilitate its welcome. For all the hype and the potential that blockchain is foreseen to bring, we wonder, will it serve as a blessing or a blight? History tells us that each innovation eventually finds its place, but only time will tell us the level of blockchain’s eventual adoption.


Bertrand Saillet is the general manager of FCM Travel Solutions, responsible for the Asia region. As a veteran in the travel and technology industry, Saillet brings with him a wealth of extensive knowledge and experience. He is tasked to take FCM to the next level – making sure the company delivers amazing travel experience and meeting the needs of all travellers across all generations.

SIA introduces new regional business class

0
A refreshed Business Class seat

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has unveiled its next generation of regional cabin products first fitted on its new Boeing 787-10 fleet, a product it says will redefine medium-haul travel.

The refreshed cabin will include seats that recline to 76-inch fully-flat beds and aisle access for all business class passengers with a 1-2-1 staggered configuration.

A refreshed Business Class seat

Each business class seat measures up to 26 inches in width with retractable armrests that can be raised and lowered, while class enhancements include ergonomic contour backrests with six-way adjustable headrests.

The new 787-10s will have 337 seats in two classes, 36 in business class and 301 in economy class.

In addition, business class passengers will have their own 18-inch full high-definition touchscreen monitor, and economy class passengers will enjoy the same features on their 11.6-inch screens.

All passengers will enjoy what SIA says is a world-first personalisation of in-flight entertainment through myKrisWorld, offering passengers content recommendations based on their preferences and viewing history and the ability to bookmark and resume content, as well as to customise and save preferences for subsequent flights.

SIA is also the first airline to offer a series of games from Toca Boca and Sago Mini on KrisWorld. Initially available on the 787-10s, the entertainment option will progressively be made available on other aircraft types in the airline’s fleet.

SIA is investing US$350 million in the introduction of the new regional cabin products on an initial 20 787-10s, the first of which was delivered earlier this week.

Beyond Asia: Fairmont Austin, Hotels & Technology of Catering Show, Grupo CanalEnergia

0
Fairmont Austin

Fairmont debuts the its second-largest hotel in the world
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts threw the doors open to Fairmont Austin in the US. The 37-storey property boasts 1,048 guestrooms, five F&B venues, the largest outdoor pool and full service spa in Downtown Austin, and a fitness center.

For meetings and events, the hotel offers more than 13,000m2 of meeting and event space, as well as direct access to the Austin Convention Center via the Red River Canopy Walk.

New catering event for East Africa
B2B Africa has launched a new tradeshow, HOTECA EA – Hotels & Technology of Catering Show. It will take place from April 19-21, 2018, at Kenyatta International Convention Center in Nairobi, Kenya. The show’s goal is to assist companies in growing their market share and increasing two-way trade within the East Africa region and the rest of the world.

UBM adds Grupo CanalEnergia to portfolio
UBM Brazil has acquired Grupo CanalEnergia, an events and media company in the Brazilian energy sector. The acquisition furthers UBM’s strategy to expand its operations in Brazil and in Latin American renewables. Grupo CanalEnergia’s portfolio of events includes ENASE, Brazil Windpower, Brazil Solar Power, Energy Expo Forum and Mercado Livre’s Annual Meeting.

Egencia adds four women to the Egencia Global Leadership Team

0
Wendy White

Global travel management company Egencia has appointed Wendy White as its vice president of marketing and member of the Egencia Global Leadership Team, where she will oversee all global marketing functions for the company.

White joins Egencia with over 20 years of global experience, having led marketing technology teams at companies such as CenturyLink, Intel, Microsoft, and Motorola.

Wendy White

White’s hire follows the appointment of three additional female leaders to the Egencia Global Leadership Team. They are Mieke De Schepper, chief commercial officer; Verena Funke, interim managing director, APAC; and Teresa Matheson, managing director, Australia.

