Marina Bay Sands’s precinct strategy takes shape

Ong Wee Min shares how the cross-sector alliance has led to a richer ecosystem of experiences for events at the iconic venue.

Marina Bay Sands.
Marina Bay Sands. Photo Credit: MBS

Singapore's iconic Marina Bay Sands (MBS) has taken the business events scene to new heights with its Bay Precinct Strategy. Launched earlier this year, this visionary approach has forged partnerships with 10 hotels, attractions, retail malls, and service providers in the Marina Bay area to offer an expansive ecosystem of services and experiences for international event planners.

Collaborating with hotels like Pan Pacific Singapore, Mandarin Oriental, Ritz Carlton, Fullerton Hotel, and many others in the vicinity, MBS has expanded its offerings to provide international event planners greater options. The alliance also includes cultural gems like Gardens by the Bay, Esplanade, Victoria Theatre, National Gallery Singapore, and culinary delights such as Satay by the Bay and Makansutra.

“This cross-sector alliance aims to create quintessential trails that showcase Singapore's multi-faceted charm in various ways, such as gastronomy, wellness, hotel experiences, arts, culture, and attractions,” said Ong Wee Min, MBS VP of Sales & MICE.

Event organisers will have the opportunity to conceptualise and curate interest-based trails tailored to their attendees' preferences and itineraries, thereby expanding the scope of their events and offering a broader and more enriching experience that extends beyond a single venue.
Ong Wee Min, VP of Sales & MICE, Marina Bay Sands

Key exhibitions like the International Trademark Association (INTA) and Tax Free World Association (TFWA) have embraced this new approach, housing their delegates with hotel partners around the Bay while conducting core activities at MBS.

To elevate guest experiences further, MBS has introduced a series of captivating festivals that immerse visitors in thematic and interactive activities. Early this year, it launched its art festival and in May it had a gastronomy event comprising 30 dining concepts such as a Six Star Dinner at ArtScience Museum, and a French wine cave. The festivals continued into June and July with a wellness theme, followed by music and fashion events in July and October.

The Bay Precinct Strategy has led to a transformation in event planning, moving from singular events to awe-inspiring extravaganzas spread throughout MBS and partnering hotels.