Qatar to host first Jeff Koons exhibition in the Gulf

Qatar Museums (QM) is set to present Jeff Koons: Lost in America from 21 November 2021 to 31 March 2022 as part of the Qatar-United States 2021 Year of Culture. 

The artist’s first exhibition in the Gulf region will take place at the QM Gallery ALRIWAQ with items selected by curator and art critic Massimiliano Gioni that provide a view into the career of one of the best-known contemporary artists in the world.

Source: Qatar Museum. Koons's work bridges pop, minimalism and the readymade, and his iconic balloon dog statue is recognised globally.

Lost in America presents a portrait of American culture as seen through Koons’s autobiography, beginning with his childhood in suburban Pennsylvania. The exhibition features more than 60 artworks drawn from Koons’s four-decades-long career and is divided into 16 galleries, each introduced by an autobiographical text by the artist, that emphasise his memories, influences and fascination with American visual culture.

Yip Yew Chong exhibits at Sofitel Singapore City Centre

Source: Sofitel Hotels & Resorts. Yip with some of his paintings.

Singaporean artist Yip Yew Chong brings a nostalgic exhibition to the Sofitel Singapore City Centre. Stories From Yesteryear, which features 24 canvas paintings and four digital artworks, will be showcased at the hotel from 26 February to 31 March 2021.

Inspired by Chinatown where he grew up and Tanjong Pagar where he lives today, Yip has been beautifying Singapore's streets with his vibrant street murals for years. His artworks are typically intricately-detailed and tell stories, especially of his childhood, bygone eras and lost places. At times, he mixes past and present seamlessly in the same work.

The scenes in the exhibited paintings feature similar subjects. Painted between 2017 and 2021, the artworks are panoramic yet intimate and provide a visual history of Singapore across major cultural festivals and traditions such as the Mid-Autumn Festival, Hari Raya Haji, the Hungry Ghost Festival and Chingay.

“Sofitel Hotels have always supported the arts and we are proud to showcase such an incredible artist as Yip Yew Chong with an exhibition that will allow our guests, loyalty members, VIPs and team members to step back in time to a golden era in Singapore’s past. The hotel stands near the scene of one of the artworks, so people will be able to get a real sense of how much the city has developed over the years,” said Wouter de Graaf, GM of Sofitel Singapore City Centre, which is at Guoco Tower in Tanjong Pagar.

”Tanjong Pagar is such a colourful neighbourhood and the hotel stands within a short walk to many of Yew Chong’s murals in nearby Everton Park and Chinatown, so it’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the works of this amazing artist.”

To bring guests closer to the history and legends of the area and connect more closely with Yip's art, the hotel is offering a special Yesteryear Peranakan menu for the month of March which will highlight some favourite dishes that reflect Yew Chong’s childhood and are depicted in the paintings.

Members of the Accor Live Limitless (ALL) loyalty programme will have the chance to attend special evenings with the artist to hear him share the stories of each artwork and dine on traditional Peranakan dishes depicted in the paintings. Entry to the exhibition is free and guests who stay in-house will be able take away a hand-drawn map by the artist, so they can further explore his murals on a walk around the neighbourhood.

“I am excited to bring this exhibition to the Sofitel Singapore City Centre and to allow the people of Singapore to enjoy these artworks, which not only tell intimate stories of Singapore’s past but are very much a representation of my childhood and my imagination,” said Yip. 

“I painted these works over the past four years including a quite prolific period during the pandemic. I hope they will bring some joy at a time when we can’t travel overseas but we can still travel back in time and space in our minds. I also hope the exhibition will inspire others to share their own stories of yesteryear, and their hopes for the future.”

Sofitel hotels are always destinations where art and culture are celebrated. The Sofitel Singapore City Centre has become an intrinsic part of the cultural life of Tanjong Pagar and regularly hosts exhibitions and events that spotlight art. The hotel has collaborated with numerous artists and exhibitions since opening including William Sim, who produced an exclusive colouring in book featuring the hotel.

Details:

The Sofitel Singapore City Centre is offering dining and stay packages for those who wish to immerse themselves more fully in the artist’s work. 

