Asia/Singapore Friday, 3rd April 2026
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MIFF 2026 scales up with new trade tools and design initiatives

By S Puvaneswary
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Tan giving a speech during MIFF’s opening

The 32nd edition of the Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) 2026 opened on March 4 with a slate of new initiatives aimed at enhancing buyer experience, strengthening global trade links, and accelerating design-led innovation.

Held in two venues, Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre, and World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, the four-day event spanned 100,000m2 under its “1 Fair, 2 Venues, 17 Halls” concept. Close to 700 exhibitors showcased their offerings to buyers from 140 countries and regions.

Tan giving a speech during MIFF’s opening

In his opening remarks, MIFF founder and chairman, Tan Chin Huat, said this year’s enhancements were driven by feedback from international buyers.

He said: “Many buyers, especially first-time visitors, have told us that four days often pass too quickly when there is so much to discover. Taking this feedback to heart, we set out to create more time and better opportunities for connections to happen.”

For the first time, MIFF introduced the “I Matched First” Day 0 Matchmaking session, a pre-exhibition programme designed to facilitate targeted meetings before the show officially opened. The fair also launched a new MIFF Business Centre to offer support to buyers including supplier recommendations, factory visit arrangements, and shipment consolidation services.

MIFF 2026 has also forged a partnership with Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) as its international trade partner, enabling local manufacturers to tap into MATRADE’s global footprint to further promote Malaysian furniture.

MIFF 2026 also unveiled the newly launched MIFF FDC CLUB, a platform designed to connect emerging design talent with manufacturers, and foster a long-term ecosystem for collaboration and growth.

In a speech delivered by deputy secretary general of the Plantation and Commodities Ministry, Razali Mohamad, Noraini Ahmad, minister of plantation and commodities, identified the timber industry as Malaysia’s third-largest commodity export.

Generating over RM20 billion (US$5 billion) annually, the sector sees wooden furniture accounting for 43 per cent of total exports. Noraini noted that MIFF is essential in shifting the industry toward innovation, branding, and craftsmanship, providing a platform that elevates the design quality and global value of Malaysian products.

Amari Bangkok pivots to high-margin channels, urges city-scale collaboration

By Anne Somanas
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Enhanced accessibility in the Pratunam district will be further strengthened by the upcoming MRT Orange Line; photo by Amari Bangkok

Amari Bangkok is shifting its strategy to capture high-margin channels, while advocating for broader city-scale collaboration to boost the capital’s business events sector.

Jose Luis Duran Sanles, general manager of Amari Bangkok, noted that Singapore and Gulf Cooperation Council markets remained reliable across both FIT and group segments.

Enhanced accessibility in the Pratunam district will be further strengthened by the upcoming MRT Orange Line; photo by Amari Bangkok

“Retail Direct continues to be one of our fastest growing and highest margin channels, so we are investing heavily in direct bookings and digital performance,” Sanles said.

He added that Wholesale Dynamic provides essential base and shoulder-period stability, while Group Business, especially corporate, embassy, and government series – is gaining strong momentum.

“Looking ahead, our focus is clear to grow high-margin channels, strengthen resilient geo-markets such as Singapore, India, China, and the Middle East, and maintain a balanced mix that supports both profitability and sustainable long-term growth,” he elaborated.

To capture corporate demand, the hotel is expanding its capabilities by launching Amber & Sage, a new versatile venue designed for meetings and private functions. This launch coincides with enhanced accessibility in the Pratunam district, which will be further strengthened by the upcoming MRT Orange Line complementing existing BTS connections.

The surrounding Pratunam area is also seeing a shift in traveller behaviours. Sanles pointed out that Indian travellers, supported by visa facilitation, are drawn to value shopping and local food. Conversely, the Middle Eastern market seeks premium experiences alongside luxury retail and quality dining.

“Overall, both markets are shifting toward lifestyle, wellness, and experience-led travel, positioning Pratunam as more than a shopping hub, but a broader urban lifestyle destination,” Sanles noted.

Looking at the wider landscape, Sanles identified untapped potential in Bangkok’s MICE sector.

He suggested developing district-based business events ecosystems, such as the Siam-Ratchaprasong-Pratunam corridor, to blend business sessions with cultural immersion.

