With its mix of world-class event venues, professional expertise, and state-of-the-art technologies, it comes as no surprise that Singapore is currently the dominant player in the Asian MICE sector.
Indeed, a number of the world’s biggest events have made their way to this small Southeast Asian nation, including major concerts and professional conferences.
But with regional neighbours like Penang and Sabah in Malaysia, as well as Iloilo and Cebu in the Philippines ramping up their MICE capabilities, is it possible that Singapore may lose the top spot in the sector?
By the numbers
To give you an idea of how massive events can get in Singapore, consider the data uncovered by a recent Channel News Asia report.
According to Poh Chi Chuan, executive director of exhibitions and conferences at STB, the country earned S$1.7 billion in tourism receipts from business events in 2024, surpassing the record total seen at the end of 2019.
Poh likewise pointed out that 2025 was a banner year for the Singaporean MICE sector, especially given the headcount at two of the biggest events.
November 2025’s Singapore FinTech Festival, for example, brought in over 70,000 participants from 142 countries.
Likewise, the textile-centric ITMA ASIA+CITME in October of last year was attended by more than 26,600 delegates.
Singapore MICE also started 2026 well with the ongoing Singapore Airshow which kicked off on Tuesday, 3rd February, and ends on Sunday, 8th February.
While official numbers have yet to be tallied, it is estimated that 60,000 delegates are currently in Singapore for the event’s tenth run.
Longstanding support
Given current numbers, the answer to the question on if Singapore can maintain the lead in MICE remains a resounding yes.
While its neighbours may be stepping up their game, Singapore remains in the lead by an extremely long way.
As mentioned in the promotional brochure released by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), the country’s Business Events in Singapore (BEIS) remains one of the sector’s biggest come-ons for foreign organisers.
The BEiS scheme extends financial support to MICE organisers on fulfilment of specified deliverables to help anchor and grow quality events in Singapore.
The scheme also serves as a catalyst for innovation, encouraging developers and creators to come up with new content.
BEIS also supports business and capability development activities jointly undertaken by association and industry players to promote business event offering on a national, regional, and even global basis.
As stated earlier, Singapore also has an edge when it comes to world-class infrastructure along with the variety of potential venues ranging from the convention centre at Marina Bay Sands and Singapore EXPO to the Suntec Singapore Exhibition & Convention Centre.
Singapore’s sustained focus on high-growth sectors like technological development, sustainability, and green finance has also worked in its favour, along with its high standards for safety, security, and connectivity.