From S$349++, the Stories from Yesteryear Package includes overnight accommodation in a Luxury Room, access to the exhibition, breakfast for two, a curated Peranakan-inspired set dinner at Racines, a handcrafted drink inspired by the artworks and a selection of Peranakan tapas at 1864, as well as the hand-drawn map so guests can explore some of Yip's murals nearby.

Guests who book a staycation can also enter an Instagram competition to win a high tea experience.

Book a package.

CEE is poised to show off gadgets and games

• GAMEX's Singapore Robo Fight (Level 4, Gamex Booth 8601)
• Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) Mobile (Level 4, Gamex Booth 8601)
• Courts launches Singapore’s first air-con subscription service (Level 4, Booth 8113)
• Gadgets trade-in extended to corporate customers (Entrance at the front of Hall 403)
• Hot deals: Singtel GOMO - Free Best Denki S$20 voucher
• New products: OPSH Ultra Sound System Series, Klipsch T5 earphones, Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL

Get ready for gadgets and gaming at the 4th Consumer Electronics Exhibition (CEE). Held from 23 - 26 May 2019, CEE 2019 is organised by Exhibits Inc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sphere Exhibits, the events and exhibitions arm of Singapore Press Holdings.

Highlights include:

Singapore Robo Fight 2019 (Level 4, Gamex Booth 8601)

Control mini battle robots around obstacles with a smartphone to search and destroy enemies. Every battle robot has a camera with augmented reality so that the gamer’s smartphone can detect, track and attack enemy robots with various virtual weaponry.

The top two winners at the local qualifiers at CEE will represent Singapore at the upcoming World Cyber Games in Xian, China. Winners at the local qualifiers stand to win over S$3,000 in cash prizes.

Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) Mobile (Level 4, Gamex Booth 8601)

PUBG Mobile as the main competition title at GAMEX. Participants will rally themselves in squads of four to fight for glory and a chance to win over S$1,000 in cash prizes.

Source: CEE website. Banner for

Discover Microsoft (Level 3, Booth 318)

At the Create zone, discover how Microsoft Surface and Microsoft Office 365 are designed to unlock creativity. At the Play zone, find out why games play best on Xbox One. Fight the dangers of an ever-changing world in Anthem, and survive through the apocalypse in Metro Saga.


Singapore’s first air-con subscription service at Courts (Level 4, Booth 8113)

Instead of paying up-front for air-conditioners and extra for repairs and maintenance, users can pay a monthly fee to get it all. Courts is partnering electrical appliance brand Midea* for the subscription service at CEE. Users pay a monthly fee of between S$29 and S$99 per month for six years to cover the cost of the air-con units, unlimited repairs plus regular cleaning and maintenance.

Gadgets trade-in extended to corporate customers (Entrance at the front of Hall 403)

Consumers trading in their old gadgets for cash vouchers has become a regular feature at tech shows. For the first time, companies can now enjoy the same benefits at CEE 2019 for their old laptops, tablets, desktops, phones and monitors. Corporate users need to fill in an online form and arrange for a viewing appointment. Once the parties agree on the value of the trade-in, the company will be issued cash vouchers when it brings the gadgets to CEE 2019 for redemption. The vouchers can be used for purchases at select retailers at CEE 2019. 

GOMO by Singtel (Level 3 Summit, Booth 3S05)

Switch your number to GOMO by Singtel at CEE 2019, and get a S$20 Best Denki voucher on top of a free GOMO travel SIM worth S$20. This offer is exclusive to CEE. GOMO by Singtel is a no-contract SIM-only plan offering 20 GB of data monthly for S$20 which has been making waves with Millennials. GOMO subscribers also get 200 minutes of talktime, 200 SMS and free incoming calls.

..And more

Gamers will be treated to CEE-exclusive deals on the Super SXFI holographic audio technology with the Creative SXFI AIR C, while Dell is offering deals on its high-security Dell Latitude 5590 business laptops.



New products include:

OPSH Ultra Sound System Series (Level 4, Booth 8460)

Home-grown furniture brand OPSH takes its first dip in the tech world by launching its brand-new OPSH Ultra sound system at CEE 2019. This modular soundbar can be customised to fit into furniture. With Bluetooth connectivity, powerful speakers and a built-mic, users can even take their calls at the soundbar.  

