25 November 2020 – The Singapore Tourism Board today announced the inking of three MoUs (memorandum of understandings) at TravelRevive – powered by ITB Asia and STB.
TravelRevive is the first international travel tradeshow to take place physically in Asia Pacific during COVID-19, with both local and foreign attendees and exhibitors.
The collaborations are a boost to the MICE industry in Singapore and demonstrate that international event organisers remain confident in Singapore’s position as a Global-Asia node for MICE, and as launchpad for regional expansion.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Signing
(i) Informa x STB-IMDA MOU signing
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and STB sign a one-year MoU with B2B event organiser Informa Tech to launch a new international technology event in Singapore. Slated for the second half of 2021, the event will bring together governments and businesses in the infocomm, media and tech ecosystem to discuss topics related to innovation and digital transformation in the tech sector.
This partnership will help to deepen Singapore’s position as a thought leader in the digital space and provide a platform for the discussion of new ideas, policies and regulations.
The flagship tech event will also allow Singapore to tap on new and existing international networks, as well as leverage on Informa’s industry knowledge, expertise and networks to further create and grow new best-in-class events in Singapore.
(ii) Fiera Milano x STB MOU signing
Fiera Milano, one of the world’s leading exhibition organisers, and STB have signed a three-year MoU to establish a Southeast Asia (SEA) Regional Headquarters (RHQ) in Singapore.
The new office will be Fiera Milano’s first Southeast Asian headquarters, and will make them the first Italian professional exhibition organiser to set up its RHQ in Singapore. It will also serve to deepen Fiera Milano’s presence in Southeast Asia, providing greater support in the region. The collaboration is also set to strengthen commercial relations between Italy/Europe and the ASEAN region.
(iii) STB x Messe Munich MOU signing
Under this one-year MoU, Messe Munich will establish its Southeast Asia (SEA) Regional Headquarters (RHQ) in Singapore. The partnership signals commitment from one of the world’s leading trade fair companies to expand their trade fairs in the region as well as create new anchor events in Singapore, reinforcing the country’s position as a Global-Asia node bridging markets in the East and West.
The opening of the RHQ is part of Messe Munich's wider internationalisation plans to grow their presence in the Southeast Asian market. Its Singapore office and collaboration with STB will play an important role in exporting their established trade shows to the region.
Singapore as a safe and trusted Global-Asia node for MICE and business
The MICE industry plays a key role in Singapore’s tourism industry, bringing about significant spillover benefits to the economy, including adjacent sectors such as lifestyle and hospitality. Beyond that, business events are also essential platforms to connect our local businesses to the global marketplace. By bringing both Fiera Milano and Messe Munich into Singapore, STB will also leverage on their existing network of events, hosted fairs, and exhibitors to launch high-quality international tradeshows that appeal to both ASEAN and international audiences, reinforcing Singapore's position as a leading MICE destination, and a safe and trusted Global-Asia node for MICE and business.
Quote Sheet
Ms Carolyn Dawson, Managing Director, Informa Tech: "Informa Tech’s key mission is to inspire tech communities to design, build and run a better digital world. We are thrilled to partner with IMDA and STB to co-create an event that will provide the platform to drive discourse on the acceleration of Asia’s digital transformation journey, and set the stage for innovators across Asia, and Singapore as the region's tech hub, to shine among the international tech community.”
Mr Howie Lau, Assistant Chief Executive, Infocomm Media Development Authority: “This flagship tech event provides government and policy makers, business and tech leaders an excellent platform to exchange dialogue, discuss technology trends, opportunities and challenges to bring about increased collaborations and mutual benefits for the region and internationally. Singapore is well-positioned to host such an event as Asia continues to grow in technological influence and has seen the rise of many indigenous digital players, including Grab, SEA Group and Gojek, fuelled by a burgeoning tech-savvy user base and a thriving digital ecosystem.”
Ms Ilaria Cicero, General Counsel and M&A Director, Fiera Milano Group: “Fiera Milano is delighted to enter into a partnership with Singapore Tourism Board to enter for the first time in the ASEAN market and with the aim to set up a regional office in Singapore. This will further strengthen our presence in Asia and develop new business opportunities in the region for the MICE industry.”
Mr Stefan Rummel, General Manager Messe München: “Messe München is very pleased to have the Singapore Tourism Board as our partner in expanding our presence in South East Asia. As part of our strategic long-term goal, we aim to strengthen our Singapore office, identify and promote growth opportunities in the coming years. Together with the Singapore Tourism Board, we look forward to organizing event formats that offer synergies with our international event portfolio.“
Mr Yap Chin Siang, Deputy Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board: “As Singapore gradually resumes MICE events safely, we will continue to grow existing partnerships and forge new ones. Strong partnerships with our stakeholders will be key to emerging from this crisis stronger and more resilient, and are also testament to the industry’s confidence in Singapore’s position as a Global-Asia node for MICE. Together with our partners, we will continue to set Singapore apart as the world’s leading destination for safe, trusted and innovative business events.”