Refreshing ways for MICE visitors to eat, play and explore Korea

0

[Slide 1 of 5] – Click on the dots to navigate to the next slide

Brought to you by Korea Tourism Organisation

More travelers are demanding on something experiential, an authentic local experience, it is about discovering the local culture and foods, experience something new and possibly unique and bring home not just pictures but an inspiration and even aspiration for others.  It is the “travel with purpose” era now.

Be it leisure or MICE, the awareness and concerns of environmental issues are growing globally.  More individuals and corporations are keen to evoke a sense of sustainability and responsibility in their activity choices.

Food experience contributes to travel satisfaction.  Food tourism does not limit to only eating.  Experiences such as visiting vegetable farms or produce markets, tasting sessions or harvesting fun, are in trend.

More business events and incentive programs are incorporating light wellness activities such as group yoga, hiking in the wild or group cycling along river banks or outskirt areas, that help to encourage participants to feel relax and re-charge after the trips.

[Slide 2 of 5] – Click on the dots to navigate to the next slide

Refreshing Ways For MICE Visitors To Eat, Play And Explore Around Korea Through Culture

Traditional Folk Village Fun

Travel in time to the Joseon Dynasty of Korea.  Get into the mood by putting on hanbok as a group, stroll along the ancient-like alleys lined up with beautiful hanok.  Group members may pose for Instagram-worthy photos, sipping traditional teas or cakes at the traditional tea houses or to complete mission-based games within a designated time.

At folk villages, group members can try their hands on traditional crafts and games, enjoy group lunch or dinner with hearty local dishes like jeon (pancakes), bibimbap with makgeolli at the traditional restaurants  in the folk village.  The traditional farmer dance or samulnori percussion performance will definitely help to elevate the mood to the highest.

Some recommendations are:

Hanok Villages (Seoul)

  • Bukchon Hanok Village (37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul)
  • Seochon Hanok Village (Cheongunhyoja-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul)
  • Jeonju Hanok Village ( 99 Girin-daero, Pungnam-dong, Wansan-gu, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, Korea)

Folk Villages

  • Korea Folk Village (90 Minsokchon-ro, Bora-dong, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea)
  • Jeju Folk Village ( 631-34 Minsokhaean-ro, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo, Jeju-do, Korea)
  • Seongup Folk Village (104 Seongeupjeonguihyeon-ro, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, Korea)

Marketplace Missions

Exploring a traditional Korean market has always been a good way to discover the everyday needs and specialties of the locals and their cultures.  It will be more fun if the organizers add in specific goals the group members can achieve together.

Organizer may “ramping up the game’s difficulty level” by awarding additional meal allowances or shopping moneys to the darers to pick up some “fear-factor” challenges like eating unique food items like the sannakji (live octopus) or hong-eo (fermented skate fish).

Some recommendations are:

  • Namedaemun Market (49, Namchang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul)
  • Gwangjang Market (88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul )
  • Seomun Market (115-378, Daesin-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu)
  • Gukjae Market (Sinchang-dong 4-ga, Jung-gu, Busan)
  • Seogwipo Everyday Olle Market (277-1, Seogwi-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do )
  • Jeju Dongmun Traditional Market (20, Gwandeok-ro 14-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do)
  • Paldalmun Market (8, Jeongjo-ro 776beon-gil, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea)
  • Jalgachi Fish Market (52 Jagalchihaean-ro, Nampo-dong, Jung-gu, Busan, Korea)
  • Norangjin Fish Market ( 674 Nodeul-ro, Noryangjin 1(il)-dong, Dongjak-gu, Korea)

[Slide 3 of 5] – Click on the dots to navigate to the next slide

Refreshing Ways For MICE Visitors To Eat, Play And Explore Around Korea Through The Seasons

Taste of Spring

As winter departs and spring dawns, the land will be blanketed in glorious blooms and verdant greenery.  Spring time in Korea sees the bloom of the season’s most delectable delicacies in the wild; the harvesting of green tea in the south and the ocean teeming with the freshest catch.


