HRM 11.05 Supplement_MICE Guide 2011

Free with HRM Issue 11.5

annual guide to

MICE 2011

Featuring: + Managing the risks of employee travel + Singapore MICE blazes ahead

MakE iT pErSonal...

...MakE iT Marina bay SandS MEETingS

advanced technologies will never replace face-to-face interactions, a handshake, a conversation, or an idea shared. and there’s no better place to share those ideas than at Marina bay Sands® Meetings, asia’s largest and most flexible meetings and conventions space. global in scope, intimate in detail, with decades of las Vegas Sands meeting experience, at Marina bay Sands Meetings it’s never business as usual, it’s business done right pulsating with life both day and night, Marina bay Sands offers sensational experiences from the culinary wizardry of “asia’s dining destination”, the spectacular brands of The Shoppes at Marina bay Sands, home to The lion king and the iconic artScience Museum.

To book your Marina bay SandS ExpEriEncE 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956 | +65 6688 3000 | sales@marinabaysands.com | marinabaysands.com

ANNUAL GUIDE NEWS ASIA

KOREA

Corporate travel rebounds

Seoul subsidies

Hotel rates in Asia increased in Top 10 Asian cities global average room rate: 2010, suggesting a resurgence January - December 2010 in corporate travel as the City 2010 Average 2009 Average Variance economy picked up, according Room Rate (US$) Room Rate (US$) to the 2010 Global Hotel Market Survey by international Hong Kong 307.96 275.38 12% corporate travel services Sydney 279.41 231.76 21% company, the Hogg Robinson New Delhi 277.08 273.47 1% Group (HRG).

Tokyo 272.20 271.66 0% Margaret Bowler, Director of Global Hotel Relations at Mumbai 257.54 248.86 3% HRG, says, “Although this is a Singapore 242.44 211.81 14% positive sign for the global Seoul 180.36 198.97 15% economy, it does mean that Shanghai 217.67 213.92 2% corporates must still continue to look for savings. 2010 was Bangalore 206.40 218.88 -6% the year of change, with Chennai 203.24 187.04 9% increased demand and average room rates rising in the majority of cities. We expect 2011 to be challenging. There will be corporate demands for continued savings and increased capacities in a number of key markets.”

The survey found that Singapore’s average room rate increased by 14%. This surge is a reflection of the increasing number of visitors to the country, which totalled 11.9 million in 2010 according to the Singapore Tourism Board. The city’s increase in room rates is higher than that of major business hubs in China - Shanghai (2%) and Beijing (-10%). Singapore’s positive performance is an indication of its full recovery from the recession and its reemergence as a key financial centre in Asia.

Douglas McWilliams, Chief Executive of cebr (the Centre for Economics and Business Research ltd.), an economic think tank, comments, “The latest HRG Hotel Survey illustrates how the upswing has bolstered hotel prices, particularly in the fast growing emerging markets in the South and East as economic power moves away from the West.”

Seoul is expanding subsidies for international events hosted in the country. The Seoul Metropolitan Government said organisations in charge of these events can apply for up to 200 million won (US$179,300) in grants.

In an effort to boost the city’s Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) industry, a total of W2 billion will be set aside for this initiative, double last year’s W1 billion budget. The government supported 110 groups with the subsidies in 2010.

The city also provides one-on-one coaching on English presentations. “We give advice to organisations wishing to submit a proposal to host an event and polish it up.

When a proposal is accepted and the group needs to give presentations in English, our native English staff members review their plan and teach them English presentation skills. Among the seven organisations that received coaching last year, six were selected to host events,” a city official said.

MACAU

Visa regulations relaxed Visa restrictions for Chinese businessmen travelling to Macau for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) events will be eased.

Beijing has approved a total of 40 MICE events taking place in Macau this year for which visa application processing will be made easier, Economic Services Bureau director Sou Tim Peng said.

MICE visitors to Macau can also look

forward to events held in the territory’s first five-star all suite urban resort, Banyan Tree Macau.

Opening on May 15 2011 at Macau’s newest landmark, the US$1.9 billion integrated resort Galaxy Macau, Banyan Tree will feature world class meeting facilities including a grand ballroom for capacity of 1,200 and two conference rooms for seminars, weddings and other social events.

SINGAPORE

New MICE venue Sentosa’s newest MICE offering overlooks the South China Sea and Merlion Park, depicting both the colonial history and contemporary flair of the country.

M�venpick Heritage Hotel will first open its contemporary wing, which offers distinctively designed rooms and suites, dining and entertainment options and meetings and conference facilities.

The Heritage wing, set to open towards the end of 2011, will include an all-day dining restaurant, a Whisky Bar and Cigar Lounge – unique informal meeting spaces.

issue 11.5

supplement

1

profile Resorts World™ Sentosa

Discover the extraordinary world of M.I.C.E. at Resorts World™ Sentosa Say Hello to the Extraordinary

Resorts World Sentosa – Asia’s ultimate destination – is Singapore’s first integrated resort that promises the richest experiences to last a lifetime. It is also proving to be the premier M.I.C.E. destination, offering a versatile choice of venues both indoors and outdoors from mega conventions and exhibitions for thousands of delegates to formal receptions and intimate events.

Along with an exciting array of entertainment, shopping, dining experiences, world-class hotels and the region’s only Hollywood movie theme park, Universal Studios Singapore®, it has some of the best facilities and organisational amenities to assist in making any event a success.

Universal Studios Singapore Why should events be restricted to a room? When Universal Studios Singapore closes its doors to the public for the day, its indoor and outdoor venues can be open for private events. The possibilities are endless when you hold a function in Universal Studios Singapore. Designed with seven exciting zones, your event can be a themed entertainment solution.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

Unparalleled Event Venues

Resorts World Convention Centre™ A diversity of choices awaits from various function rooms to the region’s largest column-free ballroom- the Compass Ballroom. Measuring 6,000 square metres, the ballroom can accommodate up to 6,500 guests in theatre-style seating. Its 11-metre high ceiling as well as optional modular-tiered seating, make it a monumental space for large-scale events.

The versatility of the function rooms will undoubtedly enhance the success of your event.

There are a total of 30 function rooms offering a combined floor space of 3,300 square metres.

Four function rooms can also be merged to create a space that is equivalent to one small ballroom.

+ Contact our MICE specialists at +65 6577 9977 or email: mice@rwsentosa.com to find out how we can turn your next event into an extraordinary one

2

issue 11.5

supplement

Compass Ballroom

CMY

K

New York in Universal Studios Singapore

The Coliseum™ The Coliseum at Hard Rock Hotel® Singapore will appeal to anyone who is a rock star at heart.

Specially fitted with a stage, it is ideal for fashion shows, small concerts, weddings or cocktail receptions.

The Coliseum™

feature

Singapore MICE

blazes

4

issue 11.5

supplement

feature

ahead The opening of the two new Integrated Resorts (IRs) in 2010 has put Singapore at the forefront of the regional MICE industry. HRM explores how various players are differentiating themselves to stay ahead of the competition

S

ingapore’s MICE industry is certainly coming of age. The city-state’s excellent location and infrastructure has placed it among one of the top MICE destinations in the world. The opening of the two new IRs in the past year has also raised the stakes, attracting new events and conferences to the region. Tourism receipts grew by 49% hitting a record S$18.8 billion in 2010.

Singapore was ranked MICE operators that HRM spoke to are expecting robust growth this year. Business is bustling at the two new integrated resorts. Marina Bay Sands (MBS) has a packed calendar, with some 90 events scheduled to take place every month of this year. Response has also been overwhelming at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), which out of 139 world economies is receiving more than 1,000 enquiries a month. It has for competitiveness in the over 500 events confirmed for 2011. tourism sector Other MICE venue operators in Singapore say that Source: Travel and Tourism Competitiveness their business is not being affected by the opening of Report 2011, World Economic Forum the two IRs. The Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre will see the return of many prominent events this year such as Tax Free World Association, Singapore International Water Week and ITB Asia. It will close the year with

10th

issue 11.5

supplement

5

feature

approximately 1,400 to 1,500 events. “We also managed to secure a good number of future shows and the new wins for as far as 2014,” says its CEO Pieter Idenberg.

Max Atria @ Singapore Expo

What’s new

With competition heating up in the Singapore MICE market, operators are trying to outdo each other with new and exciting offerings.

MICE veteran Singex recently expanded its events space by some 8,000 square metres. To be completed in early 2012, the new Max Atria @ Singapore Expo will feature 23 new meeting rooms and spacious prefunction areas. Singex believes that this new space will give it an edge in bidding for complementary activities. Apart from conferences, corporate meetings and breakout sessions, Max Atria is also suited for plenary sessions, product launches and award ceremonies.

Over at MBS, the spotlight is on the recently opened ArtScience Museum. Featuring a very distinct, lotus-inspired architecture, the museum offers unique gallery spaces that can be booked in five-hour blocks for private events. Alternatively, organisers can book the entire museum or levels 3 and 4 as part of a package.

Companies looking to organise a fun incentive event in the near future might want to look at the latest attraction at RWS. Due to open in mid-2011, the Maritime Xperential Museum aims to tell the tale of Asia’s legendary sailors. Its main attraction is a huge 360-degree multimedia theatre where visitors will “board” an Arabiabound sailing ship for their own seafaring adventure. When the vessel “sinks”, visitors will get up close to a shipwreck and magnificent marine life.

Operators are also finding ways to improve the visitor experience.

Suntec Singapore has launched TouchPoint, a type of mobile interactive digital signage. It displays the day’s events, enabling visitors and guests to establish where their specific events are being held and how to get to that particular location.

Constantly evolving

The needs of event organisers are changing and operators are constantly re-inventing themselves to meet their clients’ expectations. The MICE market now demands more than a traditional convention, but a unique experience that blends business with pleasure, all in a compact location, Robin Goh, Assistant Director, Communications, RWS says. “Singapore itself is a strong entity due to its compact size and varied options available.”

6

issue 11.4 11.5

supplement

feature

According to Aloysius Arlando, Chief Executive Office “Singapore itself is a of Singex, organisers are also changing the way they plan strong entity due to its business events to remain relevant and achieve maximum compact size and varied returns. “The ‘confex’ model (i.e. holding one or several conferences within an exhibition itself) is becoming more options available” commonplace, while global conferences are rightsizing into Robin Goh, Assistant Director, cosier, decentralised zonal events to effectively reach out to Communications, RWS a diverse marketplace,” he says.

RWS says that popular events that are simply looking for a change of venue are not a priority. “That is not growing the MICE pie, but a change in venue at best and cannibalism at worst,” says Goh. Instead, RWS is working very closely with the Singapore Tourism Board and existing venues to attract overseas organisers to Singapore.

During his speech at the Tourism Industry Conference in March, Senior Minister for Trade and Industry and Education, S Iswaran said that alliances between MICE operators can strengthen Singapore’s value proposition in attracting companies to host events in Singapore. The recently announced collaboration between RWS and Suntec Singapore for example, allows clients to conduct their exhibitions and day meetings within the central business district at Marina Bay, and continue with social functions at Resort World Sentosa. Both venues also offer joint transport arrangements.

To date, RWS and Suntec Singapore have submitted more than 10 joint bids for international events as far as 2014, Goh says. “This will allow us to widen the net and capture segments that seek the best of both worlds- a city-centric location and a wide range of leisure attractions,” he says. RWS is also working with Sentosa and Mount Faber to develop plans to enhance MICE offerings in the southern harbour precinct.