“By moving from fragmented property-level competition to coordinated city-scale bidding, Bangkok can compete more effectively with centralised destinations like Singapore,” Sanles stated.

LN Garden Hotel Guangzhou scores big with corporates

By Rachel AJ Lee
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Io: plenty of opportunity for the hotel to grow its business events

While most luxury properties balance their books between leisure and business guests, the LN Garden Hotel Guangzhou takes pride in being a corporate machine.

Operating with a dominant 70-30 split in favour of corporate groups over leisure guests, the 1,000-key hotel – armed with nine multifunction rooms and one Grand Ballroom – has leveraged its scale to drive year-round occupancy above 80 per cent.

Io: plenty of opportunity for the hotel to grow its business events; photo by Rachel AJ Lee

Franco Io, the property’s general manager, told TTG Show Daily that the hotel doubles as a PEO. While many competitors offer basic room and board packages, LN Garden Guangzhou manages end-to-end event design, acting as a full-service consultancy for its international clientele. According to Io, this high-touch model has secured a level of loyalty rare in the global events circuit.

“There is an international company that does two launch events a year in different cities around the world. They came to us two years ago, moved on, but then called us back. They have never repeated a city, but they want to come back to us,” he said.

Io also highlighted the hotel’s flexibility in handling off-site venues, such as transforming a local high school gym into a gala venue for 500 senior executives.

Currently, 60 per cent of the hotel’s corporate business comes from international markets. While European and Middle Eastern clients remain the primary mainstays, recent policy changes have sparked a surge in new arrivals.

“South-east Asia has gained a lot last year, ever since China offered visa-free travel,” Io said. “That pumped a lot of business into our hotel.”

A core pillar of the hotel’s strategy is destination advocacy. As the Greater Bay Area (GBA) project centres its recent promotion on Shenzhen and Foshan, Io is focused on ensuring Guangzhou’s status is not overlooked by event planners.

He explained: “Part of what we do now is really make sure Guangzhou doesn’t get lost with the promotion of the GBA. Everyone talks about Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen… but let’s not forget Guangzhou. It has a lot to offer for MICE groups – great value, fantastic weather, and world-class food.”

Jessica Ferguson heads up Arinex

By TTGmice
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The Arinex Group has appointed Jessica Ferguson as CEO of its flagship brand, Arinex.

Ferguson takes on the role after having served as head of business development and marketing functions for Arinex, bringing more than 20 years’ experience across large-scale event management, professional conference, and incentive programme delivery and active contribution to the business events industry.

Her appointment follows a period of rapid growth and the launch of fieldstate, a new creative powerhouse dedicated to high-impact brand storytelling and experiential design for leading global brands.

Fieldstate joins a robust portfolio of specialist brands, including Arinex (professional conference organising and destination management), Arinex Live (technical production), Neoteq (technology innovation company). and evexus (event management software).

TEA creates new blueprint for high-tech, sustainable exhibitions

By TTGmice
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From left: N.C.C. Management & Development Co.'s Duangrat Udomsomporn; TCEB’s Duangdej Yuaikwarmdee; Thai Exhibition Association’s and Impact Exhibition Management Co.'s Loy Joon How; King Rice Oil Group’s Navaporn Santiwattana; and Expopass' Attaphon Thenthaisong

The Thai Exhibition Association (TEA) has revealed its MICE Masterplan 2026–2027, a strategic roadmap designed to bolster Thailand’s global standing through digital transformation and sustainability.

The framework will take centrestage at Thailand MICE X-Change 2026 (TMX 2026), scheduled for April 29 to 30 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. Now in its third edition, the expo expects to draw 4,000 delegates and 100 exhibitors, facilitating over 360 business meetings.

From left: N.C.C. Management & Development Co.’s Duangrat Udomsomporn; TCEB’s Duangdej Yuaikwarmdee; Thai Exhibition Association’s and Impact Exhibition Management Co.’s Loy Joon How; King Rice Oil Group’s Navaporn Santiwattana; and Expopass’ Attaphon Thenthaisong

The plan arrives on the heels of a significant growth spurt for the industry. Between 2024 and 2025, the number of exhibitions in Thailand climbed from 199 to 214, with the total exhibition space sold expanding from 25 million to over 27 million square metres.

