Singapore, 21 October, 2015 – 27 outstanding individuals and organisations were recognised and honoured tonight at this year's Singapore Experience Awards (SEA) for their passion and dedication in delivering extraordinary experiences. Held at the Raffles City Convention Centre, the presentation ceremony was graced by Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry), Mr S Iswaran.
Speaking at the event, STB Chief Executive Mr Lionel Yeo said, "It's extremely encouraging that we continue to see so many remarkable experiences delivered by our award finalists and recipients year after year. Tonight, by honouring their contributions, we celebrate their achievements and recognise that memorable experiences are the cornerstone of Singapore's appeal as a compelling destination. I hope their dedication and winning efforts will be an inspiration to others".
Four recipients for top awards
Two individuals and two organisations were conferred top honours under the Outstanding Contribution and Special Recognition award categories.
Outstanding Contribution
Mrs May Sng, former Chairman of the Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA), was the recipient of the highest accolade of the evening - Lifetime Achievement for Outstanding Contribution to Tourism. Mrs Sng's win came on the back of her significant contributions towards the development of Orchard Road precinct, including initiating many acclaimed signature events which helped to cement Orchard Road's reputation as a must-visit attraction. For her role in the place management of Orchard Road, Mrs Sng also received the inaugural Place Champion Award, initiated and presented by the Place Management Coordinating Forum1, last year.
Mr Sing Mong Kee, former president of the Intelligent Transport Society of Singapore (ITSS), was named Best Business Event Champion for his role as a MICE ambassador, tirelessly championing and eventually securing the rights for Singapore to host the Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress (ITSWC) 2019. The ITSWC 2019 is a best-in-class congress that is expected to attract 5,000 foreign delegates and generate S$11 million in tourism receipts.
Special Recognition
The Breakthrough Contribution to Tourism award went to the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global for augmenting Singapore's reputation as a key sporting venue and delivering an exciting suite of sport entertainment experiences. The 10-day tennis festival attracted over 129,000 fans, out of which 20 percent were overseas visitors. In addition, the matches were broadcasted in over 177 countries, and received an estimated viewership of 27 million, raising Singapore's profile as a vibrant sporting destination.
As the Best Healthcare Experience recipient for three consecutive years since 2013, Mount Elizabeth Hospitals was also accorded the Exceptional Achievement award under the Special Recognition category this year. This is for consistent outstanding efforts of the hospitals in providing not just excellent treatments, but also the best possible experience for their patients.
Twenty-four recognised as the best in the tourism sector
In addition to the top award recipients, SEA 2015 also acknowledged 24 individuals and organisations2 as the best amongst 80 finalists across the three award categories of Customer Service, Experience and Marketing & Media.
Amongst the recipients is Bonaventure Newman D'Silva, a supervisor with The Clifford Pier restaurant at The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore. D'Silva's personal attention to detail, his passion and extensive product knowledge greatly impressed the judges, who conferred him the Best Customer Service - Food & Beverage award again this year. With this win, D'Silva became the first ever SEA customer service recipient to receive the same award for two consecutive years.
Please refer to:
Annex A for a full list of the award recipients and finalists of the Singapore Experience Awards 2015
Annex B for citations for the Outstanding Contribution and Special Recognition award categories
1 The Place Management Coordinating Forum is an interagency group comprising National Arts Council, National Heritage Board, Singapore Tourism Board and Urban Redevelopment Authority.
2 A total of 26 awards were given out across the three award categories of Customer Service, Experience and Marketing & Media. The number of unique recipients is 24 as two organisations - Universal Studios Singapore®, Resorts World Sentosa, and Marina Bay Sands - received two awards each. The tally of 24 recipients also includes Mount Elizabeth Hospitals, which received the Exceptional Achievement award, as it was also conferred the Best Healthcare Experience award.
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About the Singapore Experience Awards
As the most prestigious awards platform in Singapore's tourism industry, Singapore Experience Award recipients - individuals and organisations from sectors encompassing Attractions, Business Travel and MICE, Dining, Education, Entertainment, Healthcare, Hospitality and Retail - are recognised for their exemplary efforts in delivering a holistic customer experience – one that offers quality product and service excellence to create a distinctive and compelling experience. For more information, visit For more information please visit https://www.singaporetourismawards.gov.sg/.
About TravelRave
TravelRave, Asia's premier travel and tourism week, will take place from 19 - 23 October 2015 with an exciting line up of quality events featuring thought-provoking content, influential speakers and the chance to network with some of the leading names in the travel and tourism industry. Leveraging Asia's growing potential, TravelRave 2015 will provide a dynamic platform for business leaders and industry professionals to convene, share knowledge and insights, network and discover new business opportunities and celebrate Asian tourism at its best. Find out more at www.travelrave.sg.
About the Singapore Tourism Board
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is a leading economic development agency in tourism, one of Singapore's key service sectors. Known for partnership, innovation and excellence, STB champions tourism, making it a key economic driver for Singapore. We aim to differentiate and market Singapore as a must-visit destination offering a concentration of user-centric and enriching experiences through the "YourSingapore" brand. For more information, visit www.stb.gov.sg or www.yoursingapore.com