Yeongdeok Snow Crab Festival

Located just north of Pohang on the east coast, Yeongdeok-gun is the snow crab capital of Korea.  The region’s crabs are well-known for their deliciously rich flavor.  The Yeongdeok Snow Crab Festival is usually held in early March and stands out as the highlight of the Yeongdeok snow crab season.  It is abuzz with many snow crab related events.


Nonsan Strawberry Festival

Strawberry is the first spring fruit of the year in Korea.  Many hotels, bakeries and restaurants, strawberry producers in Korea will start the new spring with series of strawberry inspired dinning events and activities.

Nonsan is the largest strawberry producer in Korea, holds annual festival in every April to celebrate the harvesting of the strawberries.  Visitors can enjoy unlimited picking of strawberries at the farms, trying varies kind of food made with strawberries such as strawberry rice cakes, hot sauce, pancakes and jams.

Along with the main activity, other side events include strawberry cake baking and fireworks display.


Chilling in Summer

Sun-worshippers will welcome the sun, sea and surf at the pristine white beaches this season.  Some of the highlights including Busan haeundae Sand Festival in June, the West Coast’s Boryeong Mud Festival in July and last but not least the Busan Beach Festival in August.  But for those who prefer the indoors, there are other ways to beat the summer heat.  One of the most memorable experiences is to dive into harvesting fun.

[Slide 4 of 5] – Click on the dots to navigate to the next slide

Refreshing Ways For MICE Visitors To Eat, Play And Explore Around Korea Through The Seasons

Yeongdong Grape Festival

Yeongdong, the largest grape producer in Korea, elebrates grape harvesting every August.  During the fruitful festival, visitors will relish the joy of picking unlimited grapes, in the vineyards.  You will be tickled by interesting highlights such as “grape fishing” – where you literally “fish” out grapes from the pool.

To pamper your taste buds, don’t miss out on the food sampling of wine, chocolate and rice cake.  Then burn off the extra calories in activities the grape-stomping and or get creative by making DIY items such as soap bars.


Aura of Autumn

Autumn in Korea, with its mild temperatures and gentle breezes; and a romantic natural back-drop to match, is unanimously hailed as the perfect period to travel and sightsee.


Hoengseong Hanu Festival

Hanu (Korean beef) is a luxury that many Koreans enjoy during special occasions such as Chuseok, it is no wonder that the Hoengseong-county in Gangwon-do province.  The festival draws hordes of visitors each autumn to sample the best “hanu” (or beef) at affordable prices.

Adrenaline rush comes in the form of a wide range of activities especially planned for the event. From agricultural experiences, cooking competitions, street parades to catching trouts with your bare hands from the stream, the vendors will tempt you with local delicacies like deodeok (mountain bell flower) and Anheung steamed buns.


Jeonju Bibimbap Festival

It’s no secret that the best bibimbap hails from Jeonju, the venue for the exciting annual food festival that celebrates Korae’s hero dish.  There is never a dull moment with programs such as Mat (delicious)  bibim; Heung (Fun) Bibim that includes cultural performances and a food contest; Meot (Elegant) Bibim which invites visitors to dine in Hanok (traditional house) Village; as well as enjoy a line-up of activities, including touring the historic village.


Winter Wonder

In the magical month of December, snow-covered Korea will begin to glow with glittering decorative and festive lightings, and the spirit of wonderful celebrations.  It is in this incredibly breathtaking setting that people gather at the annual sunrise festivals across the peninsular to welcome the brand new year.  January and February are also the ideal months to enjoy ice craving, winter hiking and the hottest activity of all – ice fishing – in the yearly popular winter festivals.

[Slide 5 of 5] – End of slides

From Farm to Table or Sustainable Platforms

Seoul is just but one of the hundred plus cities in Korea.  It is time to take a trip outside of Seoul to explore the wonders of rural areas in the country.  There are many villages and farms in the country, and many offer seasonal different experiences for all ages, from harvesting, fruit picking, food making, fishing and the list goes on.