Operators such as MBS are also seeing the benefits of being nimble-footed in responding to event organisers who need to book venues on short Singapore was ranked 10th out of 139 countries for competitiveness in the tourism notice. For instance, MBS was chosen to be the sector by the World Economic Forum. As per its recently released Travel and Tourism venue for the 67th Annual General Meeting for the Competitiveness Report 2011, Switzerland, Germany and France have the most attracInternational Air Transport Association this year tive environments for developing the travel and tourism industry. Austria, Sweden, the after the organiser decided to shift its meeting to United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Spain and Singapore complete the top 10.

Singapore from Cairo, Egypt.

The Report includes an analysis of the rankings of the Travel & Tourism CompetitiveGoing beyond just meeting facilities, Singex has ness Index , which aims to measure the factors and policies that make it attractive to embarked on a total event solutions offering which develop the travel and tourism sector in 139 industrialised and emerging economies. provides organisers with a suite of services such as The government of Singapore has announced several training and productivity enmarket intelligence, conference and exhibition project hancement initiatives through agencies like the Singapore Tourism Board and the Singamanagement, venue and ancillary services as well as pore Hotel Association that will enhance the overall competitiveness of the tourism sector market representation. Suntec Singapore is also in the country. Between 12 and 13 million tourists are expected to visit the city-state this offering additional value to its clients by including year, bringing with them tourism receipts of around S$23 billion, according to the Trade, franchising as well as brand transfer opportunities.

Industry and Education minister S Iswaran.

Singapore's competitive edge

issue 11.5

supplement

7

profile Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean Cruises…

A New Way to Mix Business with Pleasure!

Exciting Cruises Out from Singapore

Bring your groups on our short, convenient getaways with our 2-Night Malacca Weekend Cruise or 3 or 4-Night Southeast Asia Cruise from Singapore to popular exotic destinations of Malacca, Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Phuket.

There are 13 dates from this November till next January to choose from.

Comprehensive MICE Facilities Onboard

L

ooking for a different, exciting and value-formoney travel option for your next company retreat or club reunion? Hop onboard Royal Caribbean International’s 22 stunning ships for a fun and fresh group getaway where there’s something onboard for everyone. Not only you will be treated to a wide range of fantastic entertainment, activities and dining options day and night, you’ll only have to unpack once!

Royal Caribbean International, the awardwinning global cruise brand, will wow you with its ‘first-ever’ signature onboard amenities, such as the rock-climbing wall, an ice-skating rink, the FlowRider surf simulator and Zipline. It is also known for its Royal Promenade, a boulevard of shops, restaurants and lounges that run the length of the ship. You can choose from over 290 distinct itineraries worldwide, for example in Asia, Australia, the Mediterranean, Alaska and the Caribbean.

Theatre

Cruising with Legend of the Seas

Onboard this 2,074-guest, 11-deck ship which sails year-round in Asia, one can find an ocean of entertainment and relaxation options, such as the nine metre rock-climbing wall, miniature golf course, duty-free boutiques, theatre music and dance shows, indoor pool, spa, fitness centre and a variety of bars and lounges. One can also enjoy a wide variety of mouth-watering international cuisines in the fine-dining and buffet restaurants.

8

issue 11.5

supplement

There is a variety of meeting venues on Legend of the Seas, from cozy lounges such as the Viking Crown Lounge or the Anchors Aweigh Lounge for a more intimate, casual ambiance to the 800-seater theatre for more formal functions. We also provide modern, comprehensive conference facilities and dedicated conference rooms on all of our ships. We are also the only cruise company with dedicated onboard convention services coordinators providing round-the-clock personal assistance to ensure your corporate events run smoothly.

All-Inclusive, Customised Packages

Legend of the Seas’ cruise packages for groups offer unbeatable value with everything in the price: exquisite international cuisines, comfortable accommodations, room-service, non-stop activities, top-class entertainment and many more!

There are also plenty of options to enhance and tailor your events and activities to suit your groups’ needs, such as customised shore excursions, team-building activities, open-bar liquor packages and private events such as gala dinners and theme parties. For that added special touch, we can also arrange for your company logo to appear on menus, ice carvings, cakes, banners, cocktail napkins and daily activity programs. + Visit www.royalcaribbean-asia.com for more information.

For reservations please contact us via Tel: +65 6305 0003 / 6305 0011 or Email: RcclGroupSales@rcclapac.com

To mix business with pleasure JUST ADD WATER™ If you’re looking to increase sales, recognise performance and build morale, a Royal Caribbean cruise has more to offer:

Best Cruise Operator 2008 – 2010

• • • • •

260 destinations in 77 countries Most innovative, state-of-the-art ships Amazing onboard & onshore activities Gold Anchor Service crews 3 to 14-night cruises departing from ports all around the world

LEGEND OF THE SEAS — Southeast Asia Cruises 2-NIGHT MALACCA WEEKEND CRUISE Singapore Departure: Nov 19, 2011 Port-of-Call: Malacca Onboard meeting facilities

3/4-NIGHT SOUTHEAST ASIA CRUISE

3-Night Departures: Nov 25, Dec 2, 9, 16 & 19, 2011, Jan 6, 2012 3-Night Ports-of-Call: Singapore, Penang, Malacca* 4-Night Departures: Nov 21 & 28, Dec 5 & 12, 2011, Jan 2 & 9, 2012 4-Night Ports-of-Call: Singapore, Port Klang, Phuket *Ports-of-call subject to change.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Vouchers Available For Sale

Reward your staff with our cruise vouchers for any of our worldwide cruises.

For enquiries, email MktgAPAC@rcclapac.com or call 6305 0033 Onboard team-building activities

Royal Caribbean Cruises (Asia) Pte Ltd

3 Anson Road #13-02 Springleaf Tower Singapore 079909 (near Tanjong Pagar MRT station) Tel: (65) 6305 0003 Email: RcclGroupSales@rcclapac.com www.royalcaribbean-asia.com

profile Carlton Hotel Singapore

It’s all here T Istana Room

Premier Club Lounge

oday’s business traveller asks for nothing more than a comfortable stay, the right ambience for conducting successful meetings complemented by good food and entertainment. Business or leisure, it’s all here at Carlton Hotel Singapore.

A business-class hotel that is ideally located in the city’s busiest financial, shopping and convention centres, Carlton is minutes away from Raffles Place, Suntec City International Exhibition & Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Singapore National Museum; and major shopping belts in the Marina area as well as Orchard Road. “We believe that our location gives a distinct advantage to our guests who can reach their meetings and appointments within minutes even during peak hours,” Richard Ong, General Manager says.

Carlton has gone a step further in catering to business travellers, expanding its offerings by nearly 30%. This time last year, Carlton unveiled its new Premier Wing, adding 287 luxuriously furnished rooms to the existing buildings and transforming itself into a 915-room hotel with the most comprehensive and versatile inventory of guest rooms in the city.

Ecoconscious meetings

Premier Room

With a total of 15 function rooms, five of which are

Conference / Banquet capacity and dimension Function Banquet Meeting Rooms (No. of persons) (No. of persons) Level 2 Area (sqm) Round Table Buffet Cocktail Theatre U-Shape Boardroom Classroom Cluster Connaught 70.70 30 30 50 16 12 18 15 Empress 1 130.50 80 40 60 77 30 32 30 30 Empress 2 144.50 100 60 80 112 30 32 30 40 Empress 3 149.10 80 40 60 91 30 32 30 30 Empress 4 185.90 120 70 110 153 36 32 48 45 Empress 5 248.20 160 140 170 234 40 40 72 80 Istana 1 35.00 8 Istana 2 51.94 40 40 18 20 16 20 Istana 3 52.56 40 40 18 20 16 20 Level 4 Esplanade 1 102.00 60 50 50 90 24 25 36 30 Esplanade 2 104.00 60 50 50 90 24 25 36 30 Level 5 Victoria Suite 62.30 30 16 14 18 15 Victoria 1 64.80 30 16 14 18 15 Victoria 2 42.10 20 10 10 12 10

10

issue 11.5

supplement

new, Carlton is here to meet the different needs and scales of any event and occasion. A big proponent of naturally lit meeting spaces, the hotel offers various rooms with natural daylight streaming in from large windows overlooking the city’s skyline.

Royal meeting spaces

For large-scale conferences and gala dinners, the gorgeous Empress Ballroom is the right fit.Spanning across from level 2 of the Main Tower to the Premier Wing and featuring a pillar-less high ceiling at the new extension, the newly refurbished Empress Ballroom is now 858.2sqm and can accommodate up to 540 persons for a sit down dinner. The ballroom can be further separated into five smaller rooms for more intimate functions. Also, add a touch of class to your company get-together at the Connaught Room located on Level 2 or the private Victoria Room, located at Level 6 of the Main Tower.

Size doesn’t matter

For smaller meetings, seminars and corporate luncheons, look no further than three new meeting venues – the Istana Rooms. These rooms also feature Carlton’s signature floor to ceiling windows, allowing meetings to take place within a naturally lit environment. The Esplanade Rooms feature an outdoor section bringing meeting and banqueting services to greater heights with their tastefully furnished settings as well as wellequipped facilities.

Bon appetite

For a less formal meeting or private breakfast, afternoon tea, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, Carlton’s Club Lounges, located in the Main Tower and Premier Wing, are the perfect place with a bird’s eye view of Singapore’s skyline. With a range of food and beverage outlets – the award-winning Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant, international cuisine buffet dining at Café Mosaic, alfresco Equator@ Poolside as well as the elegant and stylish Gravity Bar – you will definitely be spoilt for choice. + Carlton Hotel Singapore + Tel: 65 6311 8181/8183/8425 + Email: banquet@carltonhotel.sg + Web: www.carltonhotel.sg

feature

MICE

in Asia

From bigger and better facilities to generous government initiatives, many countries are pulling out all stops to attract meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) travellers.

HRM finds out what initiatives have been put in place to make them the destinations of choice

International Convention Centre, Jeju Island, South Korea

14

issue 11.5

supplement

feature

A

staggering 132 million people travelled around the world on business trips in 2009. There were 880 million international tourists that year, of which 15% travelled for business and professional purposes, as per a report by the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). That number is surely on the rise as the global growth engines start turning at top speed again.

The rising number of business travellers has not gone unnoticed. Whether it is a trip for a one-day meeting or for a week’s conference, tourism organisations and government agencies in numerous countries have taken steps to ensure that corporate travellers enjoy their MICE trips.

Countries such as Malaysia, Korea and China are luring MICE travellers from around the globe with incentives that range from funding for large business events to easing travel restrictions for international travellers as well as offering package deals for various business, leisure and cultural programmes.

Malaysia welcomes business travellers

The Malaysian government has been taking steps to promote Malaysia as a MICE destination. It has a dedicated organisation, the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), to help position the country as one of the leading international business events destinations in Asia.

MyCEB plays a wide-ranging role that includes encouraging and assisting potential local hosts to bid for and host international conventions in Malaysia.

Zulkefli Hj Sharif, CEO of MyCEB, says that the government is providing funding to attract more MICE travellers. In the Tenth Malaysia Plan in November last year, the government announced that it will fund US$16 million for the business tourism sector in 2011. As part of that, US$8 million will be utilised for a subvention programme.

