The Singapore MICE Sustainability Certification (MSC) has been launched to equip and certify businesses for adopting sustainable practices in events and raise sustainability standards across Singapore’s Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry.
Developed by the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS), with the support of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and in consultation with members and industry players, the Singapore MSC is a well-recognised and locally developed initiative with a new framework that builds on the first MICE Sustainability Certification introduced in 2016. The Singapore MSC aims to reinforce Singapore’s position as a leading sustainable MICE destination. The Singapore MSC is aligned with the targets set out in the MICE Sustainability Roadmap, which includes the development of a set of sustainability standards and a certification framework by 2023 that the industry can readily apply to achieve nationally or internationally recognised sustainability certification for 80 per cent of SACEOS members and the six purpose-built MICE venues by the end of 2025.
For this purpose, the Singapore MSC incorporates international benchmarks in certifying MICE players for adopting sustainable practices at both an organisational and event level. Beyond certification, it aims to drive awareness of sustainability in events. It encourages all MICE players and organisations to integrate sustainable practices in all aspects of event management when planning events.
To help businesses embark on their Singapore MSC journey, financial assistance schemes related to business improvement and productivity will be made available for companies to tap into.
Richard Ireland, President of SACEOS, said, “Event attendees worldwide are increasingly selective and concerned about the environmental impact of the events and venues they visit. As Singapore continues positioning itself as a leading sustainable MICE destination, the Singapore MICE Sustainability Certification will provide businesses with a recognised certification in line with international standards in adopting sustainable practices across all stages of their journey. With sustainability no longer a good-to-have but a must-have for the industry, we encourage all local and regional MICE players to embark on the Singapore MSC journey with us.”
Dr Edward Koh, Executive Director of Conventions, Meetings & Incentive Travel, Singapore Tourism Board, said, “As companies and event organisers prioritise sustainability, it is important to regularly review our guidelines, standards, and certifications to align with the changing landscape and meet the growing demand for responsible business events. The Singapore MICE Sustainability Certification helps businesses identify ways to achieve their sustainability goals and elevate their commitment to sustainability. This initiative will contribute to Singapore’s vision of becoming a leading sustainable MICE destination in the Asia-Pacific region, and we are glad to have supported SACEOS in leading the charge.”
Dylan Sharma, Co-Founder & Director of Tricom Events, said, “Event agencies, such as Tricom, are responsible for integrating sustainable practices across all the events we organise. This is a matter not only of corporate social responsibility but also client responsibility, as, increasingly, our clients seek strategic and practical advice on the organisation of sustainable events. Our industry must recognise means of providing others with assurance of our capabilities in organising sustainable events. The Singapore MSC provides this. As a pilot company for the Singapore MICE Sustainability Certification, I strongly encourage all industry players in the MICE ecosystem to get themselves certified, in line with our industry and national imperatives.”
Ian Wu, Co-Owner & CEO of HUONE Singapore, said, “Venues, big or small, are an integral part of the MICE ecosystem. Even as a small events venue, we at HUONE Singapore believe that we can also play a part in reducing the environmental impact of our events and have a sustainability mindset across our team that is not just driven by a mechanical nature. The Singapore MICE Sustainability Certification, which we are in the process of undertaking, will also serve as a barometer of how close or far away we are in terms of the actions that we have already executed or are planning to put in place and will assure that we are on the right track. We are honoured to have the opportunity to be a part of this endeavour, and we hope that our efforts might inspire others to join us in the sustainability journey. If a small team like us can do it, so can everyone else. Lastly, while the certification process might seem daunting to a first-timer, it is an important first step towards a more sustainable future for our industry that all of us must take.”
