The key to Singapore's success as a meetings city

What's behind Singapore's success as a meeting destination? P@SSPORT features comments by some organisers who have recently held events in Singapore.

A unique blend of East and West

Mr Richard Holmes, International Director of Meetings of the International Bureau for Epilepsy and the International League Against Epilepsy, believes it's the uniqueness of Singapore's East meets West culture that makes it stand out from its competitors.

"The blend of culture and history ensures that every visitor to Singapore feels welcomed. This was the first time in 20 years that the International Epilepsy Congress was held in Asia, so not only was Singapore showcasing its own city but it was also representing the region too, and it passed with flying colours."

Strong infrastructure and systems in place

Cityscape Asia, a property investment and development event, similarly chose to stage its event in Singapore because of its world-class infrastructure, good transportation and telecommunications systems, strategic location in Asia, safe environment, transparent business environment and an English-speaking workforce.

"We are very pleased that the event attracted more than 3,600 trade buyers with more than 28 percent coming from overseas. This is particularly encouraging when you consider that Singapore has limited space for property projects and yet was able to attract high net worth individuals, property developers and investors to this neutral hub for business networking," said Ms Rosalind Ng, Managing Director (Asia), IIR Exhibitions Pte Ltd.

Professor Jae-Hoon Song, President of the International Symposium on Antimicrobial Agents and Resistance (ISAAR), said that what drew the organising committee to stage the 6th ISAAR for the first time outside Korea was Singapore's organisational capabilities, excellent meeting facilities and a wide range of accommodation options.

"The selection of Singapore signifies the host organisation's confidence in the organisational capability of the Society of Infectious Disease (Singapore), as well as Singapore 's ability to attract delegates from Asia Pacific and beyond," said Professor Song. The event attracted over 1,200 delegates from 47 countries."

Mr Stephen Tan, Chief Executive, Singapore Exhibition Services Pte Ltd and organiser of CommunicAsia2007 which attracted over 25,000 overseas attendees, believes that Singapore's success as a business travel and MICE venue is due to its "excellent organisational and hospitality skills."

"As a result of this, events organisers trust that meetings and conventions held here will be fruitful. The opening of the integrated resorts will play a significant part in maintaining our leadership position as they will provide an increase in variety of activities and entertainment venues for social functions for event organizers and visitors. This will make Singapore an even more attractive MICE destination."