The inaugural 2023 Conference on International Industrial Cooperation (Singapore) and China's Machinery and Electronics Show in Singapore 2023 took place from 22 to 24 March at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. Photo Credit: Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry
For months, Asia's MICE industry has watched with bated breath for the
return of Chinese business visitors and delegates to the region's
exhibitions and conferences since China's reopening.
And now Singapore is among the key destinations in Asia Pacific where Chinese MICE travellers have made a notable comeback.
The
inaugural 2023 Conference on International Industrial Cooperation
(Singapore) and China's Machinery and Electronics Show in Singapore
2023, organised by the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce &
Industry (SCCCI) and the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export
of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME), took place from 22 to 24
March 2023, at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.
According to Yap Chin Siang, assistant chief executive of Singapore
Tourism Board (STB), the launch of CIIC-CMES is a significant event as
it is the first large-scale Chinese trade fair to be held in Singapore
since the pandemic.
"It is an indication that China and Singapore have exited the shadow
of the pandemic, and the world is back in business, ready to convene in
Singapore to seize the rich business opportunities that this region
brings," he commented.
CIIC-CMES provided a platform for Singapore and China's machinery,
electronics, and infrastructure industries to showcase their latest
products, technologies, and solutions, bringing in more than 500 senior
government and business representatives from China, Singapore, and
Southeast Asia.
The exhibition aimed to promote and enhance economic and trade
cooperation between China, Singapore, and the Regional Comprehensive
Economic Partnership (RCEP) countries by facilitating meaningful
discussions on topics such as green development, digital empowerment,
diversified finance, and intelligent manufacturing.
"The inaugural CIIC-CMES in Singapore underscores the optimistic
outlook for Singapore's MICE industry, which plays a key role in
Singapore's tourism sector and has significant spillover benefits to
other parts of our economy," said Yap.
"As the world continues to reopen, STB will continue to engage
international and Chinese meeting planners and event organisers, update
them on our MICE facilities and capabilities, and reiterate our
readiness to hold larger events," he added.
STB has intensified efforts to educate local stakeholders on the
preferences of Chinese MICE travellers, refresh their knowledge of
Chinese consumer behaviour, and ensure their staff are equipped to meet
evolving needs.
Additionally, STB is also leveraging platforms and partners such as
Tencent/WeChat in Singapore to value-add and enhance China-friendly
experiences for visitors.
In addition to the CIIC-CMES event, other shows that Chinese business
travellers can look forward to in the coming months include Sea Asia,
Asia Tech x Singapore, and Singapore International Agri-food Week.