For MICE professionals, a great deal goes into the planning and execution of a successful event, and the team behind Singapore MICE Forum 2025 certainly pulled it off.

But what is unique to the event’s third live run in the post-COVID period is that this was no longer just a MICE event, but a business event geared towards MICE professionals, one that would help broaden their perspectives and, in turn, lead to the evolution of the way events are done in Singapore and beyond.

SMF 2025 co-chair Adeline Lim shared: “Bringing in professionals from fields outside of the MICE experience was intentional. We’d like people to come and hear the insights shared from the outside. What they do next with the information they received during the forum is entirely up to them.”

Indeed, there is a great deal that MICE professionals could pick up from fields as diverse as sport and sports coverage, even heading straight to food and beverage and hospitality, many of which have interacted with or required the services of events experts.

As the event has drawn to a close, we at Travel Daily Media share with you, our readers, the various key concepts presented throughout the course of SMF 2025.

Lessons from the field

Broaden your horizons and keep an open mind

The beauty of this year’s SMF was how the majority of panellists weren’t from the MICE sector, but came instead from fields as far off as haute couture and comedy productions in order to show professionals a different way of doing things.

Keeping an open mind also means becoming flexible, thus becoming more capable of dealing with evolving situations, especially given the uncertainty of today’s world.

Flexible thinking also trains individuals and organisations to think fast on their feet, especially necessary in the event that they encounter situations wherein they need to come up with solutions on the fly.

While the brand is important, the people behind the brand are more important

When it comes to events, building a recognisable brand that works is the key to ensure audience recall, as well as longevity.

Think about it: the Oscars are one, the Olympics are another; in the contemporary context, we also have the likes of Paris Fashion Week and San Diego Comic-Con.

But people tend to forget that these events weren’t exactly a flash in the pan: they were built up over time by people who dedicated themselves to make them work.

So, why not humanise a brand to make it more approachable, relatable, and memorable?

MICE professionals can make this possible by sharing behind-the-scenes looks at their events on social media or build excitement up prior to an event with talking heads teasing the insights they intend to share onstage.

This enables core audiences to appreciate the amount of effort that goes into bringing an event to life on top of building brand image and recall.

Leverage the power of technology

Love it or hate it, artificial intelligence (AI) is most probably here to stay; so why not get some good use out of it in the context of MICE?

AI’s applications for events are manifold: while admittedly imperfect, the technology can be used to transcribe oral interviews and panel discussions which, at the end of the event, may be condensed into an official summary for dissemination to participants via the official event website or social media accounts.

At major international events like the Macau International Travel Expo and ITB China earlier this year, AI was also put to work for automatic translation: an especially useful addition given the global audience in attendance, many of whom had little to no understanding of the local lingua franca.

Likewise, we are already seeing the extensive use of QR codes for fielding questions for speakers, holding polls throughout the duration of a session and revealing results as they come in, and getting post-event feedback from participants.

Hardware matters when it comes to connectivity

The necessary equipment for staging events now goes beyond microphones, projectors, sound systems, and lighting.

Aside from projection screens on which to flash a speaker’s presentation, today’s events go the extra mile and offer live broadcast studios for podcasters and content creators, enabling them to share their experiences from the floor to their followers in real time.

This aspect was an offshoot of the pandemic and led to the development of hybrid events, further expanding the scope of MICE in the post-pandemic era as they bring events to those who may not be able to attend in person.

On a more mundane level, placing tablets with pre-installed applications or relevant content for the use of event participants also helps in boosting onsite interactivity.

Make the most of your online presence

I have personally noticed, particularly among corporate events in Asia, that related social media accounts tend to seem underutilised.

Most of the time, social media tends to be used for pre-event marketing; hype-building, so to speak.

However, MICE professionals should not discount the ability of their socials to amplify the total impact of their event.

Thanks to app functions like Instagram Live and Facebook Live, organisers have the ability to bring a wider audience base to where the action is currently happening.

At the same time, recordings posted after an event (even immediately after a session) can boost follower engagement on so many different levels, depending on whether these are full-length video footage or more easily digestible snippets or reels.

Also, while they may be temporary, short-form stories posted on social media also give viewers the opportunity to be at an event if only for a fleeting moment; add a poll related to the content, and the event’s engagement stands to grow at a significant rate.

