Singapore sets the standards
CATIE OWEN SEES FIRST-HAND THE SUSTAINABLE TRANSFORMATION OF SINGAPORE ’ S MICE INDUSTRY
S ingapore ’ s MICE industry finds itself in a unique position . As a completely urbanised country , the island state ’ s MICE industry is incorporated into its daily existence . Singapore has six dedicated MICE venues , is brimming with hotels , and offers travellers a wide portfolio of incentives to indulge in .
As a location with a strong reputation for sustainability , its unsurprising that Singapore is keen to make its MICE green . This move was reaffirmed with the launch of its MICE Sustainability Roadmap at IBTM World in November-December . Crucially , Singapore is walking the walk regarding its sustainable commitments – which is abundantly clear to anyone who sees the city first-hand .
Visiting Greentech Taking place , 17 – 18 November 2022 , the Greentech Festival had its Singapore debut as it highlighted companies behind current green technology . The Festival was founded by former Formula 1 World Champion Nico Rosberg and two engineers : Marco Voigt and Sven Krüger . The event usually takes place in Berlin , but Singapore ’ s sustainability drive made it an ideal secondary locale .
At the event Chi Chuan Poh , executive director of the Singapore Tourism Board , told CMW : “ Sustainability for us is no longer a nice to have , it ’ s a must-have . Make sure your stakeholders are sustainable , or you will price yourself out of the business travel [ market ].
“ This event is a knowledge-sharing platform , not just for the B2B community but for consumers also . That ’ s the reason why we are working very closely with the founders .”
Rosberg made several appearances throughout the event : taking part in press conferences ; chairing panels ; and exploring the tech . A stand-out panel included his discussion with guest speaker JJ Lin , a popular Singaporean singer , on the potential sacrifices made by businesses and consumers who pursue sustainability .
Rosberg himself admits that he is no
The Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay stranger to the concept , telling CMW : “ During my last time in Singapore , I was , unfortunately , blowing out some emissions and increasing future ones . But at the Greentech Festival , I ’ m here to reduce future emissions and I ’ m proud of that .
“ Singapore is a great city to launch an initiative like the Greentech Festival .”
A natural city Dubbed ‘ a city in nature ’, Singapore ’ s investment in green surroundings is evident to visitors . Verdant plant life is built into the fabric of the city ; it climbs walls , covers hotels and homes , and lines streets and roads . In 2005 , Singapore ’ s Building and Construction Authority ’ s ‘ Green Mark Scheme ’ was introduced , rating buildings on their environmental impact . Following legislation such as this , green building projects in the city climbed from 2005 ’ s figure of 0.1 % to over 49 % of all buildings in 2022 . They won ’ t stop there – by 2023 Singapore plans to boost that number to 80 %.
Twenty-thirty is , as with anyone clued up on the COP summits , a crucial figure to Singapore ’ s green initiatives . The Singapore Green Plan 2030 ( the Green Plan ) was launched in February 2021 and centred around the city ’ s commitment to reducing waste and carbon emissions , while boosting green technology ( such as solar panels and cleaner cars ). These targets fall under five clear pillars which are aligned with the United Nations ’ Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ):
• A city in nature
• Energy reset
• Sustainable living
• Green economy
• Resilient future When asked about the motivation behind the city ’ s sustainable movements , it was clear that many Singaporeans feel the drive to do what they can for the planet . But there are also pragmatic considerations . To function , Singapore has a few unique challenges that the country ’ s newness has allowed it to
12 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / ISSUE 122