HRM 12.5 Supplement by Key Media

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ANNUAL GUIDE TO

MICE Featuring: Incentivising employees Meeting and convention trends Amazing Okinawa

Best Cruise Operator, Asia 2008 – 2011

A N SW E R I T W I T H R OYA L C A R I B B E A N

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Onboard meeting facilities

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Singapore Departures: Every Monday Nov 5 – Dec 17+ Ports-of-call: Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Phuket

+ Except Nov 12.

5-NIGHT SPICE OF SOUTHEAST ASIA CRUISE Singapore Departures: Dec 21, 29 Ports-of-call: Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Langkawi, Phuket

Terms apply.

Onboard team-building activities

If you’re looking to increase sales, recognise performance and build morale, a Royal Caribbean cruise has more to offer: • 282 destinations in 80 countries • Most innovative, state-of-the-art ships • Gold Anchor Service crew • Amazing onboard & onshore activities • 2 to 14-night cruises departing from ports all around the world Scan to be part of the experience

Royal Caribbean Cruises (Asia) Pte Ltd

3 Anson Road #13-02 Springleaf Tower Singapore 079909 Tel: (65) 6305 0003 Email: RcclGroupSales@rcclapac.com www.royalcaribbean-asia.com l facebook.com/RoyalCaribbeanAsia

ANNUAL GUIDE SINGAPORE

NEWS

ASIA

Pan Pacific Singapore embarks Mobile users drive on biggest transformation in travel tech adoption 25-year history Mobile users are driving travel technology adoption in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. According to an Pan Pacific Singapore will be industry observer, while APAC firms have embarking on its biggest “traditionally” lagged behind other regions in the transformation in its 25-year history adoption of travel technology, the region’s lead in since opening in 1987. The extensive mobile subscribers is changing this. According to a S$80 million investment for the survey by the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) 790-room property will see guest conducted in July 2010, Asia only had about 45% of companies using rooms, restaurants and lobby undergo a an online booking tool for travel. This was in contrast with Australia, major transformation from mid-April. The highlight will be the spectacular where the average adoption rate was about 60%, says Greg O’Neil, 360° view Pacific Club on Level 38, the topmost level of the hotel. Asia-Pacific region president for BCD Travel. Wholly-inspired and influenced by guests and associates (staff), The number of mobile subscribers worldwide has now exceeded 5.9 the new features and innovative concepts are a result of a robust billion with China and India accounting for over 30%. review of the Pan Pacific brand conducted through in-depth research With 75% of frequent travellers owning a smartphone, O’Neil into customer insights. said mobile devices represented the future of business travel. “There “The involvement of our guests and associates from start to are mobile apps available to business travellers at about every stage of completion bears testament to our commitment to the journey with most apps providing information, such conceptualise and design enriching experiences as e-boarding passes, itinerary management and expense The number of conventions, relevant to them and their needs,” said Scott management, rather than performing transactions such conferences and trade shows Swank, General Manager of Pan Pacific Singapore. as booking”, he told ZDNet Asia. in Singapore grew The hotel will close on 15 April and is To ride on the mobility trend, travel companies have scheduled to re-open part of its premises and adapted by releasing mobile apps for customers. For facilities – 150 rooms and public areas on level one instance, Agoda.com has customised its website to be – from August 2012. The new Pan Pacific Singapore mobile-friendly and also has a mobile app for the Apple iOS, is expected to be fully operational in September. Google Android and Microsoft Windows mobile platforms. to 2,130 events in 2011

46% Source: Singapore Tourism Board

SINGAPORE

Odd airline rewards

Marina Bay Sands unveils innovative arrival service

With demand for air travel on the rise, the competition for passengers is heating up. Airlines are even coming up with ‘weird’ rewards to lure passengers. According to a list of the top 40 “weird, wild and wonderful” rewards by IdeaWorks, a US airline consulting firm that studied more than 150 airline reward programmes, passengers of the Latvian national airline AirBaltic have one of the most interesting opportunities. Those who accumulate 13,754 airline points can trade the points in for a dog-sled adventure. Also, American Airlines passengers can trade in 14,700 points for a beer-tasting tour in Brussels, the study found. Passengers who accumulate 650 miles with Icelandair can trade in the miles for a traditional Icelandic oatmeal and rhubarb cake known as a “Happy Marriage Cake”. Racking up 177,000 miles with Air Canada will earn passengers a leather vest signed by George Clooney. “Consumers expect more from their frequent-flier programs, and airlines seem to be stepping up to the challenge,” the report said.

Marina Bay Sands has rolled out a new arrival service that allows guests the option of completing the check-in process by the time they arrive at the hotel. A Marina Bay Sands guest service agent will register the guest’s details via handheld tablets as guests board complimentary Marina Bay Sands coaches at any of Changi Airport’s four terminals. In an industry first, the data will be updated in real-time into the hotel guest system, allowing for the full on-board check-in experience, complete with credit card verification and key-card collection. Upon arrival, the checked-in guests are able to proceed directly to their hotel room, maximising their time on property. Benny Zin, COO of Marina Bay Sands says that this new check-in service will be especially beneficial to MICE groups and business travellers, for whom time is a valued commodity. In addition to MICE groups, this service will undoubtedly also be a welcome option for late night and early morning travellers who can now venture straight to their hotel rooms upon arrival.

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Incentivising

Relaxing at the beach or seeing exotic destinations is a great way for employees to de-stress and rejuvenate. Employers have found that besides monetary rewards, providing staff with incentive trips and events can go a long way to uplifting overall business performance By Priya de Langen

he number of fully engaged employees around the globe has dropped to a record low of 8%, according to a recent study by Modern Survey. The percentage of under-engaged staff has hit 42%. It’s disturbing news for sure, but organisations are fighting back. Many are now coming up with new and innovative ways to engage their staff, from rewards and recognition programmes and incentive trips to promoting a rewarding and an inclusive corporate culture. Employers say this “carrot and stick” approach – where they offer staff incentive trips to reward and motivate them to work well – is paying dividends. Alicia Seah, Senior Vice President (Marketing & PR), of CTC Travel, says: “It is a way to motivate staff to perform better and most important of all, to acknowledge their contribution and be able to retain the outstanding agents”. issue 12.5

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More than just a beer

marketing@harrys.com.sg

/harrysbar.sg

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Nicole Lai, Marketing Manager, Singapore, Royal Caribbean Cruises (Asia) affirms this, saying such trips are a good staff retention strategy. “Good talent is hard to find these days and retention of valuable staff is even more important. An incentive trip is one way to show staff that they are being appreciated, by awarding them a deserving vacation treat. This also acts as a team bonding exercise from a company’s point of view,” she says.

Choose a fun trip

The US-based Incentive Research Foundation, together with Corporate Meetings & Incentives magazine, researched the incentives market last year. The 2011 Incentive Trends survey found that the top three challenges for planning staff incentives were: “staying within budget” (53.3% of respondents acknowledged this as a challenge), “generating excitement” (26.3%), and selecting the right destination (26.3%). Service providers are now going out of their way to offer interesting corporate incentive programmes to engage companies and their employees. Royal Caribbean Cruises (Asia) is a provider that believes trips do not need to be thrown on land to be fun – it says a cruise trip can be just as engaging. Royal Caribbean offers more than 200 destinations worldwide for companies to say that “generating excitement” choose from and there is a variety of activities that is a challenge when planning an will keep employees engaged onboard -- from incentive trip inline skating to a rock climbing wall to the Source: Incentive Research Foundation FlowRider, a 40-foot long surf simulator. and Corporate Meetings & Incentives “It’s an all-inclusive holiday which includes accommodation, all meals, onboard live performances and entertainment, private group events, a variety of onboard facilities and an onboard group coordinator to take care of the group. It’s also value for money, hassle free and has something onboard for everyone, whether as a group or as an individual,” Lai says. In addition, organisations can also give the Individual Incentive Cruise Certificate Program from Royal Caribbean, where the recipient has the flexibility to choose and plan their own trip. CTC Travel is another company that provides companies with a range of MICE activities, particularly incentive trips, to choose from. Seah says that CTC Travel brings about 5000 travellers for companies’ overseas incentive trips and this market is growing by about 3-5% annually. Seah says that organisations are typically more interested in beach resorts and short getaways around the region to places like Bali, Phuket, Vietnam and Perth. This is because “most companies are not able to be closed for too many days (and want to) minimise any work disruption.”