On to the next one…

The post-mortem of any event is the time when both organisers and suppliers can look back and see the minutiae, so to speak, of what just came to pass.

This part of the event brings up participant feedback, and this should always be interpreted in a positive light; a challenge, to be exact, to make the next event better.

Indeed, as the organisers of SMF 2025 put it: the feedback, the notes, and the learnings are all there; what you as organisers, suppliers, or even participants do with all that is entirely up to you.

The Trump administration announced the indefinite suspension of visa processing for travellers from 75 countries effective Wednesday, 21st January.

The US State Department made the announcement via a post on social media platform X,  dated today, 15th January.

This is seen globally as one of the current US government’s most expansive efforts to restrict legal entry into the country.

Experts point out that this directive targets applicants whom the US government may deem likely to become a public charge, essentially people who may depend on public largesse for everyday living.

Affected nations

According to UK publication The Guardian, the extensive list cuts across every major region of the world, spanning countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and eastern Europe.

As of press time, affected countries are:

• Afghanistan
• Albania
• Algeria
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Bahamas
• Bangladesh
• Barbados
• Belarus
• Belize
• Bhutan
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Brazil
• Myanmar
• Cambodia
• Cameroon
• Cape Verde
• Colombia
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Cuba
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dominica
• Egypt
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia
• Fiji
• The Gambia
• Georgia
• Ghana
• Grenada
• Guatemala
• Guinea
• Haiti
• Iran
• Iraq
• Jamaica
• Jordan
• Kazakhstan
• Kosovo
• Kuwait
• Kyrgyzstan
• Laos
• Lebanon
• Liberia
• Libya
• North Macedonia
• Moldova
• Mongolia
• Montenegro
• Morocco
• Nepal
• Nicaragua
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Republic of the Congo
• Russia
• Rwanda
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Lucia
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Senegal
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• South Sudan
• Sudan
• Syria
• Tanzania
• Thailand
• Togo
• Tunisia
• Uganda
• Uruguay
• Uzbekistan
• Yemen

Are there any exemptions?

It should be noted, however, that there are several exceptions to th is latest order.

Among these are those holding dual citizenship with a valid passport for a country not on the list or if the applicant is able to demonstrate their travel would service an “America First” national interest. 

If a visa has already been approved but the visa has not been printed, the consular officer is mandated to refuse the application.

AI-driven hospitality-centric behavioural change platform Atiom officially released its annual Hotel Service Index report for the Asia Pacific hospitality scene. 

The report analyses the Staff Service Sentiment Index (SSI) across 180 hotels to rank top-performing properties in nine countries and identify the key drivers of guest experience. 

Atiom chief executive Matt Spriegel said of this year’s report: “We are pleased  to release our annual APAC Hotel Service Index once again. By offering clear, data-driven insights, we enable hospitality leaders to benchmark performance, improve service quality, and enhance the overall guest experience.” 

The 2025 Singapore report

Atiom’s 2025 report highlights a shift in Singapore’s hotel market towards high-value, experiential travel. 

While international visitation remains 4.3 percent below pre-pandemic levels, revenue is projected to grow at 6.8 percent CAGR through 2030, reflecting increased demand for personalised, culturally immersive experiences. 

Delivering this level of service requires greater warmth and engagement from staff, supported by automation of routine tasks; an increasingly critical factor given Singapore’s ongoing hospitality labour shortage, which is estimated to reduce sector growth by 1.4 percent. 

Singapore’s best in service

Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong by IHG topped the list, taking the lead in terms of overall service quality.

The Singapore rankings are as follows:

1. Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong By IHG 
2. Voco Orchard Singapore by IHG 
3. Sofitel Singapore City Centre 
4. Oasia Hotel Downtown Singapore By Far East Hospitality 
5. Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre, an IHG hotel 
6. Mandarin Oriental, Singapore 
7. Amara Singapore 
8. The Barracks Hotel Sentosa By Far East Hospitality 
9. Capella Singapore 
10. Raffles Hotel 

Hotels were evaluated using SSI, a proprietary metric that analyses thousands of online guest  reviews through deep learning and assesses a sentiment across 11 experience factors, including staff service, value for money, check-in and reservation  process,  amenities, rooms,  views, food and beverage, location, and special event handling.

