SACEOS launches the MICE Sustainability Certification

The Singapore MICE Sustainability Certification (MSC) was launched on 24 January 2024, as the industry intensifies its efforts to equip and certify businesses for adopting sustainable practices in events.

Developed by Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS), with the support of Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and in consultation with members and industry players, the Singapore MSC is a well-recognised and locally developed initiative with a new framework that builds on the first MICE Sustainability Certification introduced in 2016.

Applicable for all MICE industry players, the MSC is a framework with three tiers (gold, silver and bronze), and it covers the management approach to carbon, waste, energy, water management, social, HR and procurement.

The Singapore MSC is aligned with the targets set out in the MICE Sustainability Roadmap, which includes the development of a set of sustainability standards and a certification framework by 2023 that the industry can readily apply, and to achieve nationally or internationally recognised sustainability certification for 80% of SACEOS members and the six purpose-built MICE venues by end of 2025.

The certification incorporates international benchmarks in certifying MICE players for their adoption of sustainable practices at both an organisational and event level.

To help businesses embark on their Singapore MSC journey, financial assistance schemes related to business improvement and productivity will be made available for companies to tap on. Pricing starts from S$330 for members in the SME co-funded bronze category.

Dylan Sharma, co-founder and director, TRICOM Events, said, “Event agencies, such as TRICOM, have the responsibility to integrate sustainable practices across all the events that we organise. This is a matter not only of corporate social responsibility, but also client responsibility seeing as, increasingly, our clients seek strategic and practical advice on the organisation of sustainable events.

“It is important that our industry has recognised means of providing others with assurance of our capabilities in organising sustainable events. The Singapore MSC provides this. As a pilot company for the Singapore MICE Sustainability Certification, I strongly encourage all industry players in the MICE ecosystem to get themselves certified, in line with our industry and national imperatives.”

Ian Wu, co-owner and CEO, HUONE Singapore, said, “Venues, big or small, are an integral part of the MICE ecosystem. Even as a small events venue, we at HUONE Singapore believe that we can also play a part in reducing the environmental impact of our events and having a sustainability mindset across our team, that is not just driven in a mechanical nature.

“The Singapore MICE Sustainability Certification, which we are in the process of undertaking, will also serve as a barometer to how close, or far away we are, in terms of the actions that we have already executed or are planning to put in place, and will provide assurance that we are on the right track.

“We are honoured to have the opportunity to be a part of this endeavour, and we hope that our efforts might inspire others to join us in the sustainability journey, if a small team like us can do it, so too can everyone else. Lastly, while the certification process might seem daunting to a first timer, it is an important first step towards a more sustainable future for our industry that all of us must take.”