26.3%

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“Good talent is hard to find these days and retention of valuable staff is even more important. An incentive trip is one way to show staff that they are being appreciated, by awarding them a deserving vacation treat”

CTC Travel has planned some interesting activities that include team building activities in the padi fields of Bali, a sailing competition in Perth, and treasure hunting in Phuket. One of the most recent activities that the company has been involved with is designing an Olympic Games trip to London for an organisation’s top sales agents. “There will also be highlights, (including the chance) to view Broadway shows in London and to visit the famous night pubs in London, besides the historical palaces such as Stonehenge, Bath and Salisbury,” says Seah.

Putting on the ritz

Besides incentive trips, organisations are also throwing dinner and dance parties for their employees. These range from black tie events to much less formal dress-up theme parties to foster team spirit. Margaret Marshall, Head of Marketing and Communications, Café Iguana, says that providing a great employee experience is essential for an organisation, and corporate parties are a great vehicle for doing just that. “Whether you are a small, mid-sized or large multinational, it is important to recognise those who work hard to gain profits throughout the year. Corporate travel doesn’t have to be a boring affair – organisations Internal corporate parties are a great way to build can go extreme in their travel plans if employees are up for it. team bonding while putting aside the formalities Some companies around the globe are opting for extreme sports in of the office,” she says. their incentive trips – from extreme paintball to white water rafting, Café Iguana hosts around 20 corporate and even motorcycle tours. functions a year between two venues – at Organisations have a wide variety of options as well as Riverside Point and Greenwood Avenue. These destinations to choose from when it comes to “extreme corporate can seat up to 110 and 116 people, respectively. travel”, with companies that operate on tight budgets and vacation The restaurant is part of the Menu Pte Ltd Food time typically choosing to send their employees on trips around the & Drinks Group that also includes Brewerkz Asia-Pacific region. Restaurant & Microbrewery, and Garage, a Korea is one destination where water sports are taken private dining venue. seriously. Companies can choose to send their employees for Marshall says that the restaurants are able to teambuilding activities such as rafting in the Donggang River, the accommodate everything from small team dinners best rafting spot in the country. (Check out The Korea Tourism of about eight people to large fiestas where Board at http://english.visitkorea.or.kr) companies book out the full venue. Some of the There are also options much closer to home. In Malaysia, interesting dinner parties that the restaurant has extreme paintballing is something that has caught on quite well, thrown include a tequila tasting and tequilawith the country having hosted the Paintball World Cup Asia pairing party, with Seah saying that the restaurant Series. It is a sport in which players compete, in teams or has seen “an increase in interest of teams wanting individually, to eliminate opponents by tagging them with “paint” to host bonding dinners.” (water soluble dye). Organisations that are interested in sending “We can work with almost any budget so it their employees for a bit of fast paced fun can check out these really opens the door for folks to have a good sites: www.xtionpaintball.com, www.kkpaintballcentre.com. time. It all boils down to the planners’ flexibility in date, time and budget,” adds Marshall. Nicole Lai, Marketing Manager, Singapore, Royal Caribbean Cruises (Asia)

Try out something extreme

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profile Royal Caribbean International

Business at Sea is

Anything but Business as Usual F

or your next company retreat, incentive trip and product seminar, what better way to excite and motivate your colleagues and customers than going on a cruise? The deep blue sea, breezy sun-filled open deck, and cocktails by the sparkling pool…on Royal Caribbean International’s cruise ships, we give business trips an entirely new definition and experience!

Multiple Destinations, Hassle-Free Journey

Take your business out to sea today with Royal Caribbean International which offers 282 destinations spread over 80 countries in Asia, Australia, the Mediterranean, Alaska, the Middle East and the Caribbean. Its Vision-Class Legend of the Seas will embark on her Southeast Asian cruises from Singapore beginning 31 October, with 2 to 5 night itineraries to a variety of exotic destinations in Malaysia and Thailand, where guests can make quick, convenient getaways. Itinerary Highlights » 3-Night Best of Malaysia Cruise to Penang & Malacca on Oct 31, Nov 9, 16, 23 & 30, Dec 14 & 26 » 4-Night Isles of Southeast Asia Cruise to Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang) & Phuket on Nov 19, 26, Dec 3, 10 & 17 » 5-Night Spice of Southeast Asia Cruise to Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Langkawi & Phuket on Dec 21 (Christmas Cruise) & Dec 29 (New Year Cruise) And the great thing with cruises? You’ll only need to unpack once, no matter how many stops there are on the journey.

Multiple Entertainment Options at One Venue + For more information, please visit www.royalcaribbean.com or contact us at tel 6305 0003 / 0011 or email ELee@rcclapac.com / MFoo@rcclapac.com.

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Royal Caribbean International, the global cruise brand with 22 exciting and innovative ships, offers ‘first-ever’ signature amenities such as the 9m rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, the Royal Promenade, a boulevard of shops, restaurants and lounges and FlowRider, the onboard surf simulator.

Onboard the 2,074-guest Legend of the Seas, one can immerse in the ambience of relaxed elegance while enjoying an ocean of entertainment and activities such as the miniature golf course, rock-climbing wall, Broadway-style musicals, Solarium indoor pool, Viking Crown Lounge, spa, fitness centre, bars and lounges. Guests can also taste a wide variety of international cuisines, whether it’s fine-dining in the two-tier Romeo and Juliet Dining Room or spectacular buffets in the Windjammer Café.

All-Inclusive, Customised Package of Fun and Business

Most outstanding of all, our conference and incentive cruise packages are all-inclusive multiple travel destinations, state-of-the-art conference facilities, comfortable accommodation, top-class entertainment and non-stop activities. Depending on the group size and occasion, there are meeting venues from cozy lounges for a more intimate, casual ambiance to grand theatres for more formal functions. We also provide dedicated conference rooms and facilities on all of our ships. We are also the only cruise company with onboard convention services coordinators providing round-the-clock personal assistance to ensure that your corporate events run smoothly. With its unique mix of business and pleasure, great value and hassle-free planning, why not make Royal Caribbean your ultimate conference and incentive destination?

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Momentous meetings Well-organised meetings can help employees gain a clearer perspective of the company’s goals and ambitions for the future. Increasingly, HR is taking these conversations overseas and combining meetings with some R&R for a more memorable experience By Sumathi V Selvaretnam Garnet @ MAX Atria - Banquet

lobal demand for meetings is on the rise, with activity strongest in the Asia-Pacific region, according to research recently conducted by American Express Meetings and Events. Of the meeting planners surveyed, 57% of respondents from the AsiaPacific region expect the number of meetings to increase this year, compared to 42% of North American, 50% of Latin American and 51% of European respondents. In addition, local budgets within the region are also expected to rise, with 30% of Asian respondents anticipating this trend, compared to just 20% globally. “Meetings and event spend is often a good indicator of how companies connect with their clients and prospects and well run meetings and events can be key drivers for growth,” said Issa Jouaneh, Vice President, American Express Meetings & Events. Some players however, are viewing growth with cautious optimism. Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore, for example, is projecting growth of 20% in the MICE market. This is a conservative estimate since the number of events in 2011 had increased 60% year-on-year as compared to 2010. The American Express survey also noted that travel and meeting costs are expected to increase. This is driving companies to focus on striking the right balance of cost effectiveness and meeting success when selecting venues.