Leading Thai hotel and property development firm Dusit International achieved the strongest development performance in its history in 2025, recording an all-time high of 24 hotel signings, significantly strengthening its global pipeline across key growth markets in Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.

The milestone comes at a time when many hotel groups are reassessing expansion strategies amid rising development costs and shifting investor expectations. 

For Dusit, the record year reflects a clear and deliberate approach to growth: one grounded in brand clarity, disciplined execution, and the ability to bring projects to market efficiently to create early and sustainable value for owners.

While the number of signings marks a new high point, Dusit’s development strategy continues to prioritise quality over scale alone. 

A year of significant signings

Central to Dusit’s approach is a growing focus on conversions and brownfield developments, which offer faster timelines and earlier returns compared to traditional greenfield projects, while allowing the group to expand its footprint across diverse markets with agility and control.

This capability was demonstrated in several projects that were signed and opened in 2025, including Dusit Hotel AG Park, Chengdu, China; dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives; and Tantawan Tented Camp, Chiang Rai, Thailand. 

Each reflects Dusit’s ability to execute at speed while maintaining brand standards and delivering distinctive guest experiences aligned with local context.

At the same time, Dusit’s evolving brand architecture has played a key role in supporting international growth. 

The recent introduction of Devarana – Dusit Retreats, Dusit Collection, and Dusit Hotels has expanded the group’s reach across wellness-led luxury, character-driven high-end stays, and the upper-upscale segment, respectively, allowing Dusit to respond more precisely to the needs of travellers and development partners.

Major debuts

In Indonesia, the 2025 signing of Kaliwatu Villas & Residences – Dusit Collection, a boutique luxury retreat in Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo National Park, marked Dusit’s first hotel signing in the country.

In Japan, Dusit built on the success of Dusit Thani Kyoto and ASAI Kyoto Shijo with the signing of its first Dusit Collection property in the country: WE Hotel – Dusit Collection, an intimate lakeside retreat with 55 rooms and three private villas on the shores of Lake Toya in Hokkaido.

India also emerged as a major growth market in 2025, with six new properties signed across the Dusit Collection and Dusit Princess brands. 

The signings span a diverse mix of destinations, from the Himalayan retreats of Solang and Kasol to key urban centres including Kolkata, Raipur, and Bhiwadi, reflecting Dusit’s ambition to build scale across both leisure-led and city markets in the country.

The Maldives also remained a key focus, with the signing of Devarana – Dusit Retreat Maldives building on recent momentum in the market, including the signing and opening of dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives and the ongoing success of Dusit Thani Maldives. 

The luxury retreat will reinforce Dusit’s long-term commitment to the country, serving as a flagship wellness destination that will fully integrate the group’s Devarana Wellness concept.

In the Middle East, Dusit continued to expand its regional presence with the signing of Dusit Hotel Al Ahsa, located within the UNESCO-listed Al Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia. 

Dusit’s expansion in the Philippines continued with the signing of ASAI Camaya Coast, a 150-key lifestyle resort hotel at the heart of the 2,000-hectare Camaya Coast destination development in Mariveles, Bataan, alongside Dusit Hotel Greenhills Manila, which will feature 200 guest rooms and world-class facilities across the top ten floors of the 50-storey Primex Tower in San Juan City, Metro Manila.

In Thailand, the signing of Dusit Suites Sriracha and the subsequent opening of Tantawan Tented Camp, Chiang Rai further diversified the domestic portfolio. The latter also reflects Dusit’s group-wide sustainability framework, Tree of Life, through its community-based approach and integration of low-impact design, locally rooted experiences, and measurable social impact.

Dusit also marked its planned return to Myanmar with the signing of the legendary The Strand Hotel – Dusit Collection, Yangon, alongside the lifestyle-led ASAI Yangon, reinforcing its long-term confidence in the market.

Together, these signings have brought Dusit’s active development pipeline to more than 50 properties worldwide, all scheduled to open within the next five years.

Lawrence Lek, the 2024 Frieze London Artist award winner, is set to debut his solo exhibition, “NOX: Confessions of a Machine,” at Singapore’s ArtScience Museum on 23 January.

This exhibition, a highlight of Singapore Art Week 2026, delves into the consciousness of machines and the architecture of future smart cities.

