SINGAPORE, July 25, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Alibaba Cloud, the data intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, and the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding today at the Singapore MICE Forum 2019 (SMF 2019).
The agreement will see the two parties work together to offer trainings and technologies collaborations in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, and Cloud, towards maintaining Singapore's edge in an increasingly competitive MICE and hospitality landscape.
Singapore is the top Asian destination for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) industry. MICE visitors make up 15% of arrivals in Singapore and 22% of spending in H1 2018, with tourism receipts from MICE growing by 10% in 2018 and a 14% increase in MICE visitors as compared to the same period in 2017.[1] The city was also ranked as the top Asian city for meetings by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) for 16 consecutive years and named the Top Asia Pacific Destination for the third consecutive year in Cvent's rankings of Top Meeting Destinations in Asia Pacific for 2018.[2]
As part of the collaboration, SACEOS and its members will examine the use of Alibaba Cloud data intelligence solutions. SACEOS and Alibaba Cloud will also explore hosting training and workshops to equip SACEOS members with the technology competencies to transform their businesses and ensure their events remain world-class from conception through to execution. Alibaba Cloud will also connect Singapore hospitability industries with Alibaba ecosystem and millions of potential Chinese customers to drive arrivals and spending.
"Singapore's continued success as a business events and meetings destination is not just a product of the world-class infrastructure, connectivity and attractions. Our industry is relentless in our collaborations to provide world class and differentiated business events to make Singapore the Global Asia Node in the region. We are confident that this partnership will create even more opportunities for Singapore to stay ahead of the competition through adoption of leading technologies," said Mr. Aloysius Arlando, President, SACEOS and Chief Executive Officer of SingEx Holdings.
"As the global leader in data intelligence, we understand the opportunities technologies can create for MICE industry. Our partnership with SACEOS is an extension of our partnership with hospitality and tourism sectors of Singapore as a whole. We will work closely with SACEOS and its members to demonstrate real world examples on how technology innovations can not only improve the industry's digital transformation, but also bottom lines as well," said Dr. Derek Wang, General Manager, Singapore, Alibaba Cloud.
As part of the agreement, Alibaba Cloud will share its technology know-hows in data intelligence to deliver high-traffic events, as well as envision the future innovations together with the industry. Some examples include:
Alibaba Cloud is also working closely with hospitality industries in Singapore for leisure travelers. In April 2019, as part of a three-year Alibaba ecosystem-wide MOU with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Alibaba Cloud is partnering with STB and the tourism industry to create smart tourism experiences for inbound Chinese travellers.
About Alibaba Cloud
Established in 2009, Alibaba Cloud (www.alibabacloud.com), the data intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, is among the world's top three IaaS providers, according to Gartner. It is also the largest provider of public cloud services in China, according to IDC. Alibaba Cloud provides a comprehensive suite of cloud computing services to businesses worldwide, including merchants doing business on Alibaba Group marketplaces, start-ups, corporations and public services. Alibaba Cloud is the official Cloud Services Partner of the International Olympic Committee.
About the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS)
SACEOS is the Singapore Association for Conventions Exhibitions Organisers and Suppliers – the nation's trade association for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) industry. The association leads and represents member organisations to advance the capabilities and growth opportunities for its members and communities committed to the MICE industry.
[1] Singapore Tourism Board: 2018 Year-in-Review |