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Resorts World Sentosa Compass Ballroom

Meeting needs

57%

of respondents from the Asia-Pacific region expect the number of meetings to increase this year

Venue providers offer a plethora of options when it comes to planning and organising an event to remember. With its ability to host 35,000 delegates at any one go, Source: Anerican Express Resort World Sentosa (RWS) is one of the largest MICE Meetings and Events facilities in this part of the world. It features Southeast Asia’s only Universal Studios theme park, the world’s largest oceanarium, Asia’s largest column-free ballroom (seats 6,500 delegates), as well as 37 function rooms and another 20 varied event venues. The Resorts World Convention Centre is one of the main venues for meetings and conventions, with the Compass Ballroom and 30 function rooms. RWS also recently unveiled the Equarius Hotel, which offers seven meeting rooms and a seating capacity of more than 1,400 guests set against lush greenery. All work and no play makes a dull employee. At RWS, event organisers can seamlessly transition from a business meeting to some rest-and-relaxation at one of its many attractions. “There is a growing demand for a variety of activities, from business to leisure, and organisers are looking for a one-stop shop that caters for work in the day and leisure activities in the evenings,” says Paul Stocker, Vice President for MICE Sales and Event Services. Another new addition to the meetings and conventions space in Singapore is MAX Atria@ Singapore Expo, which opened its doors in March this year. Spanning across 12,700 square metres, the S$55 million complex can host up to 3,500 delegates. It offers 32 column-free rooms with spacious foyers, a garden courtyard and rooftop space. Delegates also receive complimentary, high-performance patented Wi-Fi of up to 2mbps. MAX Atria@ Expo also represents a rising trend in green meeting venues. It is the first purpose-built MICE venue in Singapore to be awarded the Green Mark Platinum standard by the Building and Construction Authority. The event space incorporates a lot of natural light and energy efficient measures have been implemented in lifts, escalators and air-conditioning systems. “Additionally, light sensors installed in the pre-function foyers, staircases and restrooms, LED light fixtures in meeting rooms, and landscaping will contribute to more than 30% of energy savings every year compared to a conventionally designed building of the same size,” says Singex Group CEO, Aloysius Arlando.

MAX Atria @ Singapore EXPO - Courtyard

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Meeting trends in the Asia Pacific Research by American Express Meetings and Events led to the following observations about the current market in Asia: + Bigger meetings: Unlike the rest of the world, the number of attendees per meeting in Asia Pacific is expected to increase, according to 43% of respondents. + Focus on compliance: Compliance, cost control, and the achievement of strategic objectives will become vital, correlating with decisions made around meeting size, destination, property and spend. + Venue selection: Whereas the rest of the world has been moving away from bookings in luxury or resort properties, the Asia-Pacific region begs to differ. Companies in the region are also shifting towards resort locations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which could come in response to demand for large events. + More green: Globally, hotel suppliers noted 47% of meeting clients have green requirements for their events. Meeting planners supported this trend with 73% indicating clients are showing increasing interest in reporting green measures. This has not yet affected property decisions.

Sarawak Naturewalk

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Ancient Egypt at Universal Studios Singapore

Where business meets adventure

Meeting planners seeking some old world charm complemented by the blessing of modern technology and corporate culture, might want to consider Sarawak, East Malaysia. Home to the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest rainforests and the largest primate in Asia, it offers a host of meeting venues that are close to nature. Perched on top of a hill, the Pullman Kuching offers panoramic views of the city and the Sarawak River. The businessfriendly hotel features a meeting and convention space of 3,660 square metres. The 1,615- square-metre ballroom can accommodate up to 1,500 people for a sit-down banquet and 3,000 people for a cocktail reception. There are also nine meeting rooms equipped with all the required technologies. Nearby attractions include the Sarawak Cultural Village, Damai Beach, Bako National Park and Semenggoh Wildlife Centre where delegates can mingle with the orangutans of Borneo. Another option is The Miri Marriott Resort and Spa, which offers over 950 square metres of meeting space. Among its 10 meeting rooms, the largest is the 434- square foot Sarawak Grand Ballroom, which can seat up to 600 people. Event planning and full catering services are also available on site. A multi-purpose sports field Sarawak ethnic tribes offers endless opportunities for post-meeting teambuilding activities. Event planners can also organise excursions to the Mulu Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or the Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park. Want to end your meeting or convention in Sarawak with a unique local twist? The Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) offers a list of Tribal Wisdom Speakers who can share lessons from their ancestral principles that are still relevant to businesses today. The speakers include successful local businessmen, artists and other professionals who hail from Sarawakâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ethnic tribes. In 2012, Sarawak will be hosting a total of 39 national and international conventions, according to figures from the SCB, which offers planning, marketing and support services for interested organisations.

advertorial Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria

Meetings Success

at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria C

rowne Plaza Manila Galleria lets you experience comfort and ease as we make your business our main concern. The hotel features upscale amenities, comprehensive business support, recreational facilities and meeting expertise specially Club Lounge designed to suit any business traveller’s needs. Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria is the first Crowne Plaza property in Manila that highlights meetings as its expertise. Centrally located in the business district of Ortigas, the hotel boasts a newly renovated grand ballroom with a staggering 2,272-square-metre function space. It is the biggest pillarless ballroom in the area which can easily accommodate events of up to 1,500 guests. Crowne Plaza’s 15 fully equipped function rooms with modern function amenities are Seven Corners Restaurant readily available to suit every guest’s needs. Knowing that meetings are imperative part of business, Crowne Plaza has put together a comprehensive range of products and services called Meetings Success. It provides Deluxe Room everything that you need + For inquiries and reservations, please call to turn your meetings to Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria at +632 633 7222 success from inquiry to or email mnlcp@ihg.com. completion. To ensure + For more information, please contact stress-free planning, an Alvin Marasigan Crowne Meetings Director experienced, empowered + Tel: +632 634 9924 and customer-focused + Fax: +632 633 2821 Crowne Meetings + Email: alvin.marasigan@ihg.com Director will serve as the

Business Center

main point of contact from the beginning until the end of the event. A dedicated Crowne Meetings team is also present to guarantee a two-hour response time on all meeting inquiries regarding rate, date, space availability followed by a detail proposal within 24 hours and a daily meeting debrief to help you stay on top of things. Other features of the Meeting Success Package are the include, The Facilitators Tool Kit – a brief case that contains basic office supplies specifically designed to aid the facilitator, Snack Attack – readily available snacks to power up attendees during meetings, Free Flowing Coffee or Tea, Customised Seating, Bento-style lunch or Buffet Lunch from our wide selection of International Cuisines at Seven Corners and Xin Tian Di restaurants, Choice of Fresh Fruits or Floral Centre Pieces, Sound System and Provisions for Backdrop Installations. Surely your meetings would work to your advantage with these inclusions. Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria is an upscale brand of the InterContinental Hotels Group, which stays true to its commitment as the Place to Meet by being the business expert that turns meetings to success. issue 12.5

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Marina Bay Sands

A world class experience at Marina Bay Sands

onveniently located within Singapore’s Central Business District, yet worlds away from the ordinary business setting, Marina Bay Sands® combines first-rate business and meeting facilities with world-class entertainment options and the largest and most advanced convention and exhibition facilities in the country. Global in scope, intimate in detail, with decades of Las Vegas Sands meetings experience, Marina Bay Sands has set the benchmark for business travel and meetings and exhibition events in Singapore. Totaling 120,000 sqm, and boasting Southeast Asia’s largest + Marina Bay Sands® ballroom, the Sands Expo 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956 and Convention Center + Tel: +65 6688 3000 features 250 meeting + Email: SGsales@marinabaysands.com rooms, and has the + Website: marinabaysands.com capacity for 2,000 exhibition booths. Marina Bay Sands is the largest hotel in Singapore with 2,561 well-appointed rooms and suites housed in three iconic swooping towers, most with sweeping views of the city and the Bay. Crowning the hotel is the spectacular Sands SkyPark® that provides an unrivalled 360-degree view from its lush gardens and the world’s largest and highest outdoor infinity pool.

