The guide covers key areas from mentorship frameworks to early job offers. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/PaeGAG
The Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers
& Suppliers (SACEOS) has released a guide on best practices for
internships in the MICE sector, aimed at attracting the next generation
of talent to the industry
Richard Ireland, president of SACEOS, said, "More than ever, the
quality and experience of internships will play a key role in interns’
decision on whether to pursue a career in the MICE industry. Therefore,
it is important that as the industry prepares for its next stage of
growth, the standard of our internship programmes is raised in order to
attract the next generation of talent."
Developed in consultation with Institutes of Higher Learning and
industry players, the guide provides best practices for MICE businesses
and interns to reference when designing or embarking on internship
programmes. It covers key areas such as internship objectives,
mentorship frameworks, working hours, leave benefits, allowances,
workplace safety and wellbeing, as well as early job offers.
According to Edward Koh, executive director of conventions, meetings
& incentive travel at the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), STB is
collaborating with its partners to ensure that the tourism sector has a
strong pipeline of skilled manpower to support its growth.
Koh emphasised the importance of creating a future-ready tourism
workforce with a strong local core, and expressed his hope that the MICE
internship guide will encourage MICE businesses to re-examine their
internship programs and provide valuable and fulfilling experiences for
interns. Koh also looks forward to seeing more industry-wide initiatives
that highlight the dynamic nature of the MICE industry and inspire
job-seekers to pursue careers in MICE.
Companies may customise their programmes based on the information in
the guide to suit their needs and requirements. As the MICE industry
continues to recover from the pandemic and business travel demand
returns, internship programmes can play a strategic role in ensuring the
industry continues nurturing a new generation of business events
professionals.