Launched in December 2022 by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS), the roadmap sets out targets and strategies to raise sustainability standards across Singapore’s business events industry over the next few years.
Targets include having the six purpose-built MICE venues and 80 percent of SACEOS members obtain international or national sustainability certification – or both – by 2025.
Summing up the progress, Sukumar Verma, SACEOS vice president of industry and enterprise and managing director of Informa Markets, said: “Key highlights have been the development and publishing of two workshop agreements on waste and carbon management. There is ongoing work to refresh the SACEOS MICE Sustainability Certification requirements for companies, and this is expected to be completed by December.
“These initiatives have been put in place with the help of industry players who have volunteered their time to ensure practical and robust frameworks are in place, and are designed to enable and equip the industry with the tools to embark on their sustainability journey.”
Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), for instance, attained the Global Sustainable Tourism Council destination criteria and industry criteria for hotels in 2021, becoming certified in both areas. Last year, it achieved the Events Industry Council’s platinum certification for sustainable event standards for venues.
RWS also practises sustainable procurement, working closely with suppliers to constantly create new and innovative products and services while minimising negative environmental and social impacts.
“Sustainability is a key driver for long-term success in our industry and we hope to inspire others to create enduring impact and forge a more responsible world,” said Loh Su Kim, senior vice president of attractions and sustainability for RWS.
“We seek to deliver rewarding MICE experiences that combine world-class sustainability practices, business and leisure elements to event organisers and delegates.”
