Editor's Note
A touch of Malaysia Part of my early childhood was spent
in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where my uncle lives. For a break, we would also head to Pangkor Island in Perak where he was stationed for a few months, and that was when, as a young careless girl, I discovered the beauty of Malaysia. And it is settling to know that
Malaysians, associations and active groups alike are doing more to conserve Malaysia's beauty and nature. Such as in the case of saving the giant clams in Sabah where an international celebrity lends his voice to reach for the cause. Malaysia in itself has a lot to offer. Hotels now cater to different
types of audiences, each ever ready to hear, understand and tweak to customise every need. In regional news, we also have events that happened in Singapore and Thailand that touched on meeting venues and MICE, as well as heritage venues that have morphed into an avenue for creativity that harnesses business. With case studies and success stories, it's evident that venues, be
they in the hotels, historical sites or out-of-box places are a key factor in making your agenda eventful.
Melissa Tizi | Editor, Events Asia melissa.tizi@tenalpsasia.com
Front page credit: Alu-Alu Chinese seafood restaurant, Gayana Eco Resort, Sabah, Malaysia Save the giant clams
Celebrity Irish pop star and philanthropist Ronan Keating has volunteered to become an ambassador for a campaign to protect endangered giant clams and restore coral reefs at Sabah's internationally-renowned Gayana Eco Resort. Associated with his upcoming role in the movie Goddess, Keating's life
parallels his on-screen character where he portrays a marine biologist. His involvement has sparked a long-term partnership with the resort's marine efforts. "I'm not an authority on this by any means but I'm trying to educate
myself and understand it, and it's fantastic to see what they're doing here. We didn't know that the giant clams were becoming extinct. So, I not only hope to raise awareness here, but also bring back the message to Ireland, England and Europe," said Keating.
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Contents
Editor's Note + Contents A touch of Malaysia
Thailand unveils MICE Strategic Plan at IMEX 2012 PATA hub city forum explores innovation in quality tourism
News British Airways urges you to sleep
Feature Malaysia: A truly Asian hospitality A Palace fit for a King
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People New leaders on board at CWT, Keraton at The Plaza and Life Resorts 7
News Worldhotels launches first branded hotel in Philippines
Louis Vuitton celebrates with unique service and travel concept The Road to Mandalay
Venue Showcase Great line-up from hotels in Malaysia, Hong Kong and Thailand
TRAVEL & MEETINGS GROUP Publisher (Asia) Amantha Chia • amantha.chia@tenalpsasia.com (65) 6521 9752 Publisher (China) Susan Li • susan.li@tenalpsasia.com (86) 10 6515 6659 Associate Publisher (China) Zhang Jing • jing.zhang@tenalpsasia.com (86) 021 6287 0088
EDITORIAL Editor (Asia) Melissa Tizi • melissa.tizi@tenalpsasia.com (65) 6521 9741 Editor-in-Chief (China) Cindy Cui • cindy.cui@tenalpsasia.com (8610) 8532 2196 Editor (China) Wang Xinsheng • xinsheng.wang@tenalpsasia.com (8610) 8532 3526
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Events is published 12 times a year by Ten Alps Communications Asia Pte Ltd, located at 67 Ubi Avenue 1 #06-06 StarHub Green, North Wing Singapore 408942. All rights reserved. Please address all subscription mail to the above address, or Fax +65 6521 9766. Volume 2, Number 5
May 2012
Photos: Gayana Eco Resort
