Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/956553
FEATURE | TRENDS 18 MAR-APR 2018 MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS MCMAG-ASIA.COM WHAT'S YOUR WISH? "As Malaysia starts to grow exponentially in the business events industry, I hope there will be a greater understanding among the government and industry stakeholders on what the industry contributes to the destination in terms of trade and investment, research, innovation and knowledge building. "It's time the industry came together to advocate about the industry beyond business. Talent development is another area we should focus on, considering by 2020, more than 50% of the workforce will be under the age of 38 (the Gen Y and the Gen Z) – how will we attract them to our industry and to sustain the future of the industry?" ‡ HO YOKE PING, GENERAL MANAGER ‡ BUSINESS EVENTS, MALAYSIA CONVENTION & EXHIBITION BUREAU "2018 is the year of Partnership, Capabilities and Sustainability for Thailand, and we are ready for both international and domestic alliances in winning and hosting more business events focusing on 10 high-tech or S-Curve industries that will drive an innovation-based economy. "We have come up with many special incentive campaigns for the purpose, enabling the ease of entrance to Thailand for Asia. Sustainability practice in MICE industry will be another key pillar. Towards this, we will support MICE operators to adopt ISO in their event management." ‡ NICHAPA YOSWEE, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT ± BUSINESS, THAILAND CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION BUREAU "A stretch wish would be for an absence of any form of negative travel advisory or warning, be it due to man- made or natural causes. That's a tall order on both accounts, but hey, might as well wish big! "On a more intimate basis, I wish the current rush into AI and all things tech focuses on how such things can be helpful tools for scientifi c accomplishment and to support our human e‚ orts on delivering great hospitality rather than serve as replacements or substitutes." ‡ ROBERT HECKER, MANAGING DIRECTOR, PACIFIC ASIA, HOWARTH HTL "When the fi rst wave of Dot. com swept into this industry, we laughed and called it "Dog gone"! Then the second wave came smarter and stronger and now everyone is talking technology and digital! "Technology is boon if you know how it can work for you, otherwise, it is bane. There are great platforms for hotel booking, logistic utilisation, conference and meeting registration, dynamic packaging, tour and activities - everything a DMC needs at the front-end, hence, for 2018, I hope to see more back-end solutions for DMCs." ‡ JUDY LAM, GM, DIETHELM TRAVEL SINGAPORE