Sommy Village (Website: http://soomyland.com/)

Soomy Village is a small village in Yangpyeong with around 100 families living inside.  It is one of the Rural Tourism villages designated by Yangpyeong County as well as Preliminary Social Enterprise designated by Gyeonggi Province.

In spring, Sommy Village is full of the strawberry scent.  There are Yangpyeong Strawberry Festivals from February to May every year.  Visitors can pick and eat ripe juicy strawberries or make their own strawberry-flavoured steamed buns and sweet rice puffs with strawberry syrup.

The Catfish Festival attracts many visitors every summer where they can catch the fishes in the shallow streams or enjoy riding raft along the river.  Visitors can enjoy grilling your own food like catfish, eel, sweet potatoes, chest nut, rice cake and so during the Yangpyeong Mongddanggui Festival.

The Winter Secret Festival will be held in the winter where the frozen reservoir will turn to a natural fishing place.  Don’t be shy to ride sleigh like children.


From Farm-to-table and now Dive and Dine

The term haenyeo refers to the women of the island who dive into the seas of Jeju for marine riches destined for local dinner tables. Not only are the haenyeo some of the world’s best divers; they also practice their skill free of air tanks and many use their daily hauls to run their own restaurants, which close for the day as soon as the ingredients run out.  The Culture of Jeju Haenyeo (Women Divers) has bagged the 19th Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO for Korea in 2016.

With farm-to-table being all the rage, what better way to capitalize on this in Korea than to take your team through the whole process with the locals in sunny Jeju? The experience will be all the more unique since Jeju’s isolated island environment has led to many unique cultural practices distinct from the mainland over the centuries, with the haenyeo, or ‘sea women’, perhaps being the most shining example.

Small groups can now join the unique Haenyeo Diving Experience in Jeju, where members can suit up and dive together with haenyeo from the Hado village to collect horned turbans, sea urchins and other marine animals. The program may end with a lunch at one of the restaurants run by the haenyeo in the village.

Edward Kollmer becomes GM at Parkroyal Penang Resort

0

Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) has appointed Edward Kollmer as general manager of Parkroyal Penang Resort.

The industry veteran brings more than 25 years of experience having worked in his home country Ireland, the UK, and Asia.

Prior to joining PPHG, Kollmer was the general manager of Hotel Jen Manila by Shangri-La for three years, and has worked for different hospitality groups such as Forte Hotel Group, InterContinental Hotels Group and GLH Hotels.

Le Méridien Saigon

0

Brought to you by Le Méridien Saigon

Situated on the banks of the Saigon River in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Le Méridien Saigon offers both panoramic vistas of the Saigon river as well as the bustling cityscape. The Hotel provides convenient access to prominent commercial and entertainment hubs while Tan Son Nhat International Airport is located just 7 km away.

Rooms

Le Méridien Saigon features 343 contemporary guest rooms and suites categorized into 5 room types starting from 38 square metres including the Premier Classic, Grande Deluxe, Grande Suite, Executive Suite and Presidential Suite. Each guest room is furnished with a modern chaise longue and 42-inch smart LED TV. Ample workspace, stylish ergonomic seating and views on the meandering waterways and vibrant Ho Chi Minh City ignite the inspiration and maximise work efficiency, a delight for business and creative-minded travellers.

M.I.C.E. Facilities

With its exclusive location, Le Méridien Saigon is one of the leading addresses for M.I.C.E. business in this captivating city. The 945 square metre function space offers seven meeting rooms, all on one level, making it extremely convenient for meeting planners and delegates alike. Breakout rooms can be combined and extended to form larger multi-functional space, meeting the requirements of today’s planners. Le Méridien Ballroom, which can be split into 2 smaller sections, can cater for events of up to 350 persons. An artsy pre-function area dotted with contemporary installations and boasting of natural daylight is the ideal space for exhibitions, working lunches and networking sessions. All this space is further enhanced with the latest state-of-the-art AV gadgetry.