Klipsch T5 earphones (Level 3, Booth 311)

First announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in the US this year, this new range of earphones from Klipsch makes its debut here at CEE 2019 before its launch in the US. The T5 Sport is ideal for the active with long-lasting battery and ear wings that keep the earphones in the ear. The T5 Neckband is great for the executive who prioritises voice clarity and long battery life while demanding minimalism. And for music lovers, there is the T5 Wired that takes all the great features from the previous line of Klipsch R6 earphones and makes them even better. 

Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL (Level 4, Booth 8105)

These just-released mid-range smartphones are packed with a powerful camera, fast-charging adaptive battery, and built-in Google Assistant.

Details:

CEE 
Suntec Singapore Convention Centre
Level 3: 11 am - 9 pm
Level 4: 12 pm - 9 pm

Check out purchase-with-purchase offers

Register for Singapore Robo Fight  

Register for PUBG Mobile

*This author owns Midea air-conditioners from Courts and they are exceptionally quiet, extremely cold, and have so far only needed servicing once in nearly two years.

Sharjah Calligraphy Museum hosts Southeast Asian calligraphy from students of Bil'eed AlHameedy

Source: Sharjah Museums Department.

The Sharjah Calligraphy Museum is hosting Letters & Ornamentation from Southeast Asia, an exhibition for the students of the Moroccan calligrapher Bil'eed AlHameedy from Indonesia, Malaysia, China and the Philippines. Each artist has contributed up to five pieces of his or her best work.

AlHameedy is also hosting Arabic calligraphy workshops in conjunction with the exhibition.

Interested?

The exhibition continues till 3 March 2017.

The Sharjah Calligraphy Museum is in the Hamad Al Midfaa building in the Sharjah Heritage Area (Heart of Sharjah). Tickets are AED5 for those aged 13 and above. Entry is free for children aged 12 and below. Family tickets cost AED10.

Opening hours:
Saturday to Thursday 8am to 8pm
Friday 4pm to 8pm

Call +971 6 569 4561 with enquiries

Hashtag: #SharjahCalligraphyMuseum

The magic of port cities unveiled at the Asian Civilisations Museum

Source: ACM website. View of Singapore from Mount Wallich, Singapore, 1856, by Percy Carpenter, is one of the exhibits at Port Cities: Multicultural Emporiums of Asia, 1500 –1900.

 Traders and migrants, jewellery and cottons, languages and commerce – port cities mix people, merchandise, and ideas. The Port Cities: Multicultural Emporiums of Asia, 1500 –1900
special exhibition paints a picture of life through photographs, paintings, fashion, luxury goods, and everyday objects at the Asian Civilisations Museum. 

Interested?

The exhibition ends 19 February 2017. The Asian Civilisations Museum is open from 10am to 7pm (daily) other than on Fridays, when it opens from 10am to 9pm. 

Watch the video introducing Port Cities: Multicultural Emporiums of Asia, 1500 –1900

Check ticket prices

Download the programme booklet (PDF) 

The art of nyonya needlework uncovered at Singapore's Peranakan Museum

Source Peranakan Museum website: Example of nyonya needlework.

Nyonya Needlework: Embroidery and Beadwork in the Peranakan World is on at Singapore's Peranakan Museum till 26 March 2017.

This exhibition celebrates the art of nyonya needlework, a very visible part of Peranakan Chinese heritage. Spectacular curtains and hangings, delicate purses, handkerchiefs, and slippers are painstakingly stitched with miniscule beads, silk, plus gold and silver threads and used for special occasions or given as gifts.

Some of the finest examples of nyonya needlework, from the Peranakan Museum and major international collections, will be displayed.

Interested?

The Peranakan Museum is open 10am to 7pm Mondays to Thursdays and weekends and from 10am to 9pm on Fridays

View pricing details and tour/workshop timings (includes admission to the permanent galleries)

Petra, Desert Wonder exhibition in Sharjah, brings Nabatean culture to life

Source: Sharjah Museums Department. Sheikh Fahim with Khouri.

