Northstar

VIEWPOINT | EXPERT 56 May-Jun 2017 meetings & conventions • mcmag-asia.com Once upon a time, there was a young, sporty and funky gal at the age of 19 who drove around in a red mini and got into fights with "uncle drivers" who gave her a hard time. She may be petite. She may not like to wear a cheongsam, but she can most certainly give Miss Singapore a run for her money – and stand tall. That she did – working alongside Linda Oliveiro for the grand opening of Shangri-La Hotel Singapore in 1971. It signalled the beginning of Janet Tan-Collis's career in event management. It was not love at first sight, but it would prove to be an addiction that has Janet throwing flame balls in the industry for 46 years. Her passion as a lobbyist, change catalyst and perfectionist in all things MICE has rewarded her with accolades that few achieve in one lifetime. The roll of honour: Benedictine Working Mother of the Year Award 1990; Travel Personality of the Year Asia Pacific at EIBTM, Switzerland 1995; and 2016 Global Executive of the Year Award by PCMA. This year, she received Singapore Tourism Board's Lifetime Achievement for Outstanding Contribution to Tourism. It is a recognition of her unrelenting spirit in elevating professional standards in the MICE industry, and in providing opportunities to nurture and inspire future talents. And by all means, she is not done yet. The MICE cauldron bubbles over with abundance. How do you keep the industry at boiling point? It's truly about ones' interests, passion, A dragon's tale She has been described as "funny, fierce and a dragon" by those who have worked with her. In this issue, we pay tribute to the achievements of the ever eloquent Janet- Tan Collis, chief executive of East West Planners and president of SACEOS Words Esther Faith Lew Janet and her husband at a party

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