“The programme will focus on supporting bids for targeted international business events, which offer a high economic value to the nation. Support given will be based on an economic assessment, the agreed performance criteria as well as mutual benefits for the government and the local host organisation,” says Sharif.

In 2010, Malaysia hosted more than 1.2 million international business tourism visitors – an increase of five per cent from 2009. Sharif says that one of the reasons for the increase in MICE visitors is that Malaysia is a destination that provides value for money. “Malaysia represents excellent value to both meeting planners and associations, with world-class service quality standards, making the country affordable for delegates to attend business events held in Malaysia.”

The country has various facilities for meetings and conventions such as the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, located in centre of the capital. It has hosted numerous international events such as 8th Asian Congress of Neurological Surgeons in November 2010 with 2000 delegates, and will host others like Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Annual Scientific Congress in 2012.

“Under the Economic Transformation Programme, Malaysia aims to grow business tourism arrivals from five per cent to eight per cent,” says Sharif. It hopes to increase its business visitors’ arrivals from 1.2 million to 2.9 million by 2020 as the business tourism sector is expected to contribute $1.2 billion in incremental gross national income and 16,700 jobs to the nation by 2020.

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia

issue 11.5

supplement

15

feature

Sunway International Hotels & Resorts is one of the companies in Malaysia that is going out of its way to entice MICE travellers with special deals and personalised services. One of its developments, the Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa, is a resort that has 55 function rooms as well as the Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre for MICE corporate groups.

Rekha Dutt, Director of Marketing Communications for Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa, says that they focus on a personalised experience.

“We tailor-make experiences based on MICE planners’ needs. These arrangements can range from having police outriders lead a convoy of cars or buses from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport to the hotel, to organising mementos for delegates,” says Dutt. The hotel also offers room rate discounts for ‘block bookings’.

So far, the resort has hosted several events that include the Asia Human Resources Development and Merck Sharpe & Dohme Incentive Conference.

MICE visitor numbers in Asia City/Country Hong Kong Korea Macau Malaysia

MICE visitor arrivals in 2009 1,160,000 149,107 660,881 1,182,550

Shanghai Expo Center

16

issue 11.5

supplement

MICE visitor arrivals in 2010 1,429,941 182,091 806,135 1,228,860

Cultural Korea promotes itself

South Korea is another place that is gaining popularity as a MICE destination. Figures from International Convention Data for South Korea note that last year, 68,686 delegates attended conventions while 113,405 people visited the country for corporate purposes and incentives.

The Korean government has been stepping up initiatives to promote the country. Under the Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO), it set up the Korea MICE Bureau to promote the MICE industry within and outside of the country. Nine convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs) actively bid for international MICE events to Korea.

Linda Yi Womack, Associate Director of Global Marketing at Korea’s MICE Bureau, says: “The MICE industry was deemed one of the 17 ‘new growth engines’ by the Korean government in November 2009 to drive economic growth for the next decade. The government’s commitment facilitates the advancement and growth of MICE-related education [and] infrastructure.”

Though Womack was unable to disclose the amount, she says that the Korea MICE Regional Committee works in partnership with local CVBs to ensure fair allocation of funds. “The funds are utilised effectively to ensure that meetings held bring real economic as well as brand benefit and facilitate future business growth for the South Korean economy.”

She adds that visa travel restrictions for MICE delegates have also been eased for places such as in Jeju Island, by designating a special tourism and VISA free zone for more than 180 countries.

The MICE Bureau is offering several incentive benefit packages and programmes. Convention delegates can expect a KTO souvenir, individualised tour programme and a gala dinner as well as a welcome speech by the CEO of KTO or a senior government official in the travel industry.

Corporate groups on incentive trips can enjoy customised travel tours and a welcome reception at the airport.

Also, there are value-added incentive packages such as a MICE gold package for senior level

feature

executives travelling with their spouses as well as a boss lady package for a female executive MICE traveller. The packages include personalised services such as VIP treatment and golf or spa trips as well as shopping services.

So, what does 2011 hold for the MICE sector in the country? Womack notes that there is an upward trend in the number of international association meetings sector in additon to a projected five per cent increase in the number of international MICE meetings. The country will be hosting several international meetings and conventions with large delegates, one of which is the 22nd World Congress of Dermatology in Seoul, which will attract more than 13,000 delegates.

China cities promote business tourism

As one of the fastest-growing and biggest economies in the world, China is attracting visitors from all around the globe. The MICE sector is no exception with a large number of delegates attending international conferences or conventions in its cities.

A couple of its cities, Macau and Shanghai, are making more of an effort to attract the MICE crowd. Data from the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) states that in 2010, 1399 MICE events were held in Macau – 57 exhibitions attracted 656,303 participants and delegates while 1342 events, meetings and conferences attracted 149,832 business travellers.

In its 2011 policy address, the Macau Special Administrative Region Government announced its full support of the development of Macau’s convention and exhibition industry. The Macau Business Tourist Office (MBTC) offers the ‘Strategic MICE Market Stimulation Programme’.

Under this programme, MBTC provides ‘bid support’ for MICE in a variety of forms. Delegates attending a meeting event, for example, can get 10% accommodation cost support and a maximum of MOP$400 (US$50) per delegate. Keynote speakers and delegation heads also receive support.

However, these incentives “do not apply to Macau and/or China companies but to any

organisations worldwide who meet the minimum requirements to bring MICE business to Macau,” states the MGTO. Besides offering attractive packages, the Macau authorities are promoting the city for corporate incentives. MGTO’s Singapore representative office says: “Macau is the ideal incentive destination to reward the very best achievers.”

There are a slew of activities that business people can undertake on an incentive trip to the city – corporate groups can do teambuilding activities such as go-kart racing at the Macau Grand Prix, or choose from three different itineraries with three days of activities.

The capital city of China, Shanghai, has also received numerous visitors: both business travellers as well as international tourists. In fact, the city hosted the World Expo last year. “We’ve seen an increase in the number of MICE business travellers,” says Patrick Chen, Deputy Director, International Tourism Promotion Department, Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration. “We reached our new record of overseas visitors with 8.51 million last year because of the World Expo, this is an 1.86 million increase compared with our second record [of] 6.65 million in 2007.”

“We have several recommendation for MICE business travellers including ‘cultural encounter’ to experience local Shanghai’s history and culture, ‘team in action’ to experience the vibrancy of the city [and] ‘Shanghai sensation’ to explore why we call Shanghai the city of ‘East meets West’.”

Though Chen could not disclose the amount, he says that the Tourism Administration’s “budget is not big, so we can help the organisers and companies on case-by-case basis”.

He says that Shanghai is a city which MICE travellers will enjoy, be it for meetings or for staff incentive trips. “Shanghai is [a] very unique city in China as it mixes the traditional and modern, the old and new and it is where East meets the West.”

“Malaysia represents excellent value to both meeting planners and associations with worldclass service quality standards, making the country affordable for delegates to attend business events held in Malaysia” Zulkefli Hj Sharif, CEO, MyCEB

issue 11.5

supplement

17

profile Orchid Country Club

Orchid Country Club

Where business and pleasure do mix

M

eetings need not be stressful or hectic – that is what you will learn at the Orchid Country Club.

The Club offers the ideal venue for corporate functions and meetings. Overlooking the lush rolling golf course and enchanting placid waterways, the natural settings provide the perfect backdrop for conducting fruitful meetings. The Club is equipped with a comprehensive range of purpose-built banquet areas, full conference facilities and well stocked refreshment areas.

The striking 1,200 capacity marble-floor ballroom, reminiscent of the Renaissance period, has been the venue of many important and memorable events. Whether you are holding a boardroom meeting for 15 persons, hosting a seminar for 200 persons, organising outdoor team-building or staging a gala ball for 1,000 guests, Orchid Country Club is the perfect venue.

Our MICE venues are complemented by excellent club facilities, including awardwinning golf courses, a hotel set in picturesque settings and a wonderland of social and recreation amenities. Orchid Country Club plays host to the region’s most breathtaking courses in

18

issue 11.5

supplement

the region, which has garnered international praise as well as accolades as one of the top three best courses in Singapore.

A scenic sanctuary facing the panoramic Aranda Course and Seletar Reservoir, the 75-room Orchid Lodge is OCC’s very own resort hotel. Elegant interiors, modern design, and comfortable amenities all cater to a much needed getaway for guests in need of total relaxation. If you need to stay connected, high-speed wired and wireless broadband networks allow you to access the Internet from anywhere in the hotel, while the functional workstations provide guests with another option for their business needs.

Besides being an idyllic getaway, the Club is also a perfect social haven for associates, friends and family to interact, bond and have fun. The Recreation Clubhouse houses a comprehensive and state-of the-art sports facilities, perfect for team building activities or family days.

At Orchid Country Club, the tranquil environment ensures that everyone enjoys a comfortable time to be in their best mood whether it is for business brainstorming, a management retreat, or simply a fun time. + For more information, contact the Sales & Marketing team at sales&marketing@orchidclub.com or 6750 2166

profile

Marina Bay Sands

One integrated resort, endless possibilities

C

onveniently located within Singapore’s Central Business District, yet worlds away from the ordinary business setting, Marina Bay Sands® combines first-rate business and meeting facilities with world-class entertainment options.

Global in scope, intimate in detail, with decades of Las Vegas Sands meeting experience, at Marina Bay Sands it’s never business as usual, it’s business done right.

Pulsating with life both day and night, Marina Bay Sands offers sensational experiences from the culinary wizardry of “Asia’s Dining Destination”, the spectacular brands of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, home to The Lion King and the iconic ArtScience Museum.

Spotlight on The Sands Expo and Convention Center The Sands Expo and Convention Center offers more than 120,000 square meters or 1.3 million square feet of meeting space, making it one of the largest and most flexible locations in Asia.

It is also the biggest Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) facility in Singapore, and the ballroom is the largest in Southeast Asia, hosting up to 11,000 delegates, and was recently awarded CEI reader’s Asia’s Best MICE Hotel title and second-place for Asia’s Best Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Center highlights: » Five floors of exhibition and convention space

20

issue 11.5

supplement

» Up to 2,000 exhibition booths and 250 meeting rooms » Can accommodate up to 45,000 delegates » A comprehensive one-stop event and exhibition solution provider, which offers services that range from technical needs like audio visual equipment to stage set-up and logistics » Offers the region’s largest ballroom at over 8,000 square meters » Grand Ballroom can seat up to 6,600 diners for a banquet or 11,000 delegates for a theater-style convention » Grand Ballroom can be configured into 16 rooms to hold smaller groups of a few hundred people The right fit for every event: » Marina Bay Sands® has the perfect space for every event, whether it’s a- meeting for 10,000 or a party for 10. In addition to the Sands Expo and Convention Center, other creative venues include: » Sands SkyPark® for cocktail parties or intimate dinner receptions » Event plaza for large-scale outdoor carnivals or festivals » Theaters for product launches, presentations or conferences » Celebrity chef restaurants for cocktail parties, dinner receptions or exclusive launches » A unique museum for opening ceremonies, keynote addresses or cocktail parties » Finally, well-appointed luxury guestrooms offer a comfortable, relaxing way to end the day, and the complimentary airport shuttle, available private car or limousine service and express checkout make traveling easy. So come see for yourself why Marina Bay Sands® is quickly becoming the executive’s top choice for business travel and MICE events in Singapore. + Marina Bay Sands® 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956 + Tel: +65 6688 3000 + Email: sales@marinabaysands.com + Web: www.marinabaysands.com

profile Changi Village Hotel

More than Meeting Rooms A

breath of fresh air away from the city, Changi Village Hotel is a haven for the harried executive.

