AONIA Announces MICE Director As New Shareholder
AONIA today announced that Managing Director Mr. Daniel Chua and new shareholder, MICE Director Mr. Darryl Rodrigues, have signed a shareholder agreement with respect to AONIA Pte Ltd.
“We are tremendously pleased with the recent signing of the AONIA Shareholder Agreement and I am extremely proud to have such an highly effective and strategic shareholders to guide the success of AONIA and AONIAmice,” said Mr. Chua.
“I am happy to have in our ranks an experienced, talented, and valuable person who has faith in our values and in the future of our Company. In this fast changing world, our objectives cannot be reached without our people, who live and transmit a passion for excellence and who strive to give our customers full satisfaction. I thank Darryl for his hard work and commitment, and I look forward to working with him for greater success ahead,” continued Mr. Chua.
From Left: Managing Director Daniel Chua and new shareholder, MICE Director Darryl Rodrigues
AONIA Brings the Asian MICE Market to INWETEX-CIS Travel Market 2011
INWETEX-CIS Travel Market is the largest B2B event in the North-West of Russia, attracting an average of more than 467 companies from 37 countries and 9 700 visitors annually. Among the participants each year are more than 7 000 professionals from the tourism industry. It deservedly took its place as the top five most popular events in the Russian tourism industry and was the grand finale in a series of exhibitions in 2011. As part of its business development plan in Russia, AONIA attended the INWETEX-CIS Travel Market Exhibition 2011 from 12 – 14 October, 2011 in St. Petersburg.
The Exhibition program included a MICE Conference which covered topics such as: ‘How Business Meetings Impact the Development and Prosperity of Cities: MICE-creativity, MICE-quality’, where AONIA was invited to share its foreign experiences with their Russian and European colleagues. AONIA was the first MICE Company from Asia to participate in this event.
AONIA also shared information on the latest MICE innovations in the industry, and the importance of establishing international cooperation between Russian and Asian companies as a key factor in stimulating economic growth through MICE. AONIA’s presentation increased the audiences’ interest in the MICE industry in Asia, its development and future cooperation with AONIA. AONIA was also awarded with a ‘Diploma of Contribution to the Intellectual Development of the MICE Industry’ by RESTEC Exhibition Company, the organisers of INWETEX-CIS Travel Market 2011.
The event was a great opportunity for AONIA to network with potential partners in Russia. As early as the beginning of this year, AONIA has started collaborations on MICE projects in Singapore, and has also been invited to take part in the upcoming INWETEX-CIS Travel Market and MICE Conference 2012.
Marina Bay Sands to Trial Miracube Auto-Stereoscopic 3D Diplay
World-class integrated resort Marina Bay Sands is set to launch a trial phase of Miracube Auto-Stereoscopic 3D Displays in the world-class luxury integrated resort.
Putting itself at the forefront of the highest standards of technology, Marina Bay Sands is set to further redefine the exhibition and meeting experience with the adoption of this technology. In 2011, CEI Asia, the region’s leading MICE magazine, named Marina Bay Sands “Asia’s Best MICE Hotel” for the second year in a row.
If the trial phase is successful, visitors, delegates and guests in Marina Bay Sands could possibly see a roll-out of more Miracube 3D Displays in the future. They will be able to experience realistic, eye-catching images leaping off the screen without the need for glasses, ensuring that every event goes from ordinary to extraordinary.
AONIA is proud to be the marketer and distributor of Miracube Auto-Stereoscopic 3D Displays.
AONIAmice Expands Strategic MICE Alliance with Tourism Australia Networking Luncheon
AONIA is pleased to be in partnership with Tourism Australia, Perth Convention Bureau and Melbourne Convention Bureau, hosting an exclusive by-invitation only Tourism Australia Networking Luncheon which took place on 11 January 2012 at 10 SCOTTS, Grand Hyatt Singapore. Showcasing Australia as a destination for business events, the group luncheon was attended by 20 international corporate meeting and incentive decision makers from various industries. In addition to the networking luncheon, there was a short presentation by Perth Convention Bureau and Melbourne Convention Bureau, as well as a lucky draw.
The luncheon is part of a wider strategy to support Australia’s tourism industry. Last November, Tourism Australia unveiled the 2020 Tourism Industry Potential – a rallying call to Australian industry and governments to grow tourism’s contribution from $70 billion in overnight expenditure to as much as $140 billion per cent by the year 2020. Business events such as corporate meetings and incentives are a significant contributor to the Australian economy. In terms of delegate expenditure, the contribution of business events visitors was AUD$8.5 billion(i) in 2010.