Sculptures, architectural relics and more from the ancient city of Petra, Jordan, are on show at the Sharjah Archaeology Museum till March 16, 2017. The exhibition, a collaboration between Sharjah Museums Department and the Department of Antiquities in Jordan, is the first show of its kind in the Gulf and is considered integral in promoting cross-cultural exchange between Arab societies.

Petra, Desert Wonder runs from November 23, 2016, to offering visitors a unique insight into the groundbreaking artistic and architectural heritage of the civilisation of the Arab Nabataeans and their ‘Rose City’.

The exhibition was officially inaugurated by Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations. It was attended by HE Jumaa Al Abbadi, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the UAE, and HE Baraa Al Zoubi, General Consul of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in the UAE, HE Manal Ataya, Director General of Sharjah Museums Department, Dr Munther Jamhawi, Director General of the Department of Antiquities in Jordan, and Samia Khouri, Director of Museums and Public Awareness in the Department of Antiquities in Jordan.

Visitors can explore the relationship and connections that linked Petra as a centre of trade with other settlements in the Arabian Peninsula, including Sharjah’s most significant archaeological site, Mleiha.

Manal Ataya, Director General of Sharjah Museums Department, said at the time of the launch: "From today, visitors will gain an understanding into one of the most important civilisations in the region and the groundbreaking artistic and architectural heritage integral to their capital.

“Sharjah Museums Department plays a vital role as a vehicle for the promotion of cross-cultural exchange. Exhibiting such a wealth of pieces in this region for the first time helps to greatly expand knowledge of this great city, which in turn preserves the cultural heritage of a major Arab civilisation.”

Petra, Desert Wonder presents a unique collection of rare archaeological finds from the Nabataean city of Petra, which is hidden among steep red rocks of sandstone in the southern Jordan, and also showcases examples of Nabataean achievements in the fields of industry, engineering and art. From 300 BC to 106 AD, Petra was the capital of a wealthy and powerful kingdom, as well as a political and economic metropolis.

The artefacts chosen for the exhibition highlight that the history and culture of the Nabataean kingdom was linked with Mleiha in Sharjah via established trade routes. Thanks to its strategic location, the Petra dominated trade links affiliated with the passage of caravans transporting incense, frankincense and spices. Today, the city stands out as the only Arab archaeological site among the ‘new wonders of the world’, recognised internationally as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985.

“This exhibition is part of Sharjah Museums Department’s long-term objective to shed light on the history of the UAE and the Arab world,” said Ataya. “It also aims to highlight the ties linking local population centers in the UAE and settlements in the historical city of Petra. Such urban hubs were crucial in enriching human civilisation in ancient times."

Red Dot Design Museum Singapore presents the best product designs of 2016

The Red Dot Design Museum Singapore is featuring a new collection of the latest innovations from this year’s Red Dot Award: Product Design. The exhibition showcases product solutions with refined technology, improved materials and an increased emphasis on users’ comfort and convenience.

This year, a panel of 41 international experts selected the best products from 57 countries. The contemporary collection on show in the Red Dot Design Museum Singapore consists of a selection of the winners showcasing an array of product designs from international brands like Apple, Google, IKEA, Plantronics and Nokia. Each exhibit is presented with the name of the design team and manufacturer, a description highlighting its design attributes and a statement from the jury.

Source: Red Dot. The Iriver AK T1 sound system.

The new collection includes for example the Iriver AK T1, a sound system which delivers precise sound transmission and enhances the quality of sound reproduction. The design of the sound system prevents overlapping of frequency and minimises internal and external vibrations. Visitors can experiment the various functions of the product and experience the sound system live at the museum.

Another exhibit is the ESYLUX Prana+ office floor light, which combines superior lighting and intelligent control technology including a high-tech sensor. The floor light is capable of creating different light intensities. The patented, extendable foot allows the lamp to be used at desks with sides extending to the floor.

Interested?

View winners of the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2016 till 30 November 2016
Red Dot Design Museum Singapore
28 Maxwell Road, Ground Floor
Red Dot Traffic Building
Singapore 069120

Read the TechTrade Asia blog posts on some of the Best of the Best Red Dot Award 2016 winners from HP, Microsoft, and Sony

Museum of Islamic Art pays tribute to Muhammad Ali this July

Source: Museum of Islamic Art Facebook page. View of boxing gloves.