It is every bit like its neighbourhood – idyllic. Sooth your senses at this seaside retreat by indulging at its rooftop spa, wellness centre or infinity pool where you can relax while watching the sun rise or set.

Changi Village is undeniably a picture of splendid tranquillity. In 2005, this quiet hideaway was chosen as a finalist in the Singapore Tourism Board Tourism Awards, under the Best Accommodation Experience, Superior Hotel Category. With its 380 well-appointed rooms and suites furnished for contemporary comfort, this hotel is the perfect retreat for business and leisure travellers alike. Some amenities guests will enjoy include 24-hour room service, broadband Internet access throughout the hotel, in-room safe, LCD TV, bathtub with rain shower and International Direct Dial telephone with voicemail.

Besides the chic modern amenities and vast open spaces, guests will also experience sparkling water features and stunning panoramic sea views. They can

wine and dine in the close embrace of nature at The Creek or enjoy a romantic sunset while lounging in the infinity pool on level 8. Changi Village Hotel also stands in a swathe of lush greenery and leisure spots like Changi Point Boardwalk, Changi Sailing Club and Changi Golf Club. Discover the quaint shops, pubs and restaurants in rustic Changi Village. For the intrepid explorer, take a boat to Pulau Ubin for a day of hiking, cycling or fishing. Take the opportunity to live and breathe the outdoors and experience Village at its purest form.

Only a 15-minute drive from the Singapore Changi Airport and Singapore Expo, Changi Village Hotel has indoor and outdoor function spaces to cater to any social occasion or meeting. A range of room set-ups is available, ranging from banquets and boardrooms to seminars and cocktail sessions. The Square Ballroom is the ideal venue for a wedding banquet or corporate dinner. The Quad hall boasts an elegant high ceiling and an exclusive show kitchen for a private chef showcase.

Visit www.stayvillage.com/changi for more information.

+ Changi Village Hotel 1 Netheravon Road Singapore 508502 + Tel: +65 6379 7111 + Fax: +65 6546 8884 + Email: info.changi@stayvillage.com

issue 11.5

supplement

21

rd

th

restaurant review

Hot Seoul Seoul Garden has introduced its new concept restaurant – the Seoul Garden HotPot. With a cosy ambience and a variety of Korean dishes, HotPot serves up delicious dishes for its corporate clientele

I

f you are looking for an impeccable location to dine with your colleagues or take clients for lunch, look no further than HarbourFront Centre where the newest Seoul Garden HotPot is located.

The Seoul Garden HotPot, which was opened in April this year, boasts a cosy contemporary feel with black seats and curved wooden beams lining the interior with Korean poetry adorning the walls.

At its maximum capacity, the restaurant is able to seat up to 76 guests.

Benny Lee, Director of Marketing for Zingrill Holdings, the parent company, says that Seoul Garden HotPot is a “restaurant for causal diners and it mainly caters to busy executives.”

As the restaurant is situated along the busy area of HarbourFront Centre, it is easily able to cater to the lunch time crowd between 12-2pm.

A new concept

Unlike Seoul Garden’s original restaurant that provides buffet, the HotPot will serve à la carte items that consist of two categories of mains – the Bibim Bap, a popular mixed-meal dish and a variety of HotPot dishes, as well as side orders and starters.

Lee also says that this HotPot concept does not involve grilling “so there is no lingering food smell” that could deter diners.

The food is also affordable with the starters costing between $3 and $4 while main dishes cost from $8 to $12. Moreover, guests can enjoy

24

issue 11.5

supplement

Bulgogi Beef Bibim Bap

restaurant review

+ Seoul Garden HotPot HarbourFront Centre, #02-03/04 + Tel: +65 6275 6338 + Opening hours: 11.30am to 10.30pm, Monday to Sundays + Director of Marketing: Benny Lee + Email: benny@zingrill.com.sg + Tel: +65 6758 1322

a variety of dishes in the menu as is not fixed since the restaurant plans to change its menu every four months.

Also, companies can look forward to hosting corporate parties for their clients or staff in the upcoming months in the restaurant. Lee says that come June, Seoul Garden HotPot will be ready to host large corporate events too. In addition, the restaurant is working towards incorporating take-away lunch boxes for busy diners.

The HotPot at HarbourFront is not going to be a sole outlet offering the concept as the company is expecting to open another five to six HotPot restaurants this year. Moreover, it will continue to cater to the corporate clientele and is on the lookout for office locations such as in Shenton Way.

Value for money

Lee says the Seoul Garden HotPot wants to give its customers “value for money” and that is what the restaurant offers.

At affordable prices, the dishes are hearty and filling. Only few weeks from opening, there are several dishes that are in hot demand. Starters such as the Marinated Cold Clams and Deep-fried Assorted Mushrooms are well-received while side orders like the Seafood Pancake and Korean Pan-fried Fish Fillets are a must. Gourmands can also enjoy free flow of hot or cold cinnamon tea with red dates and ginger for just $3.

The Marinated Cold Clams mixed with vinegar, cut chilli and chef’s special sauce leaves a refreshing yet tangy and sweet taste in the mouth. It also comes

Seafood HotPot

with a Korean chilli dip to add extra spice to the taste buds. The Korean Pan-fried Fish Fillets dish is crunchy and piping hot – dory fish fillets are coated in batter and egg and come with a vinegar and chilli sauce dip. The Seafood Pancake is a delight for seafoodlovers. Filled with mussels, prawns, and onions, it is a delicious treat that comes with a chilli oil dip.

The main dishes – Bibim Bap and the HotPot are hearty dishes that can be ordered either as an à la carte or in a set. The sets come with three starters as well as a white fungus sweet soup. The two star-items in the menu are the Beef Bulgogi Bibim Bap and the Seafood HotPot. The Seafood HotPot has a light miso base soup with a mix of seafood such as clams, prawns, mussels as well as mushrooms and it comes with a small bowl of rice. The Bulgogi Beef is sumptuous with a mixture of raw kimchi, beef, rice and vegetables and the special Korean chilli sauce brings out the unique flavours of the ingredients.

issue 11.5

supplement

25

profile Michelangelo’s / Original Sin

Visionaries + Excellence =

Culinary Icons I

n 1995, Michael Hadley and Marisa Bertocchi met and as they say the rest is history.

Marisa was an understudy at the soon to be famous Michelangelo’s with a flair for the sublime. As a supporting act in the Michelangelo’s rise to stardom, Marisa was given her own show; Original Sin. With a well-rehearsed script in hand, they both set off to create another icon in the Singapore dining scene.

Michelangelo’s

Michelangelo's Interior

Contact: + Michelangelo’s Restaurant 44 Jalan Merah Saga, #01-60 Chip Bee Gardens Holland Village, Singapore 278116 + Tel: 64759069 + Email: reservations@ michelangelos.com.sg + Website with Real Time Online Reservation: www.michelangelos.com.sg + Original Sin 43 Jalan Merah Saga, #01-62 Chip Bee Gardens Holland Village, Singapore 278115 + Tel: 6475 5605 + Email: mgmt@originalsin.com.sg + Website with Real Time Online Reservation: www.originalsin.com.sg

26

issue 11.5

supplement

Serving up innovative Italian cuisine since 1995, Michelangelo’s continues to capture the attention of the discerning diner. After a recent makeover, the restaurant features sophisticated décor and an ambience that is both vibrant and inviting. The new seating plan is more spacious and the restaurant has been opened up to allow a seamless transition from indoor to al fresco dining.

“After 14 years it was time to give Michelangelo’s a more fashionable feel, whilst still retaining the unique ambience that we were famous for,” says founder Michael Hadley.

Michelangelo’s culinary team is responsible for an innovative menu that suits modern palates while respecting long time favourites. The culinary team always welcomes a challenge and special requests are regularly accommodated.

“If we have the ingredients on hand, we can create almost anything!” Hadley says.

Michelangelo’s also boasts a well-educated wine service team that is always a smile away.

“The internationally acclaimed wine list offers as much variety as it does value. There is a wine for every budget and palate,” Hadley says. Since 1996, Michelangelo’s has been a perennial recipient of the internationally renowned Wine Spectator magazine’s “Award of Excellence” for its dedication to the wine experience.

Michelangelo’s has been the venue of choice for large events over the years, from corporate

outings to birthdays and family gatherings. Our catering team is able to interpret, adapt and deliver for private events of any size.

Original Sin

Diners have gravitated to Original Sin since 1997 for everything a foodie craves – fresh produce, inspirational dishes, authentic flavours and above all, consistency in quality. Original Sin’s unique use of ingredients and culinary techniques allow for a light, filling, and guilt-free indulgence.

Focusing on Mediterranean influences, diners tuck into stylish and wonderfully delicious creations. The culinary team picks only wholesome ingredients and herbs to enhance the natural flavors. This unique combination of Mediterranean influences keeps Original Sin at the forefront of Singapore’s dining scene.

Nestled in the urban greenery of Chip Bee Gardens, the restaurant exudes a bright and cheery ambience. Its’ distinctively chic and relaxed interior is accented by a mirrored wall and bronze tree motif. At night, the restaurant’s candle-lit interior creates an intimate setting, the perfect venue for special events. Original Sin has hosted everything from corporate functions to weddings and birthdays with equal success. These are executed with great flexibility and a willingness to please. Guests also have the option to have events catered off-site.

Original Sin’s menu suits many people’s demands for a healthier lifestyle in combination with the growing awareness for environmentallyfriendly living. With meat-free alternatives and the appeal of the freshest ingredients, Original Sin is setting a trend that is catching on but hard to replicate. For those who want to add superb wines to their dining experience, Original Sin is well-known for its memorable wine pairings combined with exceptional service.

With a handful of international awards and accolades to uphold, Original Sin leaves everyone desiring more.

profile

Gaelic Inns

Truly Craic!

(Def: n. Craic is a term for fun, entertainment, and enjoyable conversation) and up to 300 guests offering a comfortable setting for informal business meetings, private parties and standing cocktails.

The Penny Black, Boat Quay Right by the riverfront with stunning views of The Fullerton Hotel and the Asian Civilisations Museum, The Penny Black is a wonderfully authentic Victorian London tavern. The ‘Snug Bar’ on the second floor provides a comfortable setting for exclusive events and is still shrouded in the same warm London pub ambience.

The Penny Black

T

ell anyone that our pub fittings were assembled in the UK then dismantled, shipped to Singapore and re-assembled here and the first question you’d get is “Why?”. Well, authenticity is the answer!

Gaelic Inns has placed great emphasis on developing truly authentic outlets and spared no expense in fitting out each individual pub’s design concept. The aim is to create an environment in which people will strike a nerve of familiarity and feel very much at home.

Pepper Steak with Fries

+ Gaelic Inns 19 Tanglin Road, #11-01 Tanglin Shopping Centre, Singapore 247909 + Tel: +65 6735 0050 + E-mail: corporate@gaelicinns.com.sg + Website: www.gaelicinns.com.sg

28

issue 11.5

supplement

Food and Beverage

Gastropub is the key word in describing the food at our pubs. Embracing the successful trend of gastro pubs that have sprouted throughout Britain and Ireland over the past decade, Gaelic Inns combines the traditional and modern cuisines of the UK in its menu.

