Big interview
strengthen customer engagement.
Augmented and virtual reality
applications like Oculus Rift and
Microsoft Hololens could change the way
we convene and share ideas.”
And Dr Koh notes there is
encouragement for the Singapore MICE
industry to adopt technology through
various levers including the Business
Improvement Fund, which encourages
technology innovation and adoption, as
well as the redesign of business models
and processes in the tourism sector.
Singapore recently launched globally
its In Singapore Incentives & Rewards
(INSPIRE) programme at IMEX
America. What is the idea behind this?
Dr Koh explains that the INSPIRE
programme was previously available in
America, Europe, China, India, Middle
East and Southeast Asia and that a
positive response has meant the incentive
scheme was rolled out globally to include
more markets in September 2019.
It is an incentive programme that offers
meetings and incentive groups a selection
of 60 complimentary experiences covering
four categories: dining, entertaining and
lifestyle; thematic and learning tours;
attraction-based experiences and
team-building activities.
Examples include a private after-hours
Garden Rhapsody show at Gardens by
the Bay or a tour of the one-north
research and business park, including
fireside sharing sessions by successful
business owners.
“By collaborating with tourism
industry partners to develop curated
experiences,” says Dr Koh, “we aim to
shine the spotlight on the breadth and
depth of tourism experiences available in
Singapore, as well as enable business
travellers to learn more about Singapore.”
More information on INSPIRE can be
found at www.visitsingapore.com/mice/
inspire.
And to those who say Singapore is
expensive, Dr Koh raises the power of the
country’s knowledge economy, which he
puts at the front of marketing efforts now
for MICE business.
ISSUE 103
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CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD
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