Muhammad Ali: Tribute to a Legend is an exhibition dedicated posthumously to world boxing legend Muhammad Ali (1942 to 2016). The temporary exhibition is curated by Qatar Museums’ 3-2-1 Olympic and Sports Museum and will present a collection of artefacts from the boxing legend’s career, including photography from Ali’s outdoor exhibition bout at the Doha Stadium in 1971; memorabilia spanning his journey to the 1960 Rome Olympics; Ali’s world title winning bout against Sonny Liston in 1964 and his final world title winning fight against Leon Spinks in New Orleans in 1978.

The museum has also developed augmented reality features for its app that can be used with the Muhammad Ali exhibition.

Interested?

The exhibition, at the Eastern Gallery, 4th Floor, Museum of Islamic Art, runs till the end of July. Admission is free.

View the video on the augmented reality app 

Download the augmented reality app for iOS 

Hashtag: #LegendAli

Reframing Modernism is inaugural exhibition at the Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery, National Gallery Singapore

One of the highlights of the exhibition is from Singapore artist Georgette Chen. Landscape, 1930s, oil on canvas, is from the Collection of Centre Pompidou, Paris, MNAM-CCI © Dr Lee Seng Gee Photo: © Centre Pompidou, MNAMCCI/Jim Purcell/Dist. RMN-GP.

National Gallery Singapore has launched its first international special exhibition, Reframing Modernism, co-curated and co-presented with Centre Pompidou, Paris, France. This landmark exhibition, the inaugural exhibition at the Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery, will showcase more than 200 works from about 50 artists, with approximately half from Centre Pompidou and the other half from Southeast Asia.

According to the National Gallery Singapore, this will also be the first time that an exhibition displays significant Southeast Asian and European artists in parallel through its study of one of the most influential artistic and intellectual drives of the 20th century – modernism – from the perspective of Southeast Asia.

Reframing Modernism challenges the existing paradigm of how modernist painting is presented. It brings to light previously unexplored perspectives which enrich the overall discourse. Taking a comparative approach, the exhibition reveals shared concerns between the artists and their bodies of work to create a different narrative of modernism. The unprecedented presentation includes works by Southeast Asian artists such as Le Pho (Vietnam), Nguyen Gia Tri (Vietnam), S Sudjojono (Indonesia), Affandi (Indonesia), Latiff Mohidin (Malaysia), Galo B Ocampo (Philippines), Georgette Chen (Singapore) and Tang Chang (Thailand), as well as European masters Vassily Kandinsky, Fernand Léger, Marc Chagall, Jean Dubuffet, Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.

“We are pleased to work with Centre Pompidou to develop this exhibition which reexamines the paradigm of Modernism. This is the first time in Singapore that visitors can view artworks from European and Southeast Asian masters in the same space. We hope the exhibition will inspire fresh and interesting perspectives of the received understanding of modernism and modern art,” said Dr Eugene Tan, Director at National Gallery Singapore. “Along with the Gallery’s long-term exhibitions, Reframing Modernism will reinforce our aim to further the understanding of modern art from Singapore and Southeast Asia within a global context,” he added.

Reframing Modernism is co-curated by Dr Tan, Senior Curator Lisa Horikawa and Curator Dr Phoebe Scott of the National Gallery Singapore, together with the Deputy Director of Centre Pompidou’s National Museum of Modern Art – Industrial Design Centre, Catherine David and Curator Dr Nicolas Liucci-Goutnikov.

“Reframing Modernism testifies to the Centre Pompidou’s international reach and its pursuit of collaborations with prestigious partner institutions around the globe. Our collaboration with National Gallery Singapore on this unique project has been a most fruitful one and this co-curated exhibition is an excellent opportunity for us to learn more about modern Southeast Asian art and how modernism was perceived in this part of the world. The collaboration also gives art lovers in Singapore and Asia the opportunity to view major artworks from the Centre Pompidou, which houses one of the world’s two largest modern and contemporary art collections,” said Serge Lasvignes, President of the Centre Pompidou.

