Winners unveiled at M&C Asia Stella Awards 2023

As the global MICE industry finds itself in a new season of exciting growth, M&C Asia Stella Awards 2023 is a timely occasion for the industry to celebrate the best of Asia’s MICE industry.

The exclusive awards ceremony was held at Hybrid Broadcast Studio in Sands Expo & Convention Centre on 16 August 2023, in conjunction with M&C Asia Connections 2023, a flagship event of M&C Asia which matches Asia's top suppliers with pre-qualified international buyers through a hosted buyer programme.

Organised by Northstar Meetings Group, M&C Asia Stella Awards 2023 recognises excellence and outstanding performance in the Asian MICE industry to spur growth and best practices within Asia’s MICE industry.

With 29 awards across six categories, M&C Asia Stella Awards 2023 honoured the best of MICE destinations, convention centres, destination management companies, hotels, integrated resorts and sustainability efforts. 

Irene Chua, vice president and group publisher, Asia, for Northstar Travel Group, said: “We are thrilled to celebrate these industry leaders who constantly push the boundaries of excellence and innovation every year in elevating the meetings experience for their guests. Their professionalism, passion and adaptability are truly remarkable, and we salute them for contributing to the growth and development of organisations operating in Asia’s MICE industry.”

Finalists for each category were determined by industry stakeholders during the open voting period and were selected by majority votes from fellow meeting planners.

Celebrating excellence in Asia's MICE industry

Said Poh Chi Chuan, executive director, Exhibitions & Conferences, from Singapore Tourism Board, which won the Best MICE Destination (Asia) award: "It is a privilege to be acknowledged by the industry as the Best MICE Destination in Asia for the fifth consecutive year. Our win is a testament to Singapore’s standing as a leading MICE destination and our strong ecosystem of MICE partners dedicated to delivering high quality business events. The recognition comes on the back of a steady rebound in international travel, and a demand for in-person events that is stronger than before. We expect our MICE industry to continue driving and benefitting from this robust growth trajectory."

Upon receiving the award for Best Convention City, Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, executive director, Sam Lei, said: “[The award] is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our MICE industry in promoting the unique charm of the city. As the government agency responsible for the promotion of Macao as a business events destination, IPIM will continue to join forces with the Macao MICE industry to attract more quality business events to Macao, and to deliver exceptional meetings experiences for everyone.”

Taiwan scored two wins. Jerchin Lee, executive director of Taipei International Convention Center and director of MEET TAIWAN said: “Being selected as a Stella Award winner for Best Exhibition City (Asia) and Best Convention & Visitor Bureau (Asia) is a prestigious recognition of Taiwan's excellence in the events industry. It validates our commitment to providing top-tier facilities, unique innovations, and exceptional support. This honour encourages us to continue delivering outstanding experiences and invites more participants to join us in Taiwan, shaping the future of meetings and conventions in Asia and beyond.

With sustainability at the forefront of its business, The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok, received the Best Sustainability Initiative (Hotel) award. General manager Goh Choo Leng said: “Our team's unwavering dedication to a sustainable future, combined with our focus on enhancing guest experiences through small, meaningful changes, fills us with immense pride. This acknowledgment of our commitment to environmental and social responsibility fuels our passion, and we're excited to stride forward in our mission to craft an even greener and more impactful hospitality experience.”

Winners of M&C Asia Stella Awards 2023:

MICE Destination

Best MICE Destination (Asia) – Singapore

Best Meeting & Incentive Destination (Asia) – Thailand

Best Conference & Exhibition Destination (Asia) – South Korea

MICE City

Best Meeting City (Asia) – Jeju

Best Incentive City (Asia) – Gyeonggi

Best Convention City (Asia) – Macao

Best Exhibition City (Asia) – Taiwan

Convention & Visitors Bureau

Best Convention & Visitors Bureau (Asia) – MEET TAIWAN

Convention Centre

Best Convention Centre (North Asia) – AsiaWorld-Expo

Best Convention Centre (Southeast Asia) – Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands

Sustainability Venues

Best Sustainability Initiative (Hotel) – The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok

Best Sustainability Initiative (Convention Centre) – Queen Sirikit National Convention Center

Integrated Resort

Best Integrated Resort (MICE) – Sands Resorts Macao

Hotel Chain

Best Meeting Hotel Chain – Hyatt Hotels Corporation

MICE Planners

Best Professional Exhibition Organiser (Asia) – Informa Markets

Best Professional Conference Organiser (Asia) – MCI

Best Destination Management Company (Asia) – World Express

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Meeting Hotels

Best Meeting Hotel (China) – The Westin Bund Center, Shanghai

Best Meeting Hotel (Hong Kong) – JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong

Best Meeting Hotel (Macao) – Galaxy Macau

Best Meeting Hotel (Taiwan) – Grand Hyatt Taipei

Best Meeting Hotel (Japan) – Hilton Tokyo

Best Meeting Hotel (South Korea) – Grand Hyatt Seoul

Best Meeting Hotel (Indonesia) – The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas Nusa Dua, Bali

Best Meeting Hotel (Malaysia) – One World Hotel, Petaling Jaya

Best Meeting Hotel (Singapore) – Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Best Meeting Hotel (Thailand) – Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre

Best Meeting Hotel (Vietnam) – Furama Resort Danang

Best Meeting Hotel (Philippines) – Fairmont Makati