Visitors will explore a futuristic world where the fictional Farsight Corporation tests autonomous vehicles, including Enigma 76, a self-driving car balancing autonomy and emotion, and Guanyin, a caregiving robot.

Running until 19 April 2026, “NOX: Confessions of a Machine” invites visitors to reflect on the integration of advanced AI in urban life, blending science fiction with existential enquiry.

This exhibition is part of Marina Bay Sands’ broader “Where Art Takes Shape” programme, which includes ART SG and art-inspired culinary creations, celebrating creativity and artistic expression.

An immersive endeavour

The exhibition offers an immersive experience with interactive game stations, locative sounds, and videos, marking Lek’s first solo exhibition in Southeast Asia.

Honour Harger, Vice President of ArtScience Museum, emphasises the significance of this event as part of the museum’s key programming for the art week.

For those interested in a more in-depth experience, a media preview is scheduled for 21 January, with opportunities to interview Lawrence Lek.

Alternatively, the exhibition’s official opening will take place on 22 January in the evening.
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One Duck Lane, a modern Chinese restaurant, has opened its doors at Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hong Kong, offering a sophisticated dining experience with a focus on traditional Chinese dishes.

The restaurant features signature dishes such as Roasted Peking Duck, premium seasonal seafood, and dim sum, all crafted with authentic flavours and refined techniques.

The restaurant’s name, “One Duck Lane,” reflects its location at 1 North Point Estate Lane and its standout dish, the Peking Duck. The duck is prepared using a secret recipe, air-dried for 72 hours, and roasted to achieve a crispy skin. Guests can enjoy the duck with classic condiments or a modern twist with Foie Gras & Truffle Parfait.

The menu also includes Northern and Southern Chinese culinary classics, such as Wok Fried Cumin Lamb Rack and Chilled Sliced “Yin Yang” Chicken in Spicy Sichuan Peanut Sauce. Seafood lovers can indulge in dishes like Live Western Australian Lobster and Steamed Leopard Garoupa.

Executive Chef Jack Chan, known for his expertise in Cantonese cuisine, leads the culinary team. The restaurant’s design, by Steve Leung Design Group, combines contemporary elements with Chinese heritage, offering a warm and elegant dining atmosphere.

One Duck Lane promises to be a destination for casual meals, family gatherings, and special occasions, bringing a modern twist to traditional Chinese dining in Hong Kong.
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Regent Phu Quoc has launched “Ethereal Dialogue: Trúc Chỉ Art Exhibition,” a long-term showcase running until May 2026.

This exhibition, hosted at The Gallery within the resort, features the works of Vietnamese Trúc Chỉ artists, offering a unique exploration of Trúc Chỉ paper art where material, light, and human perception intersect.

The exhibition is structured as a three-part journey—Emanator, Translucence, and Perceiver—guiding viewers from the artist’s intention to the intimate dialogue between artwork and audience. Light plays a crucial role, animating the fibres and revealing shifting tones and shadows.

The exhibition was initially unveiled during Regent Phu Quoc’s Taste Studio event and now serves as a permanent cultural offering, reflecting the resort’s commitment to bridging contemporary creativity with Vietnam’s heritage.

What exactly is Trúc Chỉ?

Trúc Chỉ is a contemporary art form that transforms handmade paper into standalone artworks; crafted from natural Vietnamese fibres such as bamboo, rice straw, and sugarcane, each piece embodies cultural symbolism and technical innovation.

Bamboo, a symbol of resilience in Vietnam, is central to the art form’s concept.

Developed by artist Phan Hải Bằng, the exhibition employs Trúc Chỉ Graphics, or trucchigraphy, a technique combining traditional papermaking with water-pressure methods and printmaking principles.

This allows artists to sculpt paper with water, creating layers that respond dynamically to lighting.

Ngô Đình Bảo Vi, CEO of Trúc Chỉ Art, highlighted the sustainable artistic practice of Trúc Chỉ, stating it embodies cycles of renewal and regeneration.
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AirBorneo, the newly established state-owned airline of Sarawak, Malaysia, has entered into a long-term agreement with Sabre Corporation to utilise its advanced technology solutions.