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With an unparalleled mix of renowned luxury brands, new store concepts and emerging labels, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands® is truly the fashionista’s paradise in the region, with close to 74,000 sqm of retail indulgence. Together with over 60 dining options that include six Celebrity Chef restaurants, it is also “Asia’s Dining Destination.” The resort also features two state-of-the-art theaters showcasing hit Broadway musicals, an ArtScience Museum featuring international exhibitions, and the new ultra slick nightclub Avalon, altogether making it Asia’s leading destination for business, leisure and entertainment.

Business is Pleasure

Advanced technologies will never replace face-to-face interactions, a handshake, a conversation or an idea shared. And there’s no better place to share ideas than at Marina Bay Sands®, Asia’s largest and most flexible meeting and convention space. Pulsating with life day and night, Marina Bay Sands offers sensational experiences from the culinary wizardry of “Asia’s Dining Destination”, the most coveted brands of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands®, award-winning Broadway musicals, the iconic ArtScience Museum and ultra slick nightclubs Avalon and Pangaea. Awarded Asia’s Best MICE Hotel by CEI Asia for two consecutive years, Marina Bay Sands combines decades of Las Vegas Sands experience with its own brand of personal touch – global in scope, intimate in detail. It’s never business as usual, it’s business done right. Log on to marinabaysands.com/Singapore-Conventions to view our competitive meeting packages and promotions and book your Sands Meeting today.

to book your marina bay sands experience 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956 | +65 6688 3000 | SGsales@MarinaBaySands.com|marinabaysands.com

profile Le Méridien Koh Samui

Inspiring beach escape Every suite conjures an experience unique to its respective stage of life, and is designed to peak the guest’s curiosity of diverse cultures.

Escape + rejuvenate

ocated on an idyllic stretch of exclusive Lamai Beach, Le Méridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa is Thailand’s newest luxury Island hideaway. Chic and intimate, with a unique blend of stylish amenities and luxury services, the inspiring atmosphere and rich cultural experiences offer guests a new perspective to the destination. Inspired by Koh Samui’s timeless beauty and diverse cultural influences, Le Méridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa boasts an intimate selection of 77 refined suites and villas. Le Méridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa features a signature arrival experience programme; an inspiring all day dining restaurant concept Latest Recipe; the chic lobby lounge bar Latitude 9; as well as the resort’s poolside bar Plunge Bar. For guests seeking a retreat, Le Méridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa offers the world-class luxury Le SPA with private suites and a holistic mix of ancient and modern treatments. The main focal point of the resort is the 224-metre floating ocean pier over the Gulf of Thailand, a unique and inspired venue for private dinners, celebratory cocktail parties, and intimate receptions.

Where comfort + curiosity intersect

In line with Le Méridien’s commitment to culture and tradition, the Asian philosophy of Feng Shui living is integrated throughout the resort’s design. Within this traditional context, each of the different suite categories reflect the principle of living by social status and are divided into six stages of life.

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Le Méridien Koh Samui offers the world-class luxury Le SPA with a customised menu of rejuvenating experiences that combine ancient cultural methods and ingredients to revitalise mind, body and spirit. The doors that lead to the treatment suites date back to the 1700s and were salvaged from a Chinese mansion. Originally, the doors led to the family basement, where the family’s wealth was securely kept. Here at Le Méridien, Le SPA presents itself as a place for relaxation, rejuvenation and harmony.

Meetings + events

Le Méridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa falls wholly in line with the Le Méridien brand’s commitment that extends to the resort’s unique options for private and corporate events, specifically geared towards those seeking a new perspective; one that is both artistically modern and culturally enriched. The hotel offers endless possibilities for executives and meeting planners, helping to host an unforgettable board meeting, stunning beachside cocktail function or an inspiring incentive. The teams at Le Méridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa anticipate guest needs with creativity and a dedication to ensure the success of any event. THE LIBRARY — the refined meeting room, with a selection of breathtaking outdoor spaces can be transformed to suit any business vision. As a further testament to the region’s Chinese traditions, the hotel can arrange for the designing Feng Shui master to be present at any intimate event to offer guidance and a new perspective for meetings at Le Méridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa. + Le Meridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa 146/24 Moo 4, Lamai Beach, Maret, Koh Samui, Suratthani 84310 Thailand + Tel: +66 (0)7796 0888 + Fax: +66(0)7796 0222 + Email: lemeridien.kohsamui@lemeridien.com + Web: www.lemeridienkohsamui.com

A NEW PERSPECTIVE TO MEETINGS AT LE MERIDIEN KOH SAMUI RESORT & SPA

For an unforgettable board meeting, Le Méridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa will inspire you with creativity and a dedicated team to ensure the success of your event. The Library, our refined meeting room and a selection of breathtaking outdoor spaces can be transformed to suit your vision.

RATES STARTING FROM THB 7,500 INCLUDING: • • •

Nightly luxurious suite accommodation Daily eye-opening breakfast at Latest Recipe Full day meeting package; - Morning tea with pastries - Working lunch - Afternoon tea + fruits - Conference stationery - Standard meeting facilities - Complimentary WiFi

For more information or terms and conditions, please contact +66 (0) 2665 3293 or email lemeridien.kohsamui@lemeridien.com

profile Philea Resort and Spa

Green getaway P

+ Philea Resort and Spa Lot 2940, Jalan Ayer Keroh, Off Jalan Plaza Tol, 75450 Ayer Keroh, Melaka + Tel: +606 233 3399 + Web: www.phileahotel.com

hilea Resort and Spa is located in the fast developing Ayer Keroh area of Melaka. Spanning over 15 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, this 5-star award-winning resort was built utilising natural Malaysian made resources, including 8,000 pieces of disused railway sleepers for fencing and staircases and more than 6,000 tons of marble from Perak as block fencing. Recycled materials from shipwrecks are used as furniture in the lobby. Philea has specifically planted more than 3,000 trees within the resort to conserve and restore natural resources while a man-made waterfall has been added to give a distinctive touch to its surroundings. Philea Resort and Spa offers three varieties of rooms to suit different tastes: Pavilion Room, Philea Suite and Royal Villa. Each block was built using pine logs specifically designed to resemble

a village with panoramic views of the whole resort. The stunning effect resulted in Philea being awarded the “First Log Resort“ and the “Largest Log Resort” by the Malaysia Book of Records; the “Best Green Resort” by Melaka Tourism Association; “Creative Industry Brand of the Year” by Global Golden Brand Award and most recently the “Excellent Award for Landscape Design and Planning. Offering comprehensive meeting facilities complemented by pristine greenery, Philea Resort and Spa ensures all meetings and events are memorable. Choose from our pillar-less ballroom, expansive outdoor terrace, teambuilding course, or any of our well-appointed meeting rooms that cater to a variety of occasions, all within a setting of great natural beauty. Our dedicated team of event planners will anticipate all your needs and make sure your meetings or events run seamlessly.

Success Stories Begin At The Oasis Of Serenity At Philea Resort & Spa Ayer Keroh Melaka, we provide a perfect venue for your next business conference, team building session or special events. Hidden amidst the huge forest, this resort with rustic architecture and state of the art meeting facilities is surrounded by pristine greenery with a panoramic view of the evening sky that promises a sense of serenity especially after a long day's meeting. Turn to Philea Resort and Spa to begin your next success story. Like us on

Let your next success story begins, call 06-233 3399, email sales@phileahotel.com or visit www.phileahotel.com

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EXCELLENCE AWARD Professional Category

Best Green Hotel Global Golden Brand Award Creative Industry Brand MTA 2010/2011 Of The Year 2010

feature

Okinawa Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hidden paradise Okinawa is an up-and-coming MICE destination for organisations in the region looking for a location with beautiful beaches, unique cuisine along with excellent facilities and infrastructure. HRM takes a look at what this subtropical paradise has to offer By Vivien Shiao Shufen

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apan is known for its bustling cities, such as Tokyo and Osaka, the traditional temples and shrines of Kyoto, and the iconic Mount Fuji and its surrounding lakes. Few, however, are aware of Okinawa, Japan’s answer to a subtropical island paradise. Located at the southern end of Japan, Okinawa – also known as the Ryukyu Islands – consists of 160 islands spread over an area of close to 2,300 square kilometres. This makes Okinawa especially attractive for MICE groups. Despite its spectacular scenery and island foreign tourists visited resorts, it never feels crowded, even Okinawa in 2009 in the peak of summer. It is also geographically closer to Taiwan than the rest of mainland Japan. In fact, it only takes five hours to get there from Singapore on a direct flight. Okinawa’s proximity to Singapore makes it an up-and-coming MICE destination for organisations there that are looking for a location that’s off-the-beaten-track. “In Okinawa, what makes it unique is that we have lovely, warm weather compared to the mainland,” says Dennis Tortona, supervisor at the Okinawa Tourist Service. “There are so many ‘plus’ points – healthy food, cultural heritage sights, and beautiful deserted islands to visit… One important thing to note for business travelers is that Okinawa is a very safe place to be. I personally don’t lock the door of my house, and all my neighbours do the same,” he adds.

