Beyond the event: Creating lasting legacies in Singapore

In today’s business event landscape, the most impactful gatherings are those that reach beyond traditional knowledge-sharing and networking to create meaningful and lasting change. MICE planners are now shifting their focus to extend event impacts far beyond the conference walls, creating positive effects on host communities, destinations, and society at large.

According to the International Congress and Convention Association’s (ICCA) Meeting Needs Survey 2023, 44% of international associations now incorporate sustainability and legacy considerations into their Requests for Proposals (RFPs). This growing emphasis reflects a larger trend: creating purposeful events that contribute to the greater good.

“Associations inherently aim to give back – whether to their profession, industry, or society – driven by people with shared values and interests, many of whom give their personal time and donations to support this greater good,” notes Florence Chua, managing director for APAC at the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA). “The demand for more purpose-driven events has grown post-pandemic, driven by younger generations and a broader desire to find meaning in what they do.”

Legacy building in action: Singapore’s unique approach

Singapore has emerged as an accessible, sustainable, and innovative destination in creating legacy-driven events. “Singapore’s commitment to innovation and sustainability plays a crucial role in legacy building, says Edward Koh, executive director of conventions, meetings & incentive travel at Singapore Tourism Board (STB). “Singapore offers a unique platform to co-create initiatives that drive long-term impact.”

In April 2024, STB’s launched the MICE Event Legacy Toolkit, a comprehensive guide designed to help meeting planners and business event organisers plan and execute legacy-driven events. Using the structured “FIRM” approach – defining objectives, brainstorming initiatives and actionable plans, and measuring outcomes – the toolkit offers step-by-step advice as well as local case studies of legacy projects across economic, social, and environmental areas, to support planners to design events that are catalysts for good that drive positive change, fostering collaboration with the local community and broader society.

Impactful and inspiring events: Singapore’s success stories

Singapore has been the host to several key meetings and conferences that have catalysed meaningful outcomes and lasting impacts.

1.    Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2024: 900 delegates representing 76 countries came together to learn, exchange knowledge and expand their professional networks. As part of the biennial global event, the Singapore Chef’s Association and the World Chefs without Borders partnered with the National Kidney Foundation Singapore to host a dining experience featuring Michelin-starred chefs and other renowned chefs, raising over S$1.8 million to support kidney failure patients, surpassing its fundraising goal and demonstrated Worldchefs' commitment to meaningful community impact. The event also collaborated with Nestlé Professional to promote healthy eating habits among children through cooking workshops by Singapore Chefs Association chefs, making a positive difference among the young aspiring chefs.

2.    Rotary International Convention 2024: The event, which welcomed more than 14,000 Rotarians from over 120 countries, sought to catalyse positive environmental impact with the launch of a Mangrove Conservatory by the Singapore Institute of Technology. Supported with S$680,000 from the Foundation of Rotary Clubs Singapore, the conservatory serves as an integrated platform combining community outreach, education, and applied research to improve climate resilience by developing mangrove strains and solutions to help the region combat global warming and rising sea levels.

3.    World Aquaculture Singapore 2022: Organised by the World Aquaculture Society, this combined tradeshow and scientific conference saw the launch of the AquaPolis– a research and innovation programme to advance sustainable tropical aquaculture. Jointly supported by the Singapore Food Agency, the National University of Singapore, and Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, AquaPolis brings together local and overseas aquaculture researchers and industry players together to innovate and develop sustainable food production solutions, while developing talent for the industry workforce.

4.    World Stroke Congress 2022: The Congress convened over 4,400 physicians and practitioners from 107 countries to discuss scientific breakthroughs and foster collaboration in stroke prevention and care. On its third day, to commemorate World Stroke Day, the Singapore National Stroke Association organised a fundraising walkathon to raise stroke awareness and funds for survivors and caregivers. In addition, 17 iconic landmarks across Singapore, including the Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay Sands, were also lit up in blue to spotlight stroke advocacy.

Collaboration: The key to lasting impact

Making a lasting impact requires collective effort – and an entire ecosystem of diverse partners. “Associations often face challenges in finding the right partners in host destinations,” observes PCMA’s Chua. “In Singapore, STB plays an advisory role, opening doors to the right organisations and individuals to make legacy-building discussions more impactful and achieved in a shorter time.”

“STB’s involvement usually begins in the early planning stages whereby we engage in discussions with event organisers,” adds Koh. “We encourage collaboration with established organisations and provide resources like STB’s Legacy Toolkit and framework to inspire initiatives with meaningful, lasting impacts.”

Ready to build your legacy?

As MICE events continue to evolve, Singapore’s collaborative ecosystem – encompassing government support, destination partnerships, and community engagement – makes it a unique incubator of event legacy and a compelling destination for MICE planners seeking to create lasting impact. “It’s about transforming events from temporary occurrences into catalysts for long-term impact,” Koh notes.

Discover how Singapore can help you create events with lasting positive impacts. Download STB's MICE Event Legacy Toolkit here.

This article is sponsored by Singapore Tourism Board