All day dining menus feature fresh home-cooked and hearty meals. The fabulous Sunday Roast at Muddy Murphy’s is also one for the diary.

Gaelic Inns sets the standards with the quality of the beer it serves. It takes particular pride in serving a good pint of ‘the dark stuff’ - Draught Guinness® and fine Irish ales such as Kilkenny™. Other premium international draught beers offered include Heineken, Tiger, Erdinger Weissbier, Strongbow Cider and Old Speckled Hen, not forgetting premium spirits and wines also on the list.

Events

Conveniently located around the city and along idyllic East Coast beach, we cater to small groups

Scruffy Murphy’s, East Coast Beach Re-created as a cosy Irish seaside cottage by the calm shores of Singapore’s East Coast, Scruffy’s, as it’s affectionately known, is the perfect spot for lounging around, pint in hand, of course! You’re always shaded regardless of whether you’re seated at the outdoor beer terrace, inside the ‘cottage’ or the air-conditioned lounge.

Durty Nelly’s, Marina Square Trendy yet casual, Durty Nelly’s sets the perfect tone for an ‘after work’ drink. Young urban professionals flock to this haven for a much-deserved pint after a hard day’s work. The pub is also privileged to be one of the only ‘watering holes’ right beside the Singapore Formula 1 Night Race, where customers have a unique audio-visual experience as cars race by during the race.

Ballymoons, Orchard Hotel True to its Irish roots, Ballymoons is a genuinely laid-back and cosy place to spend your evening.

Complete with plush lounge chairs to complement simple wooden tables, the bar is unpretentious.

Dim lighting adds to the pretty picture and creates an ambience of understated elegance.

Muddy Murphy’s, Orchard Hotel With a spirited social ambience typical of any traditional Irish pub, Muddy Murphy’s is the perfect venue for unrestrained merry-making. The pub comprises an open-air “farm yard” and an air-conditioned traditional Irish country cottage pub dating back to the 1840s indoors.

profile

Chinois Spa

Pure bliss at Chinois Spa O

ffering a chic and exclusive private ambience in the heart of Orchard at Mandarin Gallery, Chinois Spa is a new luxurious concept of a lifestyle urban spa that offers a full range of customised services. Treatments available include full body massages, organic spa treatments, organic facial treatments, reflexology, manicure and pedicure, hair crème-bath spa and waxing services in generously-sized treatment rooms complete with attached showers. For those hoping to get their partners along, a couple suite is available to ensure full + Management: Managed and owned by privacy while you enjoy your the same team from the award-winning spa treatments together. ex-Essentia Spa @ Fort Canning Park

Fast facts

+ Award: Finalist of “Best Spa Experience Award 2005” awarded by Singapore Tourism Board + Accreditation: CaseTrust (Category One Spa)

Natural wellness

All programmes at Chinois Spa are performed using only pure essential oils, high quality massage oils with natural and organic ingredients. The highly effective facial treatments are all prepared using the unique, much soughtafter Eminence Organic Skin Care natural hand-made products from Hungary.

Eminence ingredients are free of parabens and other harsh chemicals and are guaranteed to be 100% natural to ensure that your staff see and feel the dramatic results associated with this high quality skin care brand.

All spa therapists are also trained and skilled with relevant industry certification required by CaseTrust so rest assured, your staff are in good hands.

Relax and heal

The Signature body spa programme is a must-try.

A complete 60-min or 90-min head-to-toe relaxation experience using a proprietary blend of essential oils and natural emollient, this massage is perfect for busy professionals looking for a quick yet thorough fix.

If you’re up for something more elaborate, indulge in the Majestic programme instead. Enjoy a warm soak in a special blend of essential oils followed by a body scrub down. Try the limited edition Chocolate Scrub, blended especially from cocoa beans from Canada. After the scrub, a detoxifying body wrap will firm and tone your muscles. Finally, an invigorating massage becomes the finale of this two and half hour pampering session.

A visit to Chinois Spa is sure to leave incentive winners highly refreshed, totally relaxed and lining up for more! + Chinois Spa 333A Orchard Road #04-16 Mandarin Gallery Singapore 238897 + Tel: 6836 3363 + Fax: 6836 3353 + Email: contact@chinoisspa.com.sg + Website: www.chinoisspa.com.sg

Programmes available » Full Body Massages » Organic Spa treatments, wraps and scrubs » Organic Facials & Skin Nourishing Treatments » Foot Reflexology » Manicure & Pedicure » Hair Crème-bath Spa » Waxing services

Membership packages Package Silver Gold Platinum

Cost $950 $1,800 $2,900

Package is valid for 1 year

30

issue 11.5

supplement

Extra Value $200 $500 $1,000

Total Value $1,150 $2,300 $3,900

WebsiteÊ:Êwww.chinoisspa.com.sgÊÊÊ|ÊÊÊEmailÊ:ÊÊcontact@chinoisspa.com.sg

profile The Sentosa Resort & Spa

The Sentosa Resort & Spa S

et atop a cliff in 27 acres of lush tropical woodlands and landscaped water gardens, The Sentosa Resort & Spa offers glorious views of the South China Sea. From the plush deluxe rooms to the sprawling garden villas with private lap pool, the resort offers superb accommodation rivalled by none in the city.

Meet in an unsurpassed natural setting

The resort has a two-storey Conference Centre with eight meeting rooms and over 1,300 square metres of dedicated conference facilities that can accommodate up to 360 people. Its pillarless meeting rooms fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows are designed to let natural light in and is the ideal venue for corporate brainstorming sessions, team building and leadership training.

The Grand Salon comfortably accommodates big groups for dinners, conferences or a cocktail party. The Ballroom is elegantly decorated with parquet flooring and has its own foyer. Both rooms open out onto a large terrace with stunning sea views. The recently refurbished Spice Island Suites, situated on the Lower

Terrace of the Conference Centre sport brand new upholstery and are fitted with state-of-theart projection systems. These rooms open out onto a beautiful terrace and garden lawn, and perfectly suited for small to medium-sized groups. From gala dinners presented in lavishly decorated settings to sumptuous buffet spreads or cocktails parties, each is hosted to perfection.

Experience resort living

The resort provides groups with a creative environment where a balance of living, learning and leisure is achieved in order to ensure successful meetings. Guests can enjoy a day of leisure at Spa Botanica which is home to Asia’s first mud pools, tee off at the 18-hole championship golf course next door, or savour tantalising gastronomy at award-winning restaurants, The Cliff and The Garden.

Situated on Sentosa Island, just 10 minutes from the city and 20 minutes from Changi International Airport, the hotel commands an idyllic location that combines ease of access with quiet seclusion.

We are truly minutes away, yet worlds apart! + The Sentosa Resort & Spa 2 Bukit Manis Road, Sentosa, Singapore 099891 + Tel: +65 6371 1312 or +65 6371 1125 + Fax: +65 6371 1291 + Email: Catering&Conference@thesentosa.com + Website: www.thesentosa.com

32

issue 11.5

supplement

please to meet you.

scan this mobile barcode with your smart phone and view our special promotion. www.facebook.com/hardrockhotelbali www.twitter.com/hardrockhtlbali

bali TM

jalan pantai . banjar pande mas . kuta +62.361.761.869 . bali.hardrockhotels.net Š2011 Hard Rock International (USA), Inc. All rights reserved. SeeTheShow™

profile Laguna Beach Resort

Laguna Beach …

Thai luxury and style W

hen it comes to offering your staff a rewarding, enriching and effective meeting or corporate retreat, the Four ‘S’ rule often applies.

Look for: Sun, Sand, Sea and Service. Nestled between a tropical lagoon and the exquisite Andaman Sea, Laguna Beach Resort – in Phuket, Thailand, offers each of these vital ingredients in abundance.

In addition, the venue has superb-quality meetings facilities, in-house teambuilding options and a host of extra benefits for corporate guests. It’s these little things that MICE teams always appreciate alongside the fine décor and service.

Meeting facilities

Laguna Beach Resort Phuket offers a full selection of modern meeting rooms and spaces, ranging from the 367 square-metre Layan Ballroom to the more intimate Bangtao and Thalang Rooms. Complimenting these elegant spaces is a full range of modern support equipment, including video equipment with screen projection and an LCD projector, as well as expert catering and professional management.

The culinary expertise of Laguna Beach Resort’s kitchen staff is celebrated by all its MICE clients. The team can prepare innovative food presentations and menu options that cover dozens of both European and Asian-influenced dishes. All of these can be recreated for even high-headcount meetings and events.

Laguna Beach Resort Phuket also offers a fullyequipped business centre for both corporate and leisure guests. Engineering services are provided, and broadband internet access is available throughout the resort.

Building teams by the beach

Laguna Beach Resort Phuket prides itself on the variety and depth that its in-house teambuilding options achieve for its corporate guests. Some of these incorporate the sporting and recreational facilities already on the property.

Places like the extensive water park or the Laguna Phuket Golf Club can each be used to create innovative challenges that test and build on staff teamwork.

Or staff can head out on the open water for a kayaking-based challenge, or even a diving or snorkeling task.

34

issue 11.5

supplement

Alternatively, event organisers can also head indoors and take advantage of some of the specialist expertise available within the resort’s staff list. Just recently, for example, resort Chef Krissida Tahan helped to inspire teams with a kitchen-based event similar to a challenge on TV’s The Amazing Race.

The “Tom-Sum” Challenge gave each team a crash course in making the Thai delicacy. Chef Tahan then watched and helped the teams work together to replicate the dish themselves.

More for less

Teambuilding activities such as this are offered complimentary with all MICE bookings at Laguna Beach Resort. Not only can HR and event organisers hold that perfect international meeting, they can also see their best teams and leaders challenged and strengthened.

+ For more information: Laguna Beach Resort 323 Moo 2, Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay, Thalang District, Bangtao Bay, Phuket 83110 Thailand. + Tel: +66 (0)76 324 352 + Fax: +66 (0)76 324 353 + Email: events@lagunabeach-resort.com

HRM SPECIAL As a special offer with this issue of HRM*, Laguna Beach Resort Phuket is also offering a range of complimentary services.

Mention code: HRMLBR and enjoy the following: » Free internet service » Free team-building activities » Free accommodation upgrades » Free cocktail receptions *Terms & Conditions apply

issue 11.5

supplement

35

profile

Holiday Inn Resort Batam

Great Brands -

delivered by Great People O

ur friendly people at Holiday Inn Resort Batam love to make guests feel totally comfortable, whether they arrive in a suit or shorts and t-shirt. We’ve always been known for our warm service, comfort and value. With our re-launch across the world, business and leisure travelers are finding that Holiday Inn offers even better quality and service. Our new identity, contemporary lobbies and refreshed guest rooms were all designed to ensure that our everyday heroes can relax, kick back and be themselves.

Training Program

Employees are at the heart of Holiday Inn. All staff members are sent for a training programme called “Stay Real” to improve their knowledge, skills and ideas. In addition, they are rewarded and motivated through our monthly recognition programme.