According to TEA’s president Loy Joon How, the masterplan is less about annual gatherings and more about future-proofing the industry.

By prioritising digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and sustainable practices, the association aims to evolve beyond traditional tradeshows into a comprehensive business ecosystem.

“Face-to-face platforms remain essential drivers of trust, trade, and long-term business growth,” Loy noted, highlighting the move toward high-tech, high-touch experiences.

This shift is being supported by the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), whose exhibitions director, Duangdej Yuaikwarmdee, views TMX 2026 as a flagship platform for this transformation.

TMCs scale up global response amid Middle East tensions

By TTGmice
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Global travel management companies have activated emergency 24/7 protocols

Global Travel Management Companies (TMCs) have entered high-alert status following a significant military escalation involving Iran, Israel, and the US, affecting more than 1.5 million passengers worldwide.

In response to regional airspace closures and a surge in flight cancellations, BCD Travel and FCM have activated emergency protocols to protect thousands of business travellers in the region.

Global travel management companies have activated emergency 24/7 protocols

BCD Travel confirmed it is closely monitoring the fluid situation through its dedicated Global Crisis Management team. To manage the surge in traveller inquiries, the company has significantly increased staffing across its operations.

The TMC is currently using its travel risk and communication technology to help corporate clients navigate an environment where multiple airlines have announced cancellations and re-routings. BCD Travel added that its teams are working 24/7 to assess the potential impacts on air travel, lodging, and regional operations.

FCM has similarly up-scaled its 24/7 disruption teams, who have been working tirelessly to provide assistance as the conflict spreads. The company has placed a heavy emphasis on the welfare of its own regional staff, reaching out to ensure that employees in affected areas are safe and receiving the support they need.

The company’s strategy relies on strong partnerships with airlines and other suppliers to navigate the evolving situation effectively. FCM noted that their customers are being kept informed at every step through proactive communication channels.

Despite the immediate challenges, FCM has expressed optimism regarding the region’s long-term resilience and committed to providing the guidance needed as travellers wait for stability to return.

The scale of the disruption is underscored by the closure of critical flight corridors. Aviation authorities in the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait have issued various restrictions, leaving once-busy skies largely empty. As of March 3, 2026, major carriers including Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Lufthansa have suspended or limited operations, while some European regulators have advised against flying in the Gulf region until at least March 6.

With flight cancellations of all travel intents surpassing 19,000 across the region, TMCs are now shifting focus toward repatriation and complex longhaul rerouting. Travel managers are being urged to utilise real-time tracking tools and prepare for cascading delays as airlines work to reposition crews and aircraft once airspace begins to reopen.

New Zealand seeks greater share of SE Asian events business

By TTGmice
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Ryan: targeting South-east Asia's high-value conference and incentive sectors

New Zealand is stepping up its pursuit of South-east Asia’s events sector, hitting Kuala Lumpur and Singapore in March with targeted roadshows to connect with high‑value conference and incentive buyers.

Members of the Tourism New Zealand Business Events team and 13 partners will host two sessions in each city, one for incentive planners, and one for association buyers.

Ryan: targeting South-east Asia’s high-value conference and incentive sectors

The events will include a presentation, then one-on-one appointments between invited buyers and New Zealand operators such as Air New Zealand, Auckland Convention Bureau, and Hobbiton Movie Set.

The in-market visit follows Tourism New Zealand engaging Esther Ng and Annie Tay as market support in October last year to grow South-east Asian incentive and association conference business, respectively. Both are team members of business events consultancy Gaining Edge with significant experience and contacts in the sector.

In the past year, Tourism New Zealand Business Events has supported six conference wins from the region with another six bids pending, and won 10 pieces of corporate or incentive business.

Tourism New Zealand’s global manager business events, Penelope Ryan, said: “New Zealand has seen an uptick in holiday visitors from South-east Asia. We’re now building on the work of Esther and Annie in-market to grow our share of conferences and incentives in the region through better awareness of our world-class convention centres, direct air connectivity and tailored funding and support.

“These events will be an opportunity for some of our partners to showcase what’s on offer, from excellent accommodation options to exploring New Zealand’s unique Māori culture and experiencing the country’s natural beauty.”