AONIA Wins MICE Agency Pitch for Merck Serono
AONIA has been appointed to manage Merck Serono’s European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Inauguration Ceremony and Seminar in March 2012. ESMO is the leading European professional organization, committed to advancing the specialty of medical oncology and promoting a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment and care. In this appointment, AONIA will be responsible for the overall event management and logistics.
Watch this space for more updates!
About Merck
Merck is a global pharmaceutical and chemical company with a history that began in 1668, and a future shaped by around 40,000 employees in 67 countries. With the acquisition of Millipore in July 2010, a global leader in the life science tools market, revenues totaled around EUR 9.3 billion in 2010. Innovations made possible by entrepreneurial employees characterize the company’s success.
AONIA Joins Familiarization Trip Hosted by Shangri-La Mactan Resort Cebu
AONIA was recently part of a select group invited to participate in a 3-day familiarization trip hosted by the wonderful folks from Shangri-La Mactan Resort Cebu & Spa.
The trip started off with a heartwarming traditional welcome dance upon arrival at Shangri-La. The delegates were given an informative tour around the resort for a comprehensive site inspection. Highlights of the tour included getting a glimpse into the refurnished Ocean Wing, complete with luxurious accommodations and a panaromic view of the Visayan Sea.
On the second day, the group embarked on a city tour to visit attractions such as Fort San Pedro and Magellan’s Cross. The day wrapped up with a ‘Glamping’ themed dinner, where everyone enjoyed a sumptuous and fun gourmet dinner under a beautiful tent. On the morning of their departure, the group was treated to an unforgettable spa experience at Shangri-La’s CHI The Spa, one of the largest and most luxurious spa villages in the Philippines.
Thank you, Shangri-La Mactan Resort Cebu & Spa!
Training Future MICE Leaders : AONIA MD Daniel Chua appointed by SACEOS to provide training
Meetings and conventions bring people together for a common purpose, and meeting and convention planners work to ensure that this purpose is achieved seamlessly. They coordinate every detail of meetings and conventions, from the speakers and meeting location to arranging for printed materials and audio-visual equipment. The real work is in the details that lead up to the event, and the skills needed to ensure the final program runs without hitches requires extensive training and of course, experience.
As more conferences are being organised in Singapore, individuals will need to be more informed on the various elements involved and be aware of what to expect in this dynamic sector. The PCM course is designed to meet this need and equip participants working in the private and public sector with the essential skills for organizing and managing seminars, regional meetings, conferences.
AONIA’s MICE industry partner, The Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS), has appointed our Managing Director Daniel Chua to provide training on Professional Conference Management (PCM) on 22 and 23 November 2011. He will introduce participants to the basic concepts and elements in organizing conferences, impart industry knowledge and experience to raise standards of conference management in Singapore and share with course participants how to apply the concepts of marketing, budgeting and programming.
About SACEOS
Over the past 29 years, SACEOS has contributed significantly to making Singapore the best events venue for Asia. Dedicated to shaping the future of Singapore’s exhibitions, conventions and meeting industry, SACEOS works closely with the Singapore Government to chart the industry’s growth path and further the island state’s position as an International Exhibition City and Regional Convention Hub in Asia.
With its commitment to excellence, SACEOS has developed a strong education and training programme to ensure service quality for all events held in Singapore. In 2001, SACEOS was the first in the world to launch a set of technical references to raise the professionalism within the exhibition industry. SACEOS has also established a strong international network which provides global connections for its members.
SACEOS represents four business sectors within the industry:
- Professional Exhibition Organisers (PEOs)
- Professional Conference Organisers (PCOs)
- Meeting and Incentive Organisers
- Suppliers of facilities and services to the exhibition, convention and meeting industry such as audio-visual and equipment suppliers, freight forwarders, stand builders, venue operators, travel agents, hotels, printers and publishers.
The association’s objectives are:
- To encourage and maintain high ethical standards of business conduct and professionalism among its members
- To promote cooperation of the industry in all matters of mutual interest
- To provide opportunities for the interchange of views and information
- To represent the industry in all matters involving any government, ministry, association and media
SACEOS works closely with the International Enterprise Singapore (IE Singapore) and the Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau (SECB), a division of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), in developing Singapore into an International Exhibition City and regional convention and meeting hub.
EXCO Taiwan 2011: AONIA Strengthens Bonds in Taiwan
AONIA received the honour of recently being invited by MEET TAIWAN to attend the Exco Taiwan Exhibition & Convention Industry Show 2011 from 3 – 5 November 2011. Held in the Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC) Exhibition Hall and organized by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), Exco Taiwan is a must-go show for MICE professionals to sharpen their connections knowledge, and edge by meeting counterparts from home and abroad. The annual mega event connects participants to the network of TAITRA’s annual 30 trade shows, 9,000 exhibitors, and 200,000 buyers.