Motivation that works

We offer a work environment that values the creative and innovative potential of men and women with similar and dissimilar backgrounds skills and abilities. Holiday Inn Resort Batam believes in giving equal opportunities to everyone within any of our organisations. We conduct a mid and year- end review where employee performance is reviewed, discussed and rated. It is also a time when both the manager and the employee look

36

issue 11.5

supplement

ahead to the future and begin to plan objectives and developments for the year ahead. Every employee has a personal development plan where they are encouraged to build up their skills and experiences to develop their current role as well as achieve their career aspirations. We also organise staff activities such as team sports and social work.

Place of destination “Great Hotels Guests Love”

The Holiday Inn Resort Batam is the only all suite luxury accommodation in Batam. The Holiday Inn Resort Batam’s selection of six restaurants and bars, offers a variety of cuisines from around the world. For the business traveler, the Holiday Inn Resort Batam’s multi-functional meeting rooms provide a variety of options for corporate meetings, functions, and events, supported by a 24-hour business centre and a dedicated concierge service.

Whether you are a family with children or a team of employees, the Holiday Inn Resort Batam has the facilities for family bonding and corporate team building activities to ensure that your trip is one you'll never regret making. Come experience world-class hospitality infused with traditional Indonesian island charm! + Holiday Inn Resort Batam Waterfront City Batam 29422, Indonesia + Tel: +62 778 381 333 + Fax: +62 778 381 332 + Email: reservation@holidayinn-batam.com + Web: www.holidayinn.com/batamid

profile

Shangri-La Hotel, Jakarta

MICE at Shangri-La Hotel, Jakarta Shangri-La Hotel, Jakarta + Kota BNI, Jalan Jen. Sudirman Kav. 1 Jakarta 10220, Indonesia + Tel: (62 21) 570 7440 + Email: slj@shangri-la.com

O

ne of the advantages that travellers look for when they are staying in a hotel is easy and practical commuting, especially for business affairs. Shangri-La Hotel, Jakarta is the ideal venue that gives a full range of services for both guestrooms as well as meeting, incentive, conference and exhibition (MICE) facilities.

In addition to the 661 luxurious guestrooms and five restaurants, Shangri-La Hotel, Jakarta is also home to 16 function rooms. The nearly 1,800-square-metre Grand Ballroom is a spacious and pillar-free function room that can accommodate up to 3,000 guests and is ideal for large-scale meetings and conferences as well as social events.

For smaller events with 500 to 1,000 guests, the 680-square-metre Indonesia Room offers a large foyer for cocktails before the occasion. Privacy and convenience of guests are maximised by the presence of a private entrance, which allows guests to go directly from their cars to the venue.

For events that are more intimate, the hotel offers the Ceria Room. The 328-square-metre

space is harmonised with an outdoor foyer as a pre-function setting. Located in Shangri-La Hotel, Jakarta’s grassy garden, the Ceria Room offers refreshing scenery and can accommodate up to 500 guests. It has its own private access to ensure a more private arrangement.

Meanwhile, smaller function rooms are located on the third floor, and each accommodates up to 70 guests and is ideal for smaller-scale meetings, corporate training sessions or press conferences.

State-of-the-art facilities

Like the public areas of Shangri-La Hotel, Jakarta, all the function rooms are equipped with highspeed wireless Internet connection. Guests can use this complimentary facility to stay connected with their business partners and colleagues. For those who require business support facilities, the hotel’s comprehensive business centre provides personal computers as well as secretarial, photocopying and courier services.

Through the years, Shangri-La Hotel, Jakarta has been the host of many events, both formal and social, attended by VIP clients from around the world, and Shangri-La Hotel, Jakarta ensures the safety and security of the venue. Working closely with the military, police special forces and private sector intelligence consultants, the hotel is always on hand to provide maximum security. Measures include an under vehicle inspection system (UVIS), explosive vapour detectors (EVDs), in-house detector dogs, X-ray machines for luggage scanning, more than 350 CCTV cameras, a fully certified helipad managed by in‑house licensed helicopter landing officers, satellite telephones and blast‑resistant film on glass surfaces at vital areas – all supported by a team of highly trained security professionals.

“As a corporation, we seek to develop longterm business partnerships with meeting and event organisers. We maximise the clients’ returns without compromising the standard of excellence in delivering successful events,” said Ratna Sjamsiar Idris, director of communications of Shangri-La Hotel, Jakarta. issue 11.5

supplement

37

profile Korea Incentives

Get inspired

with a multitude of MICE options in Korea 1,700 years and preserve Korea’s cultural heritage, are now open to public during their evening meal hours. The temple stay programmes allow meeting attendees to experience Korean Buddhist culture as well as relax, reflect, and revitalise oneself in the tranquility of nature. Over 100 temples provide temple stay programmes nationwide.

Feel the energy, passion, and discipline of Taekwondo

K

orea has retained much of its five-millenniaold heritage and all of its fascinating charms.

Among the numerous historical relics, ten have been registered on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list: Changdeokgung (1997) Palace, Hwaseong Fortress (1997), Seokguram Grotto (1995) and Bulguksa Temple (1995), the Tripitaka Koreana woodblocks and their depositories (1995), Jongmyo Royal Ancestral Shrine (1995), Gyeongju Historic sites (2000) and several ancient Gangwha Dolmen Sites (2000), historic villages of Hahoe and Yangdong Villages (2010), which preserve the classic Confucian architecture at its finest.

Experience and create exquisite flavours of Korean cuisine

Traditional Korean food contains natural, wholesome ingredients, which are nutritionally balanced. Meeting attendees can learn how to make some of Korea’s staple foods such as Kimchi, a fermented vegetable, as well as Bulgogi, which are tender cuts of meat marinated and broiled, and Bibimbap, a mixture of rice, vegetables, and hot chili sauce. Meeting attendees will create the food in a cooking class and experience the wonderful flavours of Korean cuisine together as a team.

Renew your spirit with temple stay

Korean Buddhist temples, which have provided a spiritual sanctuary for the Korean people for over

38

issue 11.5

supplement

Taekwondo is a traditional Korean martial art, which is a method of self-defense that uses the hands and feet. The ultimate goal of Taekwondo is to develop the character and personality of the practitioner through physical, mental, and spiritual discipline. Taekwondo demonstrations are held in Gyeonghuigung Palace, a royal palace in Seoul.

The show not only exhibits the outstanding skill of its Taekwondo practitioners, but also combines traditional Korean music, dance and drama into a unique performance fun for all ages. All participants are awarded a certificate of training and a badge at the completion of each session.

The profound history and pristine nature of the DMZ

As one of the last relics of the Cold War, the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) attracts a great deal of public interest. Korea DMZ tourist sites have been created to quench peoples’ curiosity regarding this unique area where tension and peace coincide. The DMZ and its surroundings were once the site of fierce battles during the Korean War, but the area has recovered from its wounds over the last halfcentury to become a serene, lush green area inhabited by a diverse mix of birds and animals.

Meeting attendees can also witness the biodiversity of the mostly untouched area surrounding the DMZ with its rare birds and plush forests.

For more information + Tel: 82-2-729-9587 + Email: Mice@knto.or.kr + Website: www.KoreaConvention.org

Korea, Inspiring Meetings!

www.KoreaConvention.org

With a combination of the #1 airport, state-of-the-art convention facilities, and exciting year round events coupled with spectacular natural environment, your next meeting in Korea will surely be inspiring.

GYEONGGI-DO / KINTEX

A land of enormous variety

INCHEON / Songdo ConvensiA

Unique and charming features found in each region allow meeting planners the advantage of being able to select the most suitable city for their event or conference, and thereby,

SEOUL / COEX DAEJEON / Daejeon Convention Center

their event.

DAEGU / EXCO

BUSAN / BEXCO

GWANGJU / Kimdaejung Convention Center CHANGWON / CECO

JEJU / ICC Jeju

Convention facilities designed to meet your MICE requirements A wide range of convention facilities are available for all types and sizes of meetings: convention complexes for large events to traditional, Korean-themed venues for smaller meetings.

feature

Travel Any cautious person would know never to sign any document without first reading the fine print. Does HR do the same when it comes to corporate travel insurance policies and related documents? HRM exposes the travel traps that lurk in the fine print

By Shalini Shukla-Pandey

40

issue 11.5

supplement

traps P

reparation before business travel is necessary for two reasons. “The first is cost savings [as] preparation can change an adverse situation into a manageable one, which further translates into savings of time, money, and even lives,” says Greg Treasure, Managing Director (Asia Pacific), HRG Worldwide. “The other reason is that it helps to reduce risk exposure by lowering the chance of exposing travellers to financial, health or safety risks when they are in foreign countries.”

Companies should ensure that reasonable precautions, such as travel bans to extremely high-risk countries, are taken into account in order to fulfil their obligatory duty of care towards their employees. Business trips should also be approved by respective authorities within the company, especially if the trip is to a high-risk destination. In addition to this, companies should also make sure that they have a copy of the traveller’s itinerary to ensure that the traveller can be contacted during emergencies.

To further the protection of travellers, companies should provide employees before departure with an emergency contact number or a process that allows them to seek assistance during adverse situations in foreign countries.

Buying the right type of travel insurance is a big part of business trip planning. There was a time when travel insurance was something

feature

everyone knew about but rarely purchased. It was considered an added business cost when staff had to go on corporate trips. However, with recent cases of passengers stranded at airports due to flight cancellations, natural and man-made disasters in the destination country and other such occurrences, travel insurance has become a norm in the business world.

For instance, travel insurance purchases are up 300% over the past three to four years in the US alone.

What works

“The first is cost savings [as] preparation can change an adverse situation into a manageable one, which further translates into savings of time, money, and even lives”

There are two main types of travel insurance: trip protection, including medical coverage, and luggage/car rental protection.

Trip protection, the most common type of insurance, covers Greg Treasure, Managing Director (Asia Pacific), employees’ out-of-pocket expenses should something go wrong before or HRG Worldwide during their trip. It can be broken down into four parts, beginning with cancellation coverage. If an unforeseen event such as illness forces your staff to cancel their trip, travel insurance can help cover non-refundable expenses like plane tickets and hotel cancellation fees.

Delay coverage is for transportation delays, such as flights grounded due to heavy snowfall. An overnight stay in a hotel and the purchase of some basic necessities would be covered up to a certain limit.

If a business trip happens to be cut short due to bad weather, travel company bankruptcy or an airline strike, for example, trip interruption Case Study protection makes sure employees are covered.

The last type of protection coverage is emergency evacuation insurance, which provides Following the recent disaster in Japan, Allianz Global Assistance set up a service staff with 24-hour assistance and emergency and emergency management office for the employees of German companies evacuation. For instance, during the uprising in in Japan and surrounding Asian countries to field questions about radiation and Egypt and nuclear disaster in Japan, companies radiation poisoning. such as Access America, Travel Guard and Specialists in nuclear medicine answer the hotlines. Trained as both doctors International SOS moved quickly to assist and physicists, they are there to give partner company employees advice on customers with emergency travel arrangements, the issues causing them uncertainty during and after stints abroad in affected embassy or consulate referrals and emergency regions. The specialists can answer questions such as: how would an expert translations. It’s typically included under medical assess particular symptoms? Is it advisable or necessary to leave the country? coverage, but can also be purchased as a Can an examination by a specialist be organised? This hotline – the first of its standalone policy. type in Germany – is manned around the clock.

Luggage/car rental protection covers an This crisis service is targeted at all companies that make business trips and employee’s rental car in the event of an accident send employees to the Asian region. Once a partner has signed a contract for and baggage and personal items if they’re lost, the service, the hotline is activated within a few hours. damaged or stolen. This kind of policy usually doesn’t cover loss or damage in flight.