Mandai Rainforest Resort offers green alternative to city venues

By Caroline Boey
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Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, the brand’s first property in Singapore and the 100th in its portfolio, has been pulling in sustainability-aligned events set within the 126-hectare Mandai Wildlife Reserve, a world-leading wildlife and nature destination.

Billed as Singapore’s first super low energy-certified resort and designed with regenerative principles and a low-impact footprint, general manager Glen Cook said the property is “in a unique position to attract high-end incentives, leadership retreats, board meetings, and nature-themed product launches”.

Mandai Rainforest Resort
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Cook added meeting groups looking to stay at the resort can enjoy a restorative retreat in nature and enhanced wellness through the Banyan Tree Spa.

The resort, which has been operational for almost a year, features 338 guestrooms, including 24 elevated treehouses with private patios offering views of the surrounding rainforest and Upper Seletar Reservoir.

F&B facilities include “harvest-to-table” restaurant Forage and Planter’s Shed, the resort’s all-day dining outlet.

Small- to mid-scale corporate meetings have taken place in the modular Meranti Ballroom, and dedicated Kempas and Pulai meeting and function rooms, for groups ranging from 20 to 300 guests.

“We are seeing growing interest from lifestyle and eco-conscious brands looking to host intimate product launches in a unique biophilic setting,” noted Cook. This trend is reflected in the 2026 calendar, with bookings dominated by regional incentives seeking nature-themed experiences and exclusive stays in the treehouses.

For large-scale events, the resort collaborates with Mandai Wildlife Reserve to access the nearby Green Canvas, a new purpose-built event space.

Cook added that the partnership’s offering of a fresh alternative to conventional city venues has resulted in business from several major companies.

Photo of the day: BESarawak scales up national collaboration efforts

By TTGmice
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BESarawak's Ramadan engagement night in Kuching

Following a record-breaking 2025, Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) has launched a nationwide engagement series to align the industry with Malaysia’s long-term development goals.

The initiative, themed Satu Meja, Seribu Cerita, will span Kuching, Sibu, Miri, Bintulu, Kuala Lumpur, and Penang to foster collaboration between government, academia, and private sectors.

BESarawak’s Ramadan engagement night in Kuching

The move comes as Sarawak enters a critical phase of its Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030. Minister for tourism, creative industry and performing arts, Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, emphasised that the ministry will refine event concepts and innovation to ensure business gatherings deliver “measurable value” beyond simple tourism, contributing instead to the broader economy and local communities.

Sarawak’s strategic shift toward legacy impact is yielding significant returns. In 2025, the region secured 160 future business events through 2030, representing a projected economic value of RM483.5 million (US$122.5 million).

Additionally, Sarawak hosted 159 events in FY2025 alone, a 27 per cent year-on-year increase that generated RM491.4 million in total economic impact.

Moving forward, BESarawak chairman Hii Chang Kee stated the organisation will focus on three pillars: transformation and innovation, legacy and impact, and partnerships and people to maintain this momentum.

Moxy Bangkok debuts event packages at Sato San Rooftop Bar

By TTGmice
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Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong has rolled out a new suite of event packages at its recently-opened Sato San Rooftop Bar.

Located on the 32nd floor, the venue features 360-degree views of the Bangkok skyline, blending a neon-lit indoor lounge with an open-air terrace.

Sato San Rooftop Bar
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For smaller gatherings of 15 to 35 guests, the Sunset Starter offers a 90-minute golden hour experience at 1,500++ baht (US$47.55) per person, including free-flow highballs, beer, wine, and shared bar bites. Larger groups of up to 100 guests can book three-hour private sessions starting at 3,000 baht per person for the House Flow tier, with Signature and Reserve tiers available at 3,300 baht and 3,600 baht for those seeking premium spirits and cocktails.

For major celebrations, the venue offers exclusive buyouts for up to 250 guests. These three-hour full-rooftop experiences start at 3,200 baht per person, while all-day access from 18.00 to 02.00 begins at 4,500 baht per person. Reflecting Moxy’s social-first branding, these larger bookings can be customised with interactive add-ons such as silent discos, Sake Pong tournaments, and mixology sessions.

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Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTGmice | Future stages (part 3)
TTGmice | Marc Handl helms as MD of Dusit Thani Bangkok
TTGmice | Ibrahim Canliel steps up as CEO of Air Astana Group