Other Facilities

An unrivalled culinary experience awaits you. Guests can indulge at three distinctive venues, including the brand’s specialty restaurant Bamboo Chic, a progressive Cantonese offering; Latest Recipe, a signature all-day-dining venue presenting an array of international buffets and a’ la carte options; Latitude 10 Lounge + Bar inspired by traditional European coffee houses in the day time, turning into a hip and stylish lounge at night. The wellness facilities include Explore Spa, providing aromatherapy massages and signature treatments using marine-based products and the fitness center equipped with the latest workout facilities and a dance studio. An indoor outdoor salt-water infinity pool offers impressive views where once can relax and wind down.

 


Uncover a new perspective now by visiting lemeridiensaigon.com
Book your creative meeting on Lemeridien.saigon@lemeridien.com
T: +84 28 6263 6688

Belt and Road Initiative makes impact on Chinese associations

0

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has led to the International Gas Union (IGU) appointing not only its first Chinese president but also the first woman to helm the organisation for the 2021-2024 term.

IGU will be hosting its largest event in Beijing come 2024 with an expected turnout of 12,000 delegates.

WFAS’ Luo Lu; IGU’s Rodney Cox; IEEE’s Hua Ning; China CYTS MICE Service’s Karen Sun; and ICCA’s Noor Ahmad Hamid

Rodney Cox, events director, IGU, told an Association Day Forum audience that Li Yalan, vice chairman, Beijing Gas Group, and one of four China members of the union, will be appointed vice-president at its Washington DC event this year, and will assume the presidency in three years’ time.

Cox said BRI presented “significant opportunities” for trade, the use of natural gas for transport, as energy as a clean source, and energy for industry and manufacturing.

“In China, IGU is prioritising its focus on the industry itself, advocacy, technology and innovation and education,” he said, adding that IGU – together with the Gas Technology Institute and the International Institute of Refrigeration – is presenting the 19th International Conference and Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas in Shanghai from April 1-5 next year, with an expected turnout of around 10,000 attendees.

Luo Lu, representative of the Word Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS), added that it started leveraging on BRI in 2015 to promote the federation all over the world.

WFAS is affiliated with the World Health Organization and ISO, and they celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2017.

Luo said: “As a result of BRI, we have met leaders in Mauritius, while countries like Hungary, Canada and Australia have legalised acupuncture.”

The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) organises some 1,900 international events, with 30 per cent held in Europe and 30 per cent in Asia.

Ning Hua, senior director, Asia-Pacific business operations, IEEE, observed: “BRI is reinforcing the link between the two regions. In China, we organise some 200 international conferences for 300 to 3,000 people. IEEE will identify specific areas to organise technical conferences in China over the next one to two years in the areas of high-speed rail, AI, ultra high-speed electricity, etc.”

Forum delegate Kitty Wong, president, K&A International, suggested taking a closer look at China’s second- and third-tier cities as the next step, as these destinations can be expected to be “more eager and more cooperative”.

Macau launches ambassador programme for meetings promotion

0
Orlando Monteiro da Silva, one of the six ambassadors. Photo credit: ipim.gov.mo

In line with the Macao SAR Government’s policy to place more priority on conventions, the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) has appointed six well-respected professionals in different sectors from China and abroad as conference ambassadors.

The experts are Orlando Monteiro da Silva (dental specialist), Zhu Lilan (strategy scientist and chemist), He Jingtang (architect), Li Ning (entrepreneur and athlete), Tsui Lap-Chee (molecular genetics specialist), and Liu Chung Laung (IT expert).

Orlando Monteiro da Silva, one of the six conference ambassadors. Photo credit: ipim.gov.mo

Holiday World Tours’ managing director, Paul Leung, said: “These are familiar faces in China and Asia so their influence may help drum up noise within their respective fields.”

Powerhouse Convention and Exhibition’s president, Todd Cai, hopes to see the size of the ambassador team double or triple.

He also hopes to see “more influential representatives from IT, direct selling and insurance (as they have) an extensive business network”, as well as more “faces from other countries”.

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.