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Premier Retail Real Estate Event Set for Singapore October 14-16

International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
2009-10-06 12:48 551

SINGAPORE, Oct. 5 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the global retail real estate organization, is now finalising details for Asia Expo 2009, the ICSC's fourth annual regional convention and exhibition which this year takes place at Suntec Singapore October 14-16.

The two-day event brings together a mix of professionals - developers, mall managers and retailers from around the world - to trade views on how they see global trends and opportunities.

The exhibition will showcase developers' global retail portfolios, including their latest projects.

The ICSC decided on hosting the event in Singapore because of its role as Asia's ever evolving megamall, enhanced now by new projects like CapitaLand's ION Orchard and Las Vegas Sands' Marina Bay Sands.

"One byproduct of Singapore's evolution is its embrace of many first-time retailers in newly opened centers along the city's upscale shopping thoroughfare, Orchard Road." said Tan Guan Heng, director of ICSC Asia- Pacific.

Echoing the findings of CB Richard Ellis' 2009 global retail report, Mr. Tan said Asia's many franchising opportunities were helping retailers to establish in the region. "The report also makes another good point," he added. "Since finding good locations can be a big entry barrier for new retailers, shopping centre openings can be a trigger for international players to enter new markets and open their first store."

Asia Expo 2009 will also play host to strong regional developers, including Malaysia's Iskandar Investment Bhd, Philippines' Ayala Land, Inc, India's DLF Retail Developers Ltd and Japan's Aeon Mall Co Ltd, providing perspectives on developing and developed markets alike.

Featuring Asia's top architects, real estate agencies, mall suppliers and consultants, ICSC Asia Expo promises to open a fantastic window on the future direction of shopping centres.

In addition, the annual ICSC Asia Shopping Centre Awards will be held at a reception October 15, closing Day One of the conference. This year's competition drew 109 entries from across Asia, 16 more than last year's inaugural contest. The Awards are now recognized as the quality benchmark for retail marketing and development initiatives in the region.

Ian Robins, CEO of The Link Management, 2008's Gold Winner and the Awards' Gold Sponsor this year, said winning peer recognition for his company's extensive programme of free cultural workshops certainly meant a lot to his organisation. "We are encouraged by this recognition of The Link's efforts in supporting the community through activities at our shopping centres," Mr Robins said. Hong Kong's first REIT, The Link's portfolio today boasts 180 retail and car park facilities "on the doorstep" of 40% of Hong Kong's population.

About the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)

Founded in 1957, ICSC is the premier global trade association of the shopping center industry. Its 60,000 members in over 90 countries include shopping center owners, developers, managers, marketing specialists, investors, retailers and brokers, as well as academics and public officials.

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Email: prontopr@pacific.net.hk

Source: International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
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