Crisis hotline

issue 11.5

supplement

41

feature

Tips on choosing travel insurance Peter Greenberg, Travel Editor for CBS News, suggests the following strategies to make business travel a treat, not a threat: + Never purchase insurance from your travel provider, such as a tour company or cruise line. If they go belly-up, there goes your staff’s policy. + Don’t forget about car rental and medical coverage.

Contact your corporate credit card company to confirm what may already be covered. But remember, employees’ personal medical insurance isn’t valid overseas. + In many policies, civil unrest is an exclusion which means workers won’t be covered. Other common exclusions include acts of terrorism, or cancelling a trip because the employee is afraid to travel (unless you’ve purchased the very pricey “cancel anytime” policy). + Emergency assistance and covered benefits are two different things. Make sure that your travel insurance provider has 24-hour access so that staff have someone to contact should things go wrong. + Comparison shop. You can compare different policies and providers through resources like insuremytrip.com or squaremouth.com.

Case Study

Flight policy

42

issue 11.5

supplement

Fine print

With so many types of travel insurance being offered, how can HR step up and pick the most appropriate one for staff? HR definitely needs to be a discerning buyer of travel insurance.

According to online travel guide The Independent Traveller, some causes of trip cancellations that might not be covered are: » Labour unrest or strikes » Financial difficulties on the part of the traveller, an immediate family member or travelling companion » Any business or contractual obligations of the traveller » Normal pregnancy or resulting childbirth » Mountain climbing, bungee cord jumping, skydiving, parachuting or travel on any air-supported device, other than on a regularly scheduled airline » Any event that occurs prior to the effective date of the insurance “With regards to travel insurance, companies have to be mindful of the complexity of insurance claims. Underwriters can easily reject claims if the required documentations or processes are not followed through accordingly,” Treasure says. “Also, specific situation/coverage is usually mentioned to protect the underwriter against claimable amounts.”

Thus, he believes it is the job of HR to make sure that the specifics in fine print on travel insurance policies are of reasonable acceptance to the insured.

When booking the flights and local transportation arrangements (such as rental car or concierge pick-up service), HR must ensure that key personnel do not travel together (on the same flight, for instance), according to MHC Asia.

“This is because in the event of a catastrophic accident, entire senior management members of a company may be wiped out,” says Benjamin Kuan, COO of MHC Asia.

A case in point was a plane crash in West Africa in June last year. The entire management board of Sundance Resources, a prominent mining company in Australia, was killed in the accident, leaving the company in crisis. The country’s richest man, billionaire tycoon Ken Talbot, also perished.

The Sundance team had travelled to West Africa as part of plans to expand its operations in the region. The tragedy prompted the suspension of the company’s shares on the Australian Stock Exchange while a new management team was assembled.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

profile

Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa

Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa, Kuala Lumpur

A Compelling MICE Destination J

ust 25-minutes from the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the multiple Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa development with 55 meeting and function rooms offers 10,000 sqm of unobstructed space. It is one of Malaysia’s most versatile meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) venues.

The hotel’s inventory of event and function rooms also includes a massive convention centre the Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre which is connected to the Hotel by an air-conditioned passageway, a classically designed, pillar-free ballroom which seats over 2,200 persons for dinner banquets, and Meet-On-10 - a meeting-within-ameeting district which perfectly fuels innovation and inspiration for small meetings and brainstorms alike.

Boasting 1,234 guestrooms, Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa provides accommodation options for every conceivable preference and budget. The flagship premier 5-star Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa offers Club as well as Premier rooms and suites, The Villas features 17 luxurious Asian-styled villas, the 4-star selected services Pyramid Tower Hotel consists of Superior rooms and serviced Pyramid Suites & Studios, and The Duplex comprises 12 fully-furnished long-stay serviced townhouses.

Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa sits within the 800-acre Sunway Integrated Resort City

and is complemented by a Balinese-inspired spa and a 24-hour fitness centre. It is adjacent to Sunway Lagoon – Asia’s premier multipark destination with a host of themed-lands and active pursuits as well as the world’s largest manmade surf beach. The upscale Sunway Pyramid mega shopping and entertainment mall with over 800 specialty stores, a medical centre, educational facilities and a multitude of distinctive business and leisure facilities complete the landmark.

Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa has hosted major events that include international exhibitions and conferences such as MTV World Stage, Master Builders Association Malaysia Anniversary Celebration, Super Japan GT International Series, Malaysian World Salsa Congress 2009, 18th IAEWP World Peace Congress, Amway International Business Convention 2008, Miss Tourism International World Final 2008, the 20th Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) Congress 2005, Merck Sharpe & Dohme (MSD) Incentive Conference, 3rd Academy of Medicine National Conference on Intensive Care, Asia Pacific Liver Update Conference, Asia Human Resources Development Congress, Hewlett-Packard India Convention, Pepsi India Convention, Unilever Asia Pacific Conference, Veritas Asia Pacific Conference, 7th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention, FEI – Federation Equestre Internationale General Assembly 2006, Women’s Federation of World Peace, Amway China, 12th Asia-Pacific Military Medicine Conference, IFSA / IFCA Asia Pacific Conference 2002, World Islamic Economic Forum and numerous high-profile events and themed parties.

Industry accolades awarded to Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa include the award of merit for HAPA Luxury Hotel of the Year in the Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards 2007 – 2008, the National Excellence OSH Award 2004 & 2006, the Award of Excellence in Hospitality Asia’s Platinum Awards for the Best 5-star MICE Hotel in 2005, the FIABCI Prix d’ Excellence as 1st runner-up in the leisure category (2001) and FIABCI (Malaysia) as winner of the Best Hotel Development 2001 and more. + For event or meeting enquiries or bookings, call: +60 3 7492 8000, e-mail: enquirysrhs@sunwayhotels.com or visit: kualalumpur.sunwayhotels.com

44

issue 11.5

supplement

profile Avillion Hotels

Where Business meets Leisure with in build LCD projector, motorised screen and PA system.

Avillion Admiral Cove

A

villion Hotels operate hotels and resorts across the country guided with the passion of designing, managing unique architecture and accommodation blending in harmony for both leisure and business.

Avillion Port Dickson

Avillion Port Dickson, a winner for World Luxury Hotel Award, Boutique Category is an hour drive from Kuala Lumpur and 3 hours from Singapore.

With its unique Water Chalet and floating Avi Spa, this waterfront resort offers deluxe accommodation and state of the art meeting facilities. The meeting rooms are modern in design and are fully equipped

+ Avillion Port Dickson 3rd Mile, Jalan Pantai, 71000 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia E: meetings@kul.avillion.com

Situated next to the prestigious Marina Development, Avillion Admiral Cove has 316 hotel rooms. Many of the rooms enjoy the expansive marina and sea views. + Avillion Admiral Cove 5 1/2 Miles, Jalan Pantai, The hotel reflects Malaysia’s rich colonial heritage 71050 Si Rusa, Port Dickson, with rooms beautifully furnished in contemporary Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia mood with modern comforts. With its strategic E: admiralcove@kul.avillion.com location in Port Dickson, this premier resort is ideal for corporate retreat with activities like + Avillion Legacy Melaka teambuilding and outdoor water sport.

Avillion Legacy Melaka

Located in the heart of Melaka city, Avillion Legacy Melaka’s architecture is inspired by the city’s colonial history with its majestic glass dome lobby and classic Roman pillars. With its close proximity to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, the majestic hotel is the perfect venue for business or leisure getaway.

146, Jalan Hang Tuah, 75300, Melaka, Malaysia E: res@avillionlegacymelaka.com

issue 11.5

supplement

45

profile Sutera Harbour Resort

Sutera Harbour Resort

“Where great minds meet”

S

abah, the Land Below the Wind and the Land of the Sacred Mountain, with its charming capital Kota Kinabalu, is an island blessed with nature’s wonders.

On the shores of the South China Sea, overlooking the five tropical islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, lies Sutera Harbour Resort. Conveniently located, it is just 10 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu International Airport and 5 minutes from the central business district. The Resort encompasses two 5-star hotels- The Magellan Sutera Resort and The Pacific Sutera Hotel. These collectively feature 956 rooms and suites, a 104-berth marina, international spas and a host of recreational facilities including a 12-lane bowling alley and 100-seater movie theatre.

Heralded as Asia’s first fully integrated resort, Sutera Harbour Resort’s meeting, incentive, conference and event (MICE) facilities include a Grand Ballroom at The Pacific Sutera Hotel which has the capacity to host 1000 guests theatre-style and 550 guests banquet-style. Over at the Magellan Sutera Resort, the Grand Ballroom can accommodate 2000 guests theatre-style or 1400 guests banquet-style.

These ballrooms can also be converted into meeting and function rooms. There are 22 other function and meeting rooms throughout Sutera Harbour Resort.

At the heart of Sutera Harbour Resort lies the prestigious Sutera Harbour Marina, Golf & Country Club, which features a 27-hole championship golf course designed by leading golf designer Graham Marsh. The award winning golf

46

issue 11.5

supplement

course hosted numerous tournaments such as the 1999 Sabah Masters, an Asian PGA Davidoff Golf Series and the Pharmaton Malaysian Ladies Amateur Open Championship 2005 & 2006.

The Sutera Harbour Marina, Golf & Country Club is equipped with a splendid golf clubhouse that offers a 41-bay two-tier covered driving range. It is the only golf resort which offers night golf facilities.

Sutera Harbour Resort’s status as a unique leisure attraction is augmented by its affiliation to the nature resorts of the five Sutera Sanctuary Lodges comprises of the nature lodges at Kinabalu Parks, Mount Kinabalu and Manukan Island; the North Borneo Railway colonial-style vintage steam train and the luxurious cruises of North Borneo Yachting.

The Sutera Sanctuary Lodges include Kinabalu Park, Laban Rata, Mesilau Nature Resort at the UNESCO World Heritage Site and Poring Hot Spring & Nature Reserve. The facilities at Sutera Sanctuary Lodges are great options for those seeking adventurous outdoor incentive and team building events.

Sutera Harbour Resort has won numerous international awards for its brand of hospitality and services. It was named the “Best Meeting & Conventions Hotel-Asia Pacific” at the TTG Travel Awards 2009, for the third consecutive year. Sutera Harbour Resort also won the BrandLaureate’s “Best Brands in Hotel-Resorts 2008-09” award. + Sutera Harbour Resort 1 Sutera Harbour Boulevard, Sutera Harbour 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia + Tel: +60 88 318 888 + Fax: +60 88 303 338 + Email: sales@suteraharbour.com.my

profile

Persada Johor International Convention Centre

World-class MICE venues at Persada Johor

Accommodating Your Every Need The meeting facilities in Persada Johor are flexible enough to accommodate set ups of all sizes, from as few as 10 people to congregations as large as 3,500 people and to suit a wide range of budgets as well as other requirements. » Tanjung Puteri Convention Halls Persada Johor’s Main Convention Hall (3,078 sq m) has a highly modular floor layout that can be easily converted into three smaller fully soundproofed convention hall: Hall 301 (1,058 sq m) with a maximum capacity of 1,000 persons and Halls 302 & 302 with a maximum capacity of 900 persons.

P

ersada Johor International Convention Centre is the first purpose-built convention centre in Johor and southern side of the Peninsular Malaysia.