230,000

As typical MICE hotspots like Bali and Phuket get more crowded with tourists, Okinawa is considered almost an undiscovered treasure that is brimming with possibilities for your next MICE activity.

Island utopia

With its crystal blue water, balmy breezes and powder-white sand, it is little wonder that Okinawa has been referred to as the “Hawaii of the East”. Aside from the main island of Okinawa, there are three other major groups of islands to consider. Companies which intend to bring their MICE groups can take their pick from the Kerama Islands, Yaeyama Islands and the Miyako Islands. Each group has its own charm, leaving companies spoiled for choice when selecting a location. Companies can organise a glass-bottomed boat tour to Kabira Bay at the Yaeyama Islands, a stunning bay with turquoise water and soft sand at the northwest corner of the island, to check out the amazing marine life found there. Kayaking in the shallow waters off Sukuji Beach, two kilometres west of Kabira, is another option for teambuilding. Employees can have a splashing good time with each other while also getting a healthy workout. Another island to consider would be Nagannu Island, part of the Kerama Islands, about 20 minutes by ferry from Naha port. It is an ideal location for snorkeling as Nagannu’s waters are full of coral reefs and crystal blue water, with several white sand beaches ringing the island. Such an

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Corporate travel to Okinawa CTC Travel, a leading travel agency in Singapore, is the first in Singapore to recently charter a flight for travelers heading to Okinawa, Japan. Dedicated to providing leisure and corporate travel services, CTC Travel offers companies a one –stop service point for all their corporate travel needs. Companies that choose to fly to Okinawa with them will be able to custom-make their itinerary, as well as arrangements to charter the whole flight, if necessary. “Widely known as a popular resort destination, Okinawa has always been known as a location capable of ushering great potential for MICE business for the island,” says Alicia Seah, Senior Vice President, Marketing and PR, of CTC Travel. “It is our intention to not only highlight its leisure possibilities, but for travelers and businesses alike to recognise Okinawa as a destination for MICE development,” she adds.

idyllic setting is perfect for the requisite teambuilding games that are a must for every company retreat. Another activity that employees can partake together would be whale watching. Between January and April, whales migrate to the Kerama Islands during their breeding season. Getting up close and personal with a whale is likely to be an experience to remember for staff.

Cultural hotspots

Despite being a part of Japan, Okinawa has developed a way of life that is distinct and uniquely Okinawan. With influences from mainland Japan, China and the US, Okinawa is a melting pot of various cultures and traditions that makes it an intriguing location for a MICE destination. An area of great historical significance is Shurijo Castle where the Ryukyu kings of old once resided. A World Cultural Heritage site, the castle is the most popular attraction in Okinawa, with 2.7 million visitors each year. It is resplendent with Japanese, Chinese and Ryukyu architectural characteristics, making it an ideal place for companies to introduce the rich history and heritage of Okinawa. And after hours enjoying the sun, sand and sea, what better way to wind down the day than to enjoy a magnificent performance by one of Okinawa’s performing arts groups?

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The Ryukyu Dance, in particular, is a celebration of life expressed through song and dance. With their painted faces and traditional costumes, the dancers are an image of grace as they perform the ancient dances that have been passed down for generations. Such performances are a great way for companies to end off their evening with some merry-making.

Food for longevity

Employee health and well-being is a hot topic among organisations, as these factors are now considered part of the criteria for being an employer of choice. Companies can take a leaf out the book of the Okinawans, as the region is home to some of the longest living people. They are among the least likely to suffer from the chronic ailments such as heart disease, cancer, stroke and dementia. Companies keen to unravel the secret to longevity can visit Ohgimi village, 90 km from downtown Naha. It is a village known to have one of the highest concentrations of elderly citizens – out of the 3,500 villagers, more than ten are centenarians, more than 100 are in their 90s, and approximately 500 people are in their 80s. At Ohgimi village, companies can savour some of the traditional Okinawan dishes that claim to be the key to long life at Emi’s Restaurant, which grows its own produce at its adjacent farm. Some dishes that will be served include stir-fried papaya and vegetables, glutinous millet rice with pickled turmeric, miso soup with purple leaves, and pond herring boiled with Okinawan sea salt. Although unusual , the dishes are known for their nutritional value and will certainly nourish your staff.

The place to be

With amazing beaches, rich cultural history and unique cuisine, Okinawa is a MICE destination that has been kept under wraps for too long. As companies seek new exotic island locations in Asia, many start to take note of Okinawa. Employees are guaranteed to be rejuvenated and refreshed by the azure blue waters and warm subtropical breezes after they leave the shores of beautiful Okinawa, with memories that will remain with them for a long time to come.

profile The MegaZip Adventure Park

Teamwork is our business, the jungle is our classroom! I

n September 2009, a team of international outdoor adventure specialists came together to create a unique, challenging, safe and innovative adventure park, nestled amongst the green jungle surroundings of the Imbiah Hilltop on Sentosa Island, Singapore. The MegaZip Adventure Park was born. Incorporating the latest technology, the park has one of the longest zip lines in Asia and a multi-level high ropes course, designed to challenge any outdoor enthusiast. Utilising all our exciting activities, MegaZip Adventure Park runs a range of corporate training programmes that will meet your organisational needs in team building, team bonding, communications, and developing effective work groups. We are not about lectures, coffee + The MegaZip Adventure Park breaks and air-conditioning. We believe Imbiah hill (Imbiah hill Road, and specialise in external experiential Sentosa island, Singapore, 098967) learning – in the great outdoors! With To make a booking contact Tara Blyth the setting of beautiful Siloso Beach and at (Office) 6376 3101 or (HP) 97118284 breathtaking views over the Singapore or (Email) tb@megazip.com.sg Straits, the MegaZip team building + Opening hours: 11am to 7pm programme is guaranteed to give your + Website: www.megazip.com.sg team an unforgettable experience.

Our thrilling activities include: MegaZip – a 450m long, 75m high, zipwire flying from Imbiah Hill to Siloso beach ParaJump – a heart-stopping leap from a 15m tower, with a parachute landing ClimbMax – a 3-level aerial Treetop adventure course, up to 12m high NorthFace – test yourself on this 16m high rock-climbing wall

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advertorial Bintan Lagoon Resort

flexibility to plan and control the intensity of your training activities. In addition, our outdoor locations have been popular with corporate groups and privates parties alike for themed dinners on the resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s private beach and golf course overlooking the sparkling blue waters of South China Sea.

