July 2018

The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre took the initiative under its KLCC BE Alliance programme, and invited two representatives from the United States-based Maritz Global Events to Malaysia.  This was for them to familiarise with the local scene in Malaysia and explore opportunities to partner with the Centre in bringing international events, meetings and congresses into the country.  The Centre welcomed Ben Goedegebuure, global general manager of Maritz from The Hague, and Nancy Debrosse, senior vice president strategic account management in Arlington, Virginia.

Some background facts about the KLCC BE Alliance: It was established by the Centre in collaboration with key business events players and stakeholders who are located within the heart of the city of Kuala Lumpur.  The alliance offers a seamless single point of contact for organisers and meetings professionals in planning their events, from venues available in the area, to accommodation and entertainment.

In an interview with MICE in Asia, global general manager Ben Goedegebuure who has been to Malaysia before, was enthralled with the multicultural society of the country which he said, augurs well for the country’s attractiveness as a host, and destination for incentives and events.  According to Goedegebuure, it’s good that the Centre is taking the lead in advocating business events in Malaysia and promoting it to the global market for there is a need to know more about the country, as Malaysia has a lot to offer.

Meanwhile Nancy Debrosse informed that the American market tends to gravitate more towards the Asian destinations of Singapore and Hong Kong.  Her clients are also currently looking at diverse location to go to.  Having experienced Malaysia through this trip, she can testify to her clients to have a fresh look at Malaysia, especially through the favourable currency exchange, Malaysia offers value for money, from affordable hotel rates to shopping.

Both guests however agree that Malaysia has both the hardware and software and can hold its own in the global events market.  They were also impressed with the technology level of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre which has the necessary hi-tech requirements for a top venue to host international events.

Angeline van den Broecke, director of sales and marketing of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre mentioned that the Centre is actively working with the Malaysian government particularly with the Ministry of Tourism, to develop an infrastructure to empower a business event environment in Malaysia.  Together with a proposition to establish a business events industry that can contribute to the country’s GDP, as well as create jobs and promote the local economy.

The two associations aim to announce the launch of the joint Asia Pacific Executive Development Programme at the upcoming UFI Asia Pacific Congress 2019 in Japan. This programme is considered by both parties as relevant for the future readiness of the exhibition professionals in the region.  It will also be distinguished in its value as the industry’s first recognised certification in executive development.

Aloysius Arlando, president-elect of SACEOS remarked that it is the mission of SACEOS to raise the industry’s professional standards and enhance the mastery of skills over and above what is available in the marketplace. The programme will help Singapore’s MICE professionals increase their skills elevation and job opportunities.

Meanwhile Kai Hattendorf, managing director and chief executive officer of UFI, welcomed the collaboration with SACEOS which he said will allow, both the associations to nurture more industry professionals in Asia and globally.

Aloysius Arlando, President-Elect of SACEOS (left) signed the MoU in Singapore with Kai Hattendorf, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UFI.

After a successful run for four consecutive years in Bali, the 6th edition of the conference will return to Jakarta due to the unpredictable and volatile nature of Mount Agung’s volcanic eruptions.  It will be held from September 5 to 6 at the Fairmont Jakarta.

This year’s conference will explore the latest trends in tourism and identify new opportunities, as well as exchange ideas and share best practices to foster new partnerships.  Once again stakeholders in the industry will come together for networking and opportunities to attend some engaging conference agenda.

It is hosted by Hotelivate, a new age global consultancy firm. Each year, THINC Indonesia brings together nearly 250 industry stakeholders, business leaders and key decision-makers from close to 15 nations.

For more information on the conference visit http://www.thincindonesia.com

MICE in Asia is the media partner of THINC Indonesia 2018.

Media professionals from Asia, Europe and United States invited by Korea Tourism for five days to tour Seoul, Incheon and Busan. The itinerary of the trip designed for the media representatives to visit some unique venues in Korea and experience the authentic culture and the history of the country.

Stepping back in time to the glorious days of the royal palace of the Joseon dynasty, the Gyeongbokgung Palace is located in northern Seoul and was built in 1395 is now a place of interest for tourists.

Introduction to Korean cuisine at Korea House which was opened in 1981, with the building of the restaurant created in the traditional architecture of the Gyeongbok Palace.  Menu of the restaurant are of royal cuisine with dishes prepared by award-winning chefs.  Cultural shows and performing arts are regularly held at the Korea House’s traditional theatre.

A walkabout at the Gyeongdong Market where, vendors sell fresh produce, seafood, meat and herbal goods – a feast for the eyes with the background sound of buyers haggling over prices, and smell of local ingredients that go to cooking Korean food.

Spiritual visit to the Haedongyonggungsa Temple located in the north eastern coast of Busan. The only temple in Korea that is located in the shore line, as most are in the mountains. It was built in 1376 by the Buddhist teacher Naong during the Goryeo Dynasty.

A unique venue just outside of Seoul, the Gwangmyeong Cave was formerly a mine where gold, silver and bronze were found.  It is now a large theme park with underground passages leading to: an aqua world of fishes showcased in glass aquariums; a wine cave of 170 types of wine from around South Korea and a café: with attractions such as, Wormhole Square of light shows on the cave walls; Golden Road where you can leave messages of long life and happiness on “gold” wall hangings; and among others a path leading to a horror experience of ghoulish sculptures.

Other activities during the tour include rolling up our sleeves to make Makgeolli face mask of fermented rice wine and preparing local sweet delicacies at the OME Cooking Lab.

Site inspection conducted: in Busan, Nurimaru APEC House, the Bay 101, Busan Cinema Centre and Hilton Ananti Cove; while in Incheon attended the Korea MICE Expo 2018 at Incheon’s Songdo ConvensiA Convention Centre; a briefing at G Tower on the Incheon Smart City; and in Seoul visited the Seoul Dragon City at Novotel Suites Hotel.