Published on : Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Singapore will host several prominent medical congresses coming to Southeast Asia for the first time – two of these events are also making their Asian debuts. These events are tipped to bring in approximately 16,000 visitors and some $34 million in tourism receipts. They also attest to Singapore’s strengths as a MICE destination, while boosting the Lion City’s ambition to be a prominent thought leader in the respective fields.
Besides coming to Asia for the first time, the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Asia Congress (Dec 18 – 20) and SpineWeek 2016 (May 16 – 20, 2016) also mark the first time both entities are organising an event outside of Europe. In between these events is the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine’s (ISMRM) annual meeting and exhibition (May 7 – 13, 2016).
An estimated 2,700 international attendees are set to attend the inaugural ESMO Asia Congress. The congress has been endorsed by 11 of the most important and influential Asian oncology associations in the region, including that of Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Thailand and Singapore.
Esteemed international specialists within the field of oncology like ESMO president Professor Rolf A. Stahel, and respected authorities Professor Tony Mok, chairman of the Hong Kong Cancer Therapy Society, and Professor Stanley B. Kaye who is a member of the ESMO advisory council and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research’s (A*Star) Novel Agents Committee for Cancer, are slated to speak at the December conference.
Professor Stahel said, “Singapore is a perfect fit for the first-ever ESMO Asia Congress, with its geographical location that makes it a convenient travel hub for international delegates. Coupled with the state-of-the-art event facilities, I’m confident hosting the ESMO Asia here presents an optimal opportunity for the exchange of expertise across Asian and European cultures and help elevate the field of oncology further.”
International congresses bring with them many opportunities for education as well as international networking and collaboration. Ms Jeannie Lim, Executive Director Conventions, Meetings and Incentive Travel at the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), said, “We are honoured that ESMO chose to host its first Asian congress in Singapore. With a strong biomedical hub and a knowledge-driven economy, Singapore continues to hold strong relevance for medical congresses and meetings. The quality content of such events enrich the knowledge of both international and Singapore delegates, promising the inspiring meeting experience that Singapore strives to offer.”
Providing business events a differentiated experience in Singapore
May 2016 will see two prestigious medical events in Singapore – the ISMRM annual meeting and exhibition, and SpineWeek 2016. Both events are here in Southeast Asia for the first time, and are likely to attract between 6,000 and 7,000 attendees each.
As the world’s largest spinal care-related meeting, SpineWeek 2016 will bring together 16 spine societies from around the world, along with executives involved in the community, for the event’s first Asian edition. The event will also have training workshops outside of abstract sessions, which will give delegates more opportunities to broaden their expertise and exchange ideas with colleagues and peers from different areas of spinal care, potentially leading to fruitful collaborations in future.
The ISMRM annual meeting and exhibition is into its 24th edition and will draw key professionals like clinicians, engineers, physicists, biochemists and technologists from around the world to share their knowledge with others for the betterment of their field. Nearly 6,000 professionals have submitted their abstracts for presentation at the meeting, promising new, valuable knowledge that will aid in advancing the science of magnetic resonance in medicine.
Ms Roberta Kravitz, Executive Director of ISMRM said, “Singapore has continued to amaze us with its choice of great meeting spaces and social venues that are available for our various functions and side events. We are very happy to have confirmed events that I am sure will provide our delegates an excellent sense of place as well as lasting memories that are unique to this beautiful city.”
The ISMRM committee will host a pre-conference programme at the Gardens by the Bay for delegates who are attending the meeting for the first time. They will also host an after-event party for its delegates at the Esplanade’s outdoor theatre and the nearby Makansutra Gluttons Bay.
Ms Lim added, “We are delighted that event organisers are impressed with Singapore’s offerings as a MICE destination. It is always a pleasure working with meeting organisers who are keen to showcase the city as part of their meeting experience. We are happy to help bring about a fruitful meeting experience through which delegates not only learn, network and exchange ideas, but also return home with a piece of Singapore in their hearts.”
Tags: ISMRM annual meeting and exhibition, MICE, MICE destination, Singapore, southeast asia
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