Rooms

Fun sun in the

elcome to the tropical paradise of Bintan Lagoon Resort. Set amongst more than 300 hectares of beachfront gardens, this deluxe resort offers a world of choice. Ideally situated just 55 minutes by high-speed ferry from Singapore, the resort overlooks the South China Sea and archipelago of the Riau islands. Sparkling azure waters, gently swaying palm trees, sugar fine white sands and warm personalised service complete New Deluxe Sea Facing Room the picture postcard image of Bintan Lagoon Resort. Reservations & Enquiries: At Bintan Lagoon Resort, we + Bintan Lagoon Resort are dedicated to working with Jalan Indera Segara, Bintan Utara Lagoi Riau, Indonesia you to create your perfect event. Tel: (62) 700 691 388; (65) 6223 3223 For corporate events, our Fax: (62) 770 691 300 Adventure Training Centre is one Email: reservation@bintanlagoon.com of the most comprehensive in the + Managed by Mozaic Hotels & Resorts Pte Ltd region, designed to foster 600 North Bridge Road, leadership, teambuilding and #08-08 Parkview Square, Singapore 188778 innovation. All programmes are Tel: (65) 6720 2280 customised by professional Fax: (65) 6534 5157 facilitators to suit your individual Email: sales@bintanlagoon.com company needs, giving you the

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Deluxe Room The newly redesigned guestrooms are the talk of Bintan Island. A warn island theme is carefully blended with the luxuries while on vacation. Each beautifully appointed room has a private furnished balcony, a flat screen television and a new marble bathroom showcasing Bravat designer bathtubs, sanitary ware and an impressive full-length floor-to-ceiling mirror. Bedding configurations are two king single beds (twin) or one king-sized bed. Suites For families, couples, or guests seeking more luxury, our range of suites are superbly appointed with stylish mahogany furniture and exotic Asia artefacts. Villas Set amongst the expansive tropical gardens of the resort, the well-appointed villas offer ideal accommodation for families, friends and corporate groups. Ranging from two to four bedroom configurations with self-catering facilities and generous living areas, the villas include the convenience of a golf buggy for transport. Guests enjoying the privacy of the villas have full use of the resort facilities and amenities.

Golf

Bintan Lagoon Resort is world renowned for its two exceptionally designed championship 18-hole golf courses. The Jack Nicklaus Sea View course and Ian Baker-Finch Woodlands course both offer spectacular signature holes, fast greens, undulating fairways and scenic water hazards. From fulfilling golf wishes to improving swings or course management skills, our team of golf professionals are available for coaching all year-round.

Daylight Meeting Room

profile Brewerkz

A unique location for work-related events F

ounded in Singapore in 1997, the iconic full-service restaurant features high quality American-style food and a full range of premium beers handcrafted on-site. We offer all-American cuisine with an emphasis on regional dishes from the Deep South, the South West and California. Besides great beer and good food, customer experience is our number one priority and we pride ourselves in our exceptionally trained staff. Brewerkz has two locations in Singapore, the original Riverside Point location near Clarke Quay as well as a second location at Singapore Indoor Stadium. Both locations offer ample space and custom packages for a variety of work related events from off-sites to launches to dinners celebrating promotions, birthdays or a colleague’s farewell.

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Our microbrewery produces over 10,000 litres of beer each week to keep up with our thirsty guests. Our restaurants feature draft selections – up to 13 different brews at our flagship restaurant at Riverside Point and up to nine brews at our Singapore Indoor Stadium. Each of our locations offer unique highlights – private dining, AV, fun pool tables and loads of TVs for our sport fans. + Brewerkz - Riverside Point 30 Merchant Road, #01-05/06 Riverside Point, Singapore 058282 + Brewerkz – Indoor Stadium 2 Stadium Walk #01-06/07/K1, Singapore Indoor Stadium, Singapore 397691 + For private events contact Thomas Huan, Events Manager at 6305 4929 or via email Thomas@menu.com.sg

A PLACE FOR

BUSINESS & LEISURE At Orchid Country Club, the natural surroundings provide the ideal ambience for clear minds and fruitful agendas. So, whether you come for business or leisure, you can be assured of an unforgettable experience.

ORCHID MEET & STAY CORPORATE PACKAGE 2012 Price Per Person Per Room Package Includes

$208++ One night stay at Orchid Lodge with Breakfast Full day seminar with welcome coffee/tea, two coffee breaks and lunch Complimentary guestroom & function room internet access Additional Person Sharing Room $65++ (includes conference package) Minimum Attendance 10 Persons For bookings and enquiries, please contact our Sales & Marketing Team at 6750 2166 or email sales&marketing@orchidclub.com.

ORCHID STAY & PLAY PACKAGE Price Per Room Per Night Package Includes

$288++ (single) $428++ (twin) 2 Days / 1 Night Deluxe Room Stay Complimentary breakfast 18-holes golf game, including buggy fee (weekday mornings only) Complimentary use of gym, swimming pool & sauna Other terms & conditions apply.

For bookings and enquiries, please contact our Room Reservations at 6750 2100 or email roomsales@orchidclub.com *Prices are subjected to 10% service charge and prevailing GST.

1 Orchid Club Road Singapore 769162 www.orchidclub.com

profile SilkAir

Discover Darwin and Wuhan with SilkAir

Wuhan

+ For more details visit www.silkair.com. Special deals and destination info can also be found on SilkAir’s Facebook site at www.facebook.com/SilkAir.

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ooking for an adventure to discover the natural beauty of Darwin? How about a visit to the site of the great battles in “the Romance of the Three Kingdoms” in Wuhan? SilkAir customers can now fly to these two destinations, which are the latest offerings in the airline’s network. Flights to Darwin were launched on 26 March 2012, while Wuhan services began on 24 April 2012. Darwin flights will be operated four times a week, departing on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, with next-day return flights; Wuhan flights are on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. SilkAir’s Chief Executive, Marvin Tan said, “We are immensely excited to see our network expanding further as we introduce our first destination in the South-West Pacific together with our seventh destination in China. Asia and Australia are regions with great economic potential, and SilkAir, as the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, is well placed to meet the rising demand for air travel in the region.” Inclusive of its Singapore hub, the destinations that SilkAir serves span Australia, Cambodia,

China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. SilkAir customers can also look forward to a suite of services intended to enhance passengers’ convenience and onboard experience. As a full service airline, SilkAir offers amongst other benefits, Internet check-in with seat selection, a standard baggage allowance of 30kg and 20kg for Business Class and Economy Class passengers respectively, delicious inflight meals and access to KrisFlyer and PPS Club memberships. KrisFlyer is Singapore Airlines’ Frequent Flyer Programme, of which SilkAir is a partner, while the PPS Club is reserved for frequent travelers on SilkAir’s Business Class or Singapore Airlines’ premium classes. For customers tempted to visit Darwin, be enthralled by the vibrant and historic city of Darwin, capital of the Northern Territory in Australia’s Top End. This new service gives customers the ideal opportunity to explore one of Lonely Planet’s top ten must-visit cities in 2012 and its surroundings, which includes UNESCO World Heritage site, Kakadu. Meanwhile, Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei province in China, is gateway to the famous Yellow Crane Tower, Shennong Brook and Wudang Mountain, all must-sees for the history and cultural buffs. All-in fares to Wuhan and Darwin start from $678. Book your tickets on silkair.com before 30 September 2012 for travel from 1 April 2012 (Darwin) and 24 April 2012 (Wuhan).

profile Carlton Hotel Singapore

It’s all here T

oday’s business traveller asks for nothing more than a comfortable stay and the right ambience for conducting successful meetings, complemented by good food and entertainment. Business or leisure, it’s all here at Carlton Hotel Singapore. An International business-class hotel, ideally located in the city’s busiest financial, shopping and convention centres, Carlton is minutes away from Raffles Place, Suntec City International Exhibition & Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, and major shopping belts in Singapore. “We believe that our location gives a distinct advantage to our guests who can reach their meetings and appointments within minutes even during peak hours,” Tracy Ng, General Manager says. In 2010, Carlton unveiled its new Premier Wing, adding 287 luxuriously furnished rooms to the existing buildings and transforming itself into a 915-room hotel with the most comprehensive and versatile inventory of guestrooms in the city. + Carlton Hotel Singapore + Tel: 65 6311 8181/8183/8425 + Email: banquet@carltonhotel.sg + Web: www.carltonhotel.sg

Eco-conscious meetings

With a total of 15 function rooms, five of which are new, Carlton is here to meet the different needs and scales of any event and occasion. The hotel offers various rooms with natural daylight streaming in from large windows overlooking the city’s skyline.