It was indeed a great opportunity for AONIA to develop new business, exchange trade information, make new partners, and tap into the Exhibition & Convention Industry of Taiwan. The scale and success of Exco Taiwan showed there is no disputing the fact that the MICE industry in Asia is currently experiencing a period of great expansion and growth. Taiwan’s MICE industry is much younger than its counterparts in Hong Kong and Singapore – but as AONIA experienced at Exco Taiwan, the warm and helpful hospitality of the Taiwanese people, the scenic beauty of Taiwan and the fine Taiwan cuisine will continue to give Taiwan its competitive edge in the MICE industry.
Thank you, MEET TAIWAN!
About MEET TAIWAN
Sponsored by the Bureau of Foreign Trade, MEET TAIWAN aims to firmly establish Taiwan as a dynamic destination for business events and exhibitions, a place where innovative people and ideas meet together to create added-value.
MEET TAIWAN is comprised of four subsidiary projects:
．Taiwan MICE Overall Implementation Project
Tasks: MICE industry research and sponsorships management
．Taiwan MICE International Marketing and Promotion Project
Tasks: media relations, sales promotion and related marketing cooperation
．Taiwan MICE Training and Certification Project
Tasks: MICE related training and local MICE expertise certification system development
．Taiwan MICE International Meetings Hosting Project
Tasks: bidding tools support and customized bidding strategy consultation
Resource Support
To encourage international participation of MICE activities in Taiwan, the government offers various support systems and incentive programs for your events.
Support includes:
．Sponsorship for admission to tourist attractions
．Bidding and promotional assistance for convention organizers
．Financial support to business events that are to be held in Taiwan
．Sponsorship for hospitality, receptions and banquets related to MICE events in Taiwan
．Support for the development of MICE-related inbound investments or expansion plans
GlaxoSmithKline Farewell Dinner Pays Tribute to Outgoing Vice-President and Site Director
It was a very special evening of fun and laughter at The Cove, Rasa Sentosa Shangri-La on 10th September 2011. 550 employees from pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) gathered for a farewell dinner to toast GSK’s retiring Vice-President and Site Director Mr. Chris Dobson (Glaxo Wellcome Manufacturing Pte Ltd). The night flowed merrily with food, champagne, and music to the event theme of “Back to School”.
Staying true to the walk down memory lane, Mr. Dobson hammed it up as the cool Headmaster who rode in on a bike. Guests came dressed for the occasion and played nostalgic childhood games that took them back to simpler days. Actor and funnyman Adrian Pang emceed the dinner, while stand-up comedian Sebastian Tan brought side-aching laughs and entertainment to the guests with his energetic brand of humour. But saying goodbye is never easy, and there was a hint of sadness that hummed throughout the event as the employees thanked Mr. Dobson and wished him well.
AONIA is proud to have been part of the celebration as well as a fitting tribute for the much respected and well-loved Mr. Dobson. We wish you the very best in your endeavours, Mr. Dobson!
About GlaxoSmithKline
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies. Headquartered in the UK, it is a global organisation with offices in over 100 countries and major research centres in the USA, UK, Belgium and China. It is the third largest pharmaceutical company in the world, and it is also one of the few pharmaceutical companies researching both medicines and vaccines for the World Health Organization’s three priority diseases – HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, and have developed some of the leading global medicines in these fields.
AONIA’s Client KINGDEE Featured in EDB Highlights 2011
AONIA’s client Kingdee has been published in the Economic Development Board Highlights 2011. Below is the video featuring AONIA’s project with Kingdee:
Kingdee International Software Group Company Limited is a listed company on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (Stock Code: 00268). It is a leader in the China software industry, a distinguished enterprise management software and middleware provider in Asia-Pacific region and a world renowned online management and e-business application solution service provider. Its mission is to lead advancement of management model of enterprises, encourage e-business and enable customers’ success. Currently, Kingdee provides management consultation and informatization services to over 600,000 enterprises, government departments and organizations around the world. It has been recognized by IDC as the biggest player in SME management software market in China in terms of market share for four consecutive years and as the Best SME in Asia by Forbes Asia for three consecutive years. Furthermore, it has been recognized by Gartner as one of the 19 major Next Generation SOA service providers in the world. In 2008, Kingdee was awarded the highest honor in the field of quality in Shenzhen, namely Shenzhen Mayor Quality Award. In 2007, IBM and others jointly invested in the Group and became its strategic shareholders. Kingdee and IBM have also formed global alliance, cooperating in various aspects, including SOA, marketing and sales, consultation and application management services (AMS) and software as a service (SaaS), etc.
