Singapore applies technology to upgrade MICE experience

Singapore implements passport-free entry, provides digital technology ecosystem to improve the quality of MICE programs.

As one of the leading MICE destinations (meetings, conferences, events, etc.) in Southeast Asia, Singapore constantly invests and applies technology to services, improving the experience for this group of guests. From simple entry procedures to modern event halls... the lion island has gradually improved, ensuring a fast, convenient and effective experience.

Entry without passport

Singapore has introduced a passport-free immigration system at Changi Airport, which will be gradually implemented from August 5. The airport is currently using biometric technology, allowing Singapore citizens to use this form for both entry and exit. Meanwhile, foreign visitors can complete exit procedures without presenting their passports from the end of September. This initiative helps save 40% of the processing time, simplifying the entry process.

However, travelers still need to bring their passports to check-in, check in luggage and enter the destination. Customs officers still have the right to randomly ask passengers to present their passports for verification in some cases.

This step demonstrates the island nation’s commitment to applying technology to improve the efficiency of tourism and business. Accordingly, businesses and event organizers can simplify the entry process, enhance the MICE experience for partners and employees, and encourage international investors and businesses to expand cooperation.

All terminals at Changi Airport have been equipped with automated immigration lanes, which help speed up the immigration process. It only takes about a minute for travelers to complete the procedures. Photo: Future Travel Experience

Enhancing industry event experience, promoting technological innovation

The MICE tourism industry in Singapore is leading with many innovations, bringing benefits to other industry groups. With its existing infrastructure and technology ecosystem, the Lion Island always creates conditions for international partners to organize innovative events, contributing to promoting socio-economic development and enhancing inter-industry cooperation.

For example, in the healthcare sector, Singapore regularly hosts major conferences and seminars such as BioPharma Asia Convention, Medical Fair Asia, and MedLab Asia Pacific. These events leverage the creativity of the MICE industry, thereby promoting leadership thinking, introducing new technologies, expanding networking opportunities, and helping the healthcare industry develop.

Resorts World Convention Centre is a popular destination for large-scale MICE events, with the largest hall accommodating up to 6,500 guests. Photo: Sentosa

One of the recent successful medical MICE events in the island nation is RehabWeek 2023. The conference is held every two years around the world. Last year, it was the first time it was held in Asia, at the Resorts World Convention Centre in Sentosa. The event brought together more than 1,300 delegates to discuss advances in rehabilitation technology. The list of attendees included medical professionals, engineers, and entrepreneurs from across Asia, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas.

RehabWeek 2023 brings many large exhibitions with the participation of more than 40 rehabilitation technology exhibitors. This is the highest number recorded in the history of the program. Many new technologies are introduced at the event such as: rehabilitation robots, remote rehabilitation services, AI technology devices to help people with lower limb impairments perform daily tasks...

At the exhibition area, delegates observed and learned about recovery initiatives from many medical technology companies from around the world. Photo: Mint Academy

RehabWeek also takes advantage of Singapore’s infrastructure to provide new and authentic experiences. Laboratory tours at Jurong Community Hospital and the Rehabilitation Research Institute of Singapore allow delegates to see in detail how rehabilitation technology is applied in practice.

By promoting interdisciplinary discussions through a series of seminars, scientific reports, and sharing from industry experts, the event is considered to contribute to promoting a suitable environment for knowledge sharing and nurturing innovation.

Integrating technology solutions to enhance MICE experience

Projection technology is also one of Singapore’s strengths in organizing MICE events. The island nation often integrates technology solutions into event venues or destinations, helping to enhance the experience and attract tourists to the city.

Recent innovations applied by event organizers in Singapore include: upgrading digital infrastructure, promoting hybrid event models, developing immersive technology (AR, VR)... Green and smart technology solutions are also applied to orient the MICE market towards sustainable development.

Major event venues such as the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre are equipped with fast internet connections, state-of-the-art audio-visual systems and conference management tools. The technology infrastructure also supports live streaming and online interaction more effectively and vividly. Delegates, experts and attendees from all over the world can easily access the conference in real time, regardless of their geographical location.

Other venues like Marina Bay Sands offer event solutions that combine real and virtual experiences. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies help create realistic images.

The PCMA Convening Leaders 2021 conference at Marina Bay Sands replaced the green screen backdrop with two LED walls, optimizing the hybrid event experience. Photo: Syafiq AB

The larger-scale hall, which opened on March 14 - Sensoryscape (Sentosa) - also combines nature, architecture and modern technology. With a total area of up to 30,000 m2, Sensoryscape is designed to stimulate visitors' 6 senses, including imagination.

Specifically, Sensoryscape is equipped with an interactive lighting system, creating dynamic lighting effects that change according to the movement of attendees. Environmental sound technology uses directional techniques to create separate sound spaces for each area. In particular, the augmented reality (AR) application allows visitors to interact with digital elements superimposed on the real environment, creating a unique experience.

In addition to a series of technological solutions to enhance the event experience, organizers in Singapore are also committed to sustainability and environmental friendliness. They use applications and platforms such as Gevme, Jublia, and Occam Lab to simplify event registration and management, help limit printed documents, reduce waste and paper consumption.

For large hotels with event halls such as Fairmont Singapore and Swissotel The Stamford, they use AI technology to monitor leftover food. This method helps optimize raw material purchasing costs and reduce food waste. In addition, leftover food is also converted into compost using environmentally friendly enzymes, or reused as fertilizer for hydroponic farms at the hotel.

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