Conference / Banquet capacity and dimension Function Banquet Meeting Rooms (No. of persons) (No. of persons) Level 2 Area (sqm) Round Table Buffet Cocktail Theatre U-Shape Boardroom Classroom Cluster Connaught 70.70 30 30 50 16 12 18 15 Empress 1 130.50 80 40 60 77 30 32 30 30 Empress 2 144.50 100 60 80 112 30 32 30 40 Empress 3 149.10 80 40 60 91 30 32 30 30 Empress 4 185.90 120 70 110 153 36 32 48 45 Empress 5 248.20 160 140 170 234 40 40 72 80 Istana 1 35.00 8 Istana 2 51.94 40 40 18 20 16 20 Istana 3 52.56 40 40 18 20 16 20 Level 4 Esplanade 1 102.00 60 50 50 90 24 25 36 30 Esplanade 2 104.00 60 50 50 90 24 25 36 30 Level 6 Victoria Suite 62.30 30 16 14 18 15 Victoria 1 64.80 30 16 14 18 15 Victoria 2 42.10 20 10 10 12 10

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Empress Ballroom.

Esplanade Room

Royal meeting spaces

For large-scale events, the gorgeous Empress Ballroom is the right fit. Featuring a pillar-less high ceiling at the new extension at the Premier Wing, the newly refurbished Empress Ballroom is now 858.2sqm and can accommodate up to 540 persons for a sit-down dinner. The ballroom can be separated into five smaller rooms for more intimate functions. Other function rooms include the Connaught Room located on Level 2 and the newly refurbished Esplanade Rooms on Level 4.

Size doesn’t matter

For smaller events, look no further than three new meeting venues – the Istana Rooms. These rooms feature floor to ceiling windows, allowing meetings to take place within a naturally lit environment. The Esplanade Rooms feature an outdoor section bringing meeting and banqueting services to greater heights with their tastefully furnished settings as well as well-equipped facilities.

Bon appetite

With a range of food and beverage outlets – the award-winning Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant, international cuisine buffet dining at Café Mosaic, the elegant and stylish Gravity Bar, as well as the newly opened Tuxedo Café and Pâtisserie – you will definitely be spoilt for choice.

profile Pan Pacific Singapore

Venues for all Occasions at Pan Pacific Singapore

For more information: + Pan Pacific Singapore 7 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, Singapore 039595 + Tel: +65 8336 8111 + Email: singapore@panpacific.com + Web: panpacific.com/singapore

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ituated in the heart of Marina Bay, Pan Pacific Singapore offers 790 contemporary rooms and suites that are ideal for business or leisure. With its proximity to Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Sands Expo and Convention Centre and the Central Business District, Pan Pacific Singapore is a superb venue for conducting conferences, exhibitions, functions and meetings. A total of 27 event spaces of varying sizes enable events of any nature to be arranged seamlessly by an Event Services team. Styled by Hawaiian design firm Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo, the ballroomsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; interiors are evocative of an elegant sweep of waves and water in soothing aqua hues, beautifully offset by wood panelling. Adjacent to the hotel lobby, the Pacific Ballroom may be accessed by a separate driveway thereby affording an exclusive venue entrance. The pillar-less space is suitable for international conferences or special events. Discreet partition doors allow the space to be divided into three rooms for smaller events. Lit by an intelligent lighting system, up to eight themed colours may be selected to create the perfect ambience. Fourteen Ocean Rooms are located on Level 2, offering varied flexible options to eventsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; organisers. Up to five rooms may be combined to

form the Ocean Ballroom for celebrations with up to 400 people while the remaining rooms are ideal for conducting cosy discussions and meetings. The first business centre in Singapore to encompass an entire floor, the Executive Business Centre on Level 22 offers stylish meeting spaces featuring refreshing floor-to-ceiling views or balcony access with views of the city skyline or harbour. Perfect for discussions or brainstorming sessions, there are two Conversation rooms, three Boardrooms and two Business Suites with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment including DVD players, televisions and motorised screens and projectors. The most striking feature is the stylish Herman Miller ergonomic task chairs that adorn every room. Our meeting professionals will be on hand to ensure you and your guests experience our signature Pacific touch with an event that runs without a hitch.

profile Sarawak Convention Bureau

The Survivor â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sarawak Style C

ome join the tribe in this Survivor-themed dinner by the beach. Guests will be welcomed with garlands by torch-bearers dressed in native costumes. To ensure that guests are dressed to theme, organisers will provide sarongs and native headgear suitable to survive the night. The evening kicks off

The Survivorsâ&#x20AC;ŚBravo!!

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with a procession to the bonfire where the tribal chief will conduct a welcoming ceremony before the BBQ feast begins. After dinner, let the games begin! Traditional games are played to Join the Sarawak-style Survivors, they made it! foster camaraderie amongst guests while local entertainers provide an ambient atmosphere of local music + For more great and and dance. You can even join the performers in unique ideas contact a traditional dance sequence. So, what are you the Sarawak Convention waiting for? Begin your adventure here now, Bureau by visiting and be THE ULTIMATE SURVIVOR! www.sarawakcb.com

profile Singapore Expo

MAX Atria @ Singapore EXPO – A refreshingly new convention centre is now open!

top-ranked venue in Asia and Singapore’s largest purpose-built MICE facility, Singapore EXPO Convention and Exhibition Centre, managed by Singex Venues Pte Ltd, is a one-stop event hub for every reason and season. Covering over 123,000sqm of indoor and outdoor space, comprising ten convention-exhibition halls, four conference halls, meeting rooms, and mobile conference rooms, EXPO welcomes over six million visitors every year and hosts an average of 600 events, from exhibitions, conventions, corporate meetings, banquets, to consumer shows. MAX Atria @ Singapore EXPO, the first MICE venue in Singapore to be awarded the Green Mark Platinum standard by the Building and Construction Authority, is also the first venue in Asia to offer delegates complimentary, high performance Wi-Fi by

Xirrus Inc. Featuring 32 column-free rooms, MAX Atria offers versatile spaces with a difference. Relax with our medley of nature imbued scents and crystal inspired sounds or treat your guests and delegates with signature offerings from award-winning caterer, TungLok. Whatever your choice, MAX Atria truly is a treat for the senses. Equipped with world-class amenities, 2,500 parking lots and Flavours East, a collection of eighteen food and beverage outlets, Singapore EXPO and MAX Atria are conveniently located five minutes from Changi International Airport and fifteen minutes from the city centre. + Visit www.singaporeexpo.com.sg and www.maxatria.com.sg or call 64032160 for more information.

Awaken your senses. Ignite your creativity at MAX Atria. C

pace, ia.com.sg vent s atr your e ales@max .sg k o o s m o il To b a .c atria e em pleas www.max it or vis out more. to find

At Singapore’s freshest MICE facility, natural light and lush greenery fuse with versatile spaces to provide you with a palette to fuel your imagination and spark off new ideas.

Discover MAX Atria, where conventions are redefined.