Persada Johor offers an integrated and selfcontained experience that will cater to innovative and creative conferences, meetings, events, exhibitions and weddings. Developed and owned

by Johor Corporation, Persada Johor was opened in October 2006 with superb amenities and attentive service and went on to win the prestigious Fiabci Malaysia Special Project Award 2007.

Strategic Location + For further enquiries or to make a reservation, please contact +6 07-219 9999/ +6 07-219 8888 or visit www.persadajohor.com/ www.puteripacific.com.

48

issue 11.5

supplement

Persada Johor is located in the city centre of Johor Bahru, the capital of the state of Johor and is easily accessible to and from Singapore across a narrow stretch of straits. It is connected to The Puteri Pacific Johor Bahru via a bridge link, providing direct and convenient access to the hotel’s five star facilities.

» Exhibition Halls and Auditorium The Main Exhibition Hall (3,070 sq m) with a maximum capacity of 150 booths, separated into two smaller Exhibitions Halls: Hall 101 (1,931 sq m) can accommodate 100 booths of 3m x 3m stands and Hall 102 (1,140 sq m) can accommodate 50 booths.

At the Gallery Level (level 4), there are two meeting venues (401 and 402) that can accommodate 60 persons each and an auditorium (401) with a plenary seating capacity of 90 persons.

Dining

At Persada Johor, the Selasih Restaurant of approximately 80 seating capacity is where you can find authentic Johorean and local Malaysian favourites.

Persada Johor – The Hub of Social Happenings

Persada Johor is geared to become where all the action in Johor Bahru is, where families have a place to converge on activities which are educational, stimulating and entertaining. There are plans for Saturday Visual Arts Day, Arts & Craft demonstrations by known artists, Sunday Flea Markets, Cooking Schools with Guest Appearances, Fashion Shows and Parades, Celebrity Performances, Concerts, Flower Exhibitions, Wedding Fairs, Johor Heritage Week, Sports Week, Career Fairs, Education Fairs, Car Shows, Property Showcases, Children & Family Fun Days, Toy Fairs, just to name a few.

profile Sarawak Convention Bureau

Heart to heart with orangutans M

eetings or incentive trips in Sarawak can be as serious or as fun as you design them to be. There are a plenty of options for getting out and about in Sarawak, with many experiences well-suited to events or team-building with a difference.

One of the fascinating options is the chance to get up and close with the orangutans by sharing a day with orangutan keepers at Matang Wildlife Centre. These intelligent, soulful animals which were once found in abundance throughout Sarawak are now an endangered species.

The locals from Borneo call the orangutan ‘man of the forest’ and treat the species as an icon of the rainforest. Try out a day in the life of the unsung heroes who sacrifice time and effort to bring these gentle giants of Borneo’s forests back from the brink of extinction. + For more great and unique ideas contact the Sarawak Convention Bureau by visiting www.sarawakcb.com.

50

issue 11.5

supplement

feature

Macau Magic M

acau has been a focal point for travellers from the east and the west since the 16th century, when it was a major gateway to China. Today, the former Portuguese province is a modern metropolis for meetings and incentives, with billions of dollars of new infrastructure underway.

The opening of the Venetian Macao in 2007 sealed the city’s reputation as a MICE industry powerhouse in the region. In 2010, the luxury hotel and casino resort hosted 380 events, attracting over 220,000 visitors. The Macau Fisherman’s Wharf complex is another popular MICE venue, offering 2,740 square metres of exhibition space and a convention facility capable of seating 3,000 delegates.

Data from the Macau Statistics and Census Service show that the local MICE industry is booming. A total of 1,399 MICE events were held in 2010 representing a 15% increase over the previous year. The number of MICE participants and attendees visiting Macau increased by 41%, hitting 806,135. + Macau Government Tourist Office Macau Business Tourism Centre Marketing Representative in Singapore + Tel: 6292 5383 + Email: mgto@pacleisure.com + Website: www.macautourism.gov.mo

52

issue 11.5

supplement

Activities Galore

Macau’s broad range of attractions and activities ensure that there is something for everyone in a meeting or incentive group.

Organisers can start off the day with a lesson of Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese martial art that promotes good health with its long graceful movements. When

feature

The Special Administrative Region of Macau has come a long way from its early days as a sleepy fishing village. HRM finds out how its unique blend of worldclass gaming, dining and entertainment options is drawing in thousands of MICE visitors every year

the mind is awakened, participants can continue with their discovery of Chinese culture through a Chinese calligraphy or a traditional tea ceremony.

Food lovers would enjoy a stroll along Macau’s quaint villages of Taipa and Coloane, which offer many local treats such as the famous Portuguese egg tarts. Traditional Macanese cuisine is a combination of Portuguese, Chinese, Indian and even Malay cooking. This is available at the many restaurants along Rua Almirante Sergio.

For a trip to remember, organisers might want their MICE plans to coincide with the Macau International Fireworks Display contest which takes place in September annually. Over 100 teams from around the world take part in the dazzling showcase which is best viewed from the shores of the Macau Peninsula.

Themed Events

Themed events are a fun way for companies to build better cohesion among employees. Macau offers a variety of unique theme party options that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Organisers looking for an art or theatre-themed event might want to arrange for an exclusive performance of Zaia by Cirque de Soleil- a spectacular show of acrobatics, costumes and special effects. Large groups could opt for a issue 11.5

supplement

53

feature

Fast Facts How to get there

By Air More than 10 regional and international airlines fly to and from Macau International Airport, connecting to mainland China, Taiwan, Korea and Southeast Asia.

Macau is also a 45-minute ferry ride away from the Hong Kong International Airport.

By Sea A ferry ride between Hong Kong and Macau takes about an hour and is available all day and all night.

Regular services also operate to Shenzhen on mainland China.

By Land Macau is connected to mainland China through two land gateways at the Barrier Gate and the Cotai Frontier Post.

Climate Macau has a sub-tropical climate with occasional rain and typhoons from July to November. The best time to visit is during autumn season (between October and December) when the weather is sunny, warm and dry. Winters in Macau are mild with no extreme conditions.

Currency Macau’s official currency is the Pataca (MOP$).

Approximately 8 Patacas = US$1

Language Chinese and Portuguese are the official languages, with Cantonese being the most widely spoken. English is often used in trade, tourism and commerce.

54

issue 11.5

supplement

corporate hospitality package that comes with special extras like customised invitations, a pre or post-show reception, signature cocktails and even a personalised concierge service.

Gala evenings are a great way to reward employees as everyone can indulge in an evening immersed in art and culture. Another not-to-be-missed event is the HK$2 billion spectacular extravaganza show produced by the renowned producer Franco Dragone. Being played at Macau’s City of Dreams, the stage for the event is the world’s largest water arena containing 14 million litres of water at its fullest. The show’s other star attraction is lead female star Faye Leung, who was born in Shanghai and trained at the Shanghai Ballet School.

Wine lovers would appreciate a visit to the Macau Wine Museum. It houses over a thousand different wines from Portugal, Macau as well as China. Visitors can learn more about wine-making history and sample different wines from the region. The evening can be extended to a reception at the Grand Prix Museum which is located in the same building.

Team Building and Adventure

There is a more to Macau than just great food and a lively entertainment scene.

MICE organisers looking for action can take participants on some truly adrenaline-pumping activities. Thrillseekers can “skywalk” around the outer rim of the Macau Tower at a height of 200 metres above the ground. Those wanting an even greater adventure can take the plunge at the world’s highest commercial bungee jump at 233 metres or climb the mast of the Macau Tower at 338 metres for an extreme view of Macau and mainland China. Macau Tower also organises customised team-building programmes for MICE groups.

Designed to capitalise on its magnificent setting beside the Pearl River, the Conference Centre at the Macau Tower provides the perfect location for events. Its Grand Hall is divisible into eight rooms to cater to conferences and seminars and is suitable for a variety of corporate and private events. The Grand Hall accommodates up to 1,800 people for a seminar and also offers a unique open terrace to host cocktail parties and intimate gatherings.

The traditional Chinese sport of dragon boat racing is another popular teambuilding experience in Macau. MICE operators can help groups simulate a professional practice session where team work and coordination will be put to the test. Those who prefer to stay on land might enjoy choreographing their very own Lion Dance performance-an essential local ritual that is believe to dispense good luck from the heavens. Participants will work as a group and learn the basic elements of the dance like drumming, cymbal work as well as head and tail movements of the lion.

Fulfil the dreams of motor sport fans in your MICE group by organising a trip in November, in time for the Macau Grand Prix. Apart from high-octane action trackside, MICE visitors could also satiate their own need for speed by participating in a go-kart Grand Prix at the Macau Motor Sports Centre or better known as the Macau Kartodrome.

profile Hard Rock Hotel Bali

The leading entertainment hotel in Bali N

estling against the shores of Kuta’s famed surf beach, lies a holiday resort that lays testament to the glories of the past fifty years of rock culture.

Covering a prime 3-hectare site in the heart of Bali’s entertainment and shopping district, featuring 418 tribute rooms, luxury and deluxe suites, alongside six cutting edge food and beverage outlets. A paradise for couples, families and singles.

Rockin’ rooms

With Hard Rock’s signature of limitless energy, unparalleled creativity and quality service, your rockin’ holiday will never be the same again.

If music is the food of love.. eat on!

Centerstage lies at the heart of the hotel and doubles as a lobby, a bar, a live rock venue with performances every night and even a rock museum. Starz Diner, the Hotel’s hip all day dining restaurant serves contemporary Asian flavors. Enjoy the choicest New York style take-outs at HRBC Deli and check your emails, while you’re here.

Love all serve all

Dine Al Fresco at the poolside Splash Bistro,

enjoys wood fired pizzas, rockin’ pastas and kool cocktails and watch wet happening by the pool.

Facing the Indian Ocean is the time-honored catalyst of the resort, the Hard Rock Cafe. With nightly live bands, one is assured of a VIP welcome with the hotel Q jumping backstage pass.

Authentic experiences that rock

Chill out at the Shack bar, half submerged in Bali’s largest free form pool. Relax in a poolside Cabana for the day and enjoy Aqua Rockercise and Beach Party. Spanning 252-square-metre, TABU offers a nightclub equipped with multi-purpose DJ Booth, Internet and Gaming Lounge with WII, Xbox Kinetic and PS3 facilities, private cinema area, bar and lounge with chill out area and pool table.

The hotel is truly wired for sound with a state-of-the-art recording studio, all housed in the Boom Box Recording Studio. Rock Spa offers a wide range of body therapy and treatments to restore and balance the mind, body and soul. Even the kids are taken care of with their very own Lil’ Rock Kids Club, supervised by experienced staff.

Talking about my generation

The walls of the hotel are adorned with images, icons and memorabilia reflecting the revolution that changed the face of music, fashion and the arts, celebrating artistes from the 50’s to the new Millennium.

Where rockers meet and meetings rock

Discuss business strategies, have that team building session or organize themed events, private functions and dinners, in any of our rock ‘n’ roll themed meeting and conference rooms. Come to the Hard Rock Hotel Bali and feel like a Star! + Jalan Pantai, Banjar Pande Mas Kuta, Bali – Indonesia + Tel: 62 361 761869 + Fax: 62 361 761868 + Email: bookings@hardrockhotels.net + Web: www.hardrockhotels.net

60

issue 11.5

supplement