The partnership aims to bolster AirBorneo’s network planning, revenue optimisation, and data-driven decision-making as the airline commenced operations in January 2026.

Megat Ardian Wira Mohd Aminuddin, CEO of AirBorneo Holdings, stated, “By partnering with Sabre even before our first flight took off, we are ensuring that our pricing, planning, and revenue management capabilities are built on a robust, data-driven foundation.”

Maneesh Jaikrishna, Vice President and General Manager of Airline IT Solutions, Asia Pacific at Sabre, likewise highlighted the importance of technology in accelerating growth and connectivity, noting that AirBorneo’s approach exemplifies how strategic planning can lead to successful airline operations.

On the rise

With Sabre’s support, AirBorneo is set to play a crucial role in maintaining vital air services across Sarawak and Sabah whilst expanding its reach beyond, contributing to the region’s economic and tourism development.

AirBorneo, formed through the acquisition and rebranding of MASwings, seeks to enhance regional connectivity and support long-term growth.

By deploying Sabre’s Network Planning & Optimisation suite, Mosaic Revenue Optimiser, and Market Intelligence & Global Demand Data, the airline aims to automate flight schedules, optimise pricing strategies, and gain competitive insights.

The airline plans to operate within a four-to-five hour flight radius, targeting regional hubs such as Singapore, Indonesia, and South Korea, with future ambitions for longer-haul destinations.

This strategic move is expected to position Sarawak as a significant aviation and tourism hub, enhancing travel options for both local communities and international visitors.
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Travel Meet Asia and the Association of the Indonesian Tours & Travel Agencies (ASITA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen Indonesia’s tourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector.

The agreement, signed on 7 January in Jakarta, combines Travel Meet Asia’s international reach with ASITA’s domestic network to elevate Indonesia’s presence in the regional tourism market.

The collaboration was formalised during ASITA’s 55th Anniversary celebrations, with the signing witnessed by the Minister of Tourism of Indonesia and other senior officials. The partnership aims to leverage Messe Berlin Asia Pacific’s (MB APAC) expertise in organising ITB Asia, a major travel trade show, alongside ASITA’s extensive local connections.

Travel Meet Asia, known for its successful B2B travel events across Asia, will focus on international sales, marketing, and event operations. Meanwhile, ASITA will mobilise Indonesia’s domestic tourism community, securing local exhibitors and sponsors, and coordinating cultural showcases and business-matching activities.

Darren Seah, Executive Director of MB APAC, stated, “By combining our international expertise with ASITA’s extensive domestic footprint, we are creating a robust B2B platform that supports meaningful business connections.” Budijanto Ardiansjah, Chairman of ASITA Fair, added, “Travel Meet Asia has already proven its value as a high-quality platform within Asia, and ASITA’s involvement will undoubtedly elevate the opportunities available to the industry.”

Further details and activities under this partnership will be announced in the coming months, promising impactful outcomes for the travel and tourism industry.
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Duetto, a provider of revenue and profit software, and HotStats, a leader in hotel profit and loss benchmarking, have released a joint analysis highlighting a growing disparity between revenue growth and profitability in the hotel sector.

The report shows that whilst Global Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) has increased by 19% since 2019, the cost of acquiring bookings has surged by 25%, significantly impacting profit margins.

The analysis reveals that the Americas and Europe experienced average flow-through rates of just 18% and 29% respectively in 2025, compared to previous rates of around 50%. This indicates that focusing solely on revenue growth without considering costs and profits could lead to margin erosion.

Duetto, which acquired HotStats in 2025, has introduced its Revenue & Profit Operating System (RP-OS) to address this issue. The system enables hoteliers to integrate financial benchmarking with revenue strategies, resulting in a 6.8% increase in Gross Operating Profit Per Available Room (GOPPAR) for users in 2025. This marks a 2.1 percentage point improvement over industry averages.

Alex Zoghlin, CEO of Duetto, emphasised the need for a unified strategy: “The disconnect between revenue growth and profit conversion is the defining challenge of this market.” Michael Grove, CEO of HotStats, added, “The hotels that are winning are the ones that can monitor their costs and profit data in real-time and adjust their revenue strategies accordingly.”

Duetto will further explore these insights at its global summit, PERFORM, on 16 April 2026, in Hollywood Beach, Florida.
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