• Column-less rooms for conferences, meetings and banquets

• Adjacent ground-level convention-exhibition halls available at EXPO

CMY

Artist’s Impression

Managed by Singex Venues Pte Ltd, an ISO 9001:2008, Business Continuity Management SS540 and BS25999 certified company Artist’s Impression

Singapore EXPO Convention and Exhibition Centre 1 Expo Drive, #02-01, Singapore 486150 Tel: +65 6403 2160 Fax: +65 6822 2616

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profile Bukit Gambang Resort City

Bukit Gambang Resort City â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

A premier leisure and MICE destination S ABR Studio Deluxe

Aerial View BGRC

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prawling over 547 acres in the secondary forest of the quiet town of Gambang, just 35 minutes before the more popular beach town of Kuantan, stands Bukit Gambang Resort (BGRC) the largest integrated leisure and MICE destination in Peninsular Malaysia. Located 218 km from Kuala Lumpur and 339 km from Johor Bahru, this integrated resort city is easily accessible via the East Coast Expressway (from the North and Central regions) and the North-South Highway via Yong Peng exit (From the South region/ Singapore). The resort city currently comprises two resorts. The Caribbean Bay Resort offers 578 apartment suites and the soon to be completed Arabian Bay Resort offering 546 deluxe suites. By June 2012, Bukit Gambang Resort City will achieve a room inventory close to 2,000 rooms. Each resort is supported with its own club house facilities, recreation and fitness facilities as well as food and beverage outlets. Supporting the growing demand for MICE facilities, Bukit Gambang Resort City has also built a dedicated MICE centre that is able to host

Bukit Gambang M.I.C.E Centre

up to 6,400 people in its Grand Ballroom. With this new addition, the resort city has a MICE facility area of more than 20,000 sqm. For teambuilding facilities, the Active Academy Teambuilding and Development Centre at the resort city is manned by an experienced team building crew that is able to meet the needs of corporate companies, schools, institutions and even large groups. It currently offers a maximum teambuilding capacity of 500 people per session. Facilities offered include aerial and ground obstacle courses, recreational paintball, ground and pool telematches, flying fox, jungle trekking and others that may require customisation. For retreat or leisure, the resort city offers an award winning water theme park â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Bukit Gambang Water Park, which offers 15 water attractions spread over 35 acres of natural surroundings. This water theme park is presently the main attraction of the resort city but not for long as the next theme park is coming up. The first phase of the Bukit Gambang Safari Park is set to be complete before the end of 2012. The first phase will include a night safari. Once fully complete, the Safari Park will boast a sprawling 100 acres. + For personalised attention, kindly contact BGRC Singapore team at 9088 9086 or email to philip@sentoria.com.my. A personal tour of the resort city can be arranged upon request. For further reference, please visit www.bgrc.com.my.

CMY

KEDAH

profile Hard Rock Hotel Bali

The leading entertainment hotel in Bali Facing the Indian Ocean is the time-honored catalyst of the resort, the Hard Rock Cafe. With nightly live bands, one is assured of a VIP welcome with the hotel’s Q jumping backstage pass.

estling the shores of Kuta’s famed surf beach, lies a holiday resort that lays testament to the glories of the past fifty years of rock culture. It covers a prime 3-hectare site in the heart of Bali’s entertainment and shopping district, featuring 418 tribute rooms, luxury and deluxe suites, alongside six cutting edge food and beverage outlets. Named “The Trendiest Hotel 2011” by Tripadvisor, it is a paradise for couples, families and singles.

Rockin’ rooms

With Hard Rock’s signature of limitless energy, unparalleled creativity and quality service, your rockin’ holiday will never be the same again. + Hard Rock Hotel Bali Jalan Pantai, Banjar Pande Mas, Kuta, Bali – Indonesia + Tel: 62 361 761869 + Fax: 62 361 761868 + Eamil: bookings@hardrockhotels.net + Web: www.hardrockhotels.net

If music is the food of love…eat on!

Centerstage lies at the heart of the hotel and doubles as a lobby, a bar, a live rock venue and even a rock museum. Awarded “The Best Live Venue in 2010” by The Beat Magazine, Centerstage rocks the hotel with live entertainment every night. Starz Diner, the Hotel’s hip all-day dining restaurant serves contemporary Asian flavors. Enjoy the choicest New York style take-outs at HRBC Deli and check your emails, while you’re here.

Love all serve all

Dine alfresco at the poolside Splash Bistro. Enjoy wood fired pizzas, rockin’ pastas and kool cocktails while indulging in some poolside fun.

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Authentic experiences that rock

Chill out at the Shack bar, half submerged in Bali’s largest freeform pool. Relax in a poolside Cabana for the day and enjoy Aqua Rockercise, water polo and beach parties. Spanning 252-sqm, TABU offers a nightclub equipped with a multi-purpose DJ Booth, Internet and Gaming Lounge with WII, Xbox Kinetic and PS3 facilities, private cinema area, bar and lounge with chill out area and pool table. Become a TABU member and be the first to feel the new Hard Rock experience. If you feel like stretching your vocal cords, the “Boom Box” has Karaoke Rooms as well as a Recording Studio, with a Resident Sound Engineer just in case you feel like cutting a few tracks. Rock Spa offers a wide range of body therapy and treatments to restore and balance the mind, body and soul. Even the kids are taken care of with their very own Lil’ Rock Kids Club, supervised by experienced staff.

Talking about my generation

The walls of the hotel are adorned with images, icons and memorabilia reflecting the revolution that changed the face of music, fashion and the arts, celebrating artistes from the 50s to the new Millennium.

Where rockers meet & meetings rock

Discuss business strategies, have that team building session or organise themed events, private functions and dinners, in any of our rock ‘n’ roll-themed meeting and conference rooms. Come to the Hard Rock Hotel Bali and feel like a Star!

pleased to meet you.

Ballroom

Hall of Fame

Fillmore

scan this mobile barcode with your smart phone and view our special promotion. www.facebook.com/hardrockhotelbali www.twitter.com/hardrockhtlbali

Water Slide

WINNER

T R AV E L E R S ’ CHOICE 2012 Hard Rock Hotel Bali

bali TM

jalan pantai . banjar pande mas . kuta +62.361.761.869 . bali.hardrockhotels.net

profile Skagen

Take time to appreciate In a recent survey, Singapore was surprisingly ranked the last in workplace happiness. With the pressing issues of a highly mobile workforce, companies are reaching out to employee recognition programmes with bespoke quality rewards such as Skagen watches

business owner or human resource with its Danish brand of signaturely clean, ultraexecutive’s worst nightmare could well be a slim mesh band watches from Skagen. dishevelled office full of unhappy workers. In addition to its contemporary aesthetic Research has long shown that a happy work appeal which complements the executive’s environment where both management and staff fast-paced lifestyle on-the-go, Skagen’s skilful share a mutual appreciation for each other’s value craftsmanship and technical perfection resonates in the company creates a positive longer-term well with the Asia-Pacific markets as new fans impact on job performance, talent retention and grow across the region annually. A regular winner business productivity. of the red dot design award, the most prestigious In the survey conducted across 14 countries international design competition, Skagen recently including U.S., U.K., Germany, Hong Kong and also ascended to the global top 10 in the China, it was also found that 29% of workers Affordable Watch segment. across the board expect to leave “Skagen is well-known for its their companies within five years.1 passion in delivering alluring, + To know more or speak In the face of such challenging innovative designs that reflect the to a consultant, please workforce issues, any company can contemporary tastes of today contact Norbreeze proactively reduce the hard costs of with no compromise on excellence at +65 6221 2126 or employee attrition by developing an in quality and service. When it info@norbreeze.com employee reward and recognition comes to providing bespoke programme as a key platform to corporate gift rewards, our team demonstrate its appreciation for its employees’ of consultants embrace each project with a hard work and dedication. Practising the old adage keen business mind to help improve our of ‘an attitude of gratitude’ seems to make even client’s productivity and sales whilst more commercial sense now to the business world helping them build stronger in retaining key talent. relationships with their key target Known for both its tangible and intrinsic group, in a very cost-effective benefits of enhancing productivity and boosting way,” says Anders Peter Juel staff morale, reward and recognition programmes Sauerberg, Managing have indeed become an indispensable tool in Director of Norbreeze. today’s highly mobile world. “As the rising star in From manufacturing to services, engineering the affordable luxury and retail, companies across a diverse range of market, Skagen offers the industries have tapped into the vast experience of well-sought corporate companies such as Norbreeze. An expert in solution for high quality, consulting and designing mid-to-medium products well-made products that’s for employee incentive schemes, Norbreeze offers gentle on the budget,” tailored solutions for many corporate occasions adds Anders Peter. 1

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www.lumesse.com/talentsurvey2011, www.hrmasia.com/resources/retention/singaporeemployees-least-satisfied-with-jobs/119548/

NORBREEZE PTE LTD No. 2 Alexandra Road, Delta House, #03-01D, Singapore 159919 Tel: +65 6221 2126

Twin share Superior accommodation

Dining on sumptuous buffet and gourmet cuisine

Bar drinks & snacking served during the day and night

Sports & leisures

Night live entertainment

Conference