Attendees at the forum must be fully vaccinated, mask up, and foreign delegates must produce negative PCR test results upon arrival in Singapore.
The Bloomberg New Economy Forum is moving ahead as planned in
Singapore from 16-19 November, and will enforce similar protocols to
existing MICE events, according to local government bodies.
Justin B. Smith, CEO of Bloomberg Media and Executive Chair of
Bloomberg New Economy said “The [event] in Singapore will provide a
platform for action — not just debate — while also modelling a blueprint
for safe, yet highly networked, in-person convening."
For instance, attendees at the forum must be fully vaccinated and
wear masks, and foreign delegates must produce negative PCR test results
upon arrival in Singapore.
They must also complete daily antigen rapid tests and obtain negative
results, after which they can dine in groups of five at pre-designated
venues or restaurants that are "entirely booked" for the event, said the
Economic Development Board (EDB) and Singapore Tourism Board (STB).
Singapore residents who are not forum delegates can also join these
five-per-group meals, but must provide a negative Covid-19 test result.
Under prevailing Covid-19 restrictions, dining-in is allowed only for vaccinated people, and only in groups of two.
All delegates must also use the local TraceTogether app and perform SafeEntry check-in at all venues.
Responding to queries by CNA and The Straits Times, the government
agencies referenced the recently concluded gamescom asia 2021, and the
Joint Leadership Summit — which acted as test-beds for newer measures
under ongoing MICE pilots for business conferences and exhibitions.
This includes the absence of zoning — where delegates are now free to
interact and roam the event grounds. Previously, individuals had to
remain within the same zone throughout the event, limiting interaction
between delegates.
The forum will see some 300 business leaders, heads of state, and
academics from more than 50 countries come together to discuss issues
affecting the global economy. This includes Shou Zi Chew, CEO of TikTok;
Gina Raimondo, US Secretary of Commerce; David Solomon, Chairman and
CEO of The Goldman Sachs Group; and Singapore's Prime Minister, Lee
Hsien Loong.
The fourth annual forum (held virtually last year due to Covid-19)
will mark the first global conference held in Singapore this year, after
June's Shangri-La Dialogue and a special annual meeting of the World
Economic Forum in August were both cancelled.
For those who are unable to join in person, sessions will also be streamed live.
Additional programme and speaker details for the Bloomberg New
Economy Forum will continue to be announced in the lead up to 16
November.