Reframing Modernism is showcased in the Singtel Special Exhibitions Gallery, which consists of three galleries, spanning across a total floor area of approximately 20,000 sq ft. Chua Sock Koong, Singtel Group CEO said, “We are excited that our contribution to National Gallery Singapore will enable Singaporeans to enjoy both iconic masterpieces from around the world alongside equally accomplished Southeast Asian art that we are proud to champion. We congratulate National Gallery Singapore and Centre Pompidou on their first-ever collaboration. Art is for everyone and we hope this will reach as many people as possible.”

Interested?

Reframing Modernism will run from 31 March until 17 July 2016 at the Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery, located on level 3 of the City Hall Wing at the National Gallery Singapore. Admission into Reframing Modernism is chargeable at S$15 and S$25 for Singaporeans and non-Singaporeans respectively. Concessions apply.

The exhibition will open from 10am to 7pm from Monday to Thursday, and Sunday and public holidays, from 10am to 10pm from Friday to Saturday, and the eves of public holidays.

Revealed photo exhibition makes first Asia Pacific stop at the Sofitel Wanda Beijing

Source: Sofitel. Olivier Picasso, the curator of Revealed by Sofitel, at the September 1 opening of the Revealed photography exhibition at Sofitel Wanda Beijing.

Sofitel Wanda Beijing (北京万達索菲特大飯店) has launched the inaugural Revealed photo exhibition in Asia Pacific. This exhibition has already been to five cities in North America and five in Europe before Beijing, the first stop on its Asia Pacific tour.

The exhibition takes an intimate look at the world’s greatest modern artists at work as they reveal themselves to the photographer. Olivier Widmaier Picasso, grandson of Pablo Picasso, hand-selected 30 photographs from the archives of Paris Match, the French weekly, for Revealed.

Among the photographs on display is a black-and-white image of Pablo Picasso eyeing a Dalmatian longing to climb upon his lap; Salvador Dalí seen sitting in an animal exhibit at the Paris Zoo; Jeff Koons styling a BMW for the 24 Hours of Le Mans; Pierre Soulages crouching over a work in progress; Kees Van Dongen painting a posing Brigitte Bardot; and other striking images depicting Rene Magritte, Marc Chagall, Fernando Botero, Joan Miro, Jean Cocteau, Francis Bacon.

Source: Sofitel. Art-inspired menus are offered at the Sofitel Wanda Beijing throughout September.

In conjunction with Revealed, the Sofitel Greater China culinary team, led by Eric Costille, Regional Executive Chef, Accor Greater China, has put together two art-inspired menus that are available for the month of September at Sofitel Wanda Beijing. The Un Mois en Provence dinner menu at Heritage and Le Gouter en Provence Afternoon Tea at Vous Lounge both take inspiration from art in their colour and presentation, as does the Revealed Cocktail available at Vous Lounge.

French Chef Jean-Franscois Nulli from Privé at Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16 has curated the Un Mois en Provence Menu (RMB 688+). The four-course menu begins with a crab beetroot timbale and moves on to sea bass unilateral with zucchini concasse basil and olives, followed by beef two ways - stewed oxtail pumpkin parmentier and oan-fried tenderloin. To finish, guests will experience the visually stunning pavlova tangerine with mandarin orange sorbet.

Source: Sofitel. 

Curated by Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16 Pastry Chef Laem Liu, the Le Gouter en Provence Afternoon Tea Set offers an escape from the city (RMB 118+) with bright sweet and savoury dishes including: strawberry gourmet cones, Provencal honey nougat, lavender macaroons, and anise financiers.

Interested?

Revealed by Sofitel will be on display in the lobby of Sofitel Wanda Beijing till September 20, 2015. Admission to the exhibition is free of charge to guests and the public.

Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre now sports free Wi-Fi

Visitors to Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) can now experience complimentary Wi-Fi through the 'ADNEC Free Wi-Fi' wireless network.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Acting Group CEO at Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company said: “The complimentary Wi-Fi service articulates ADNEC’s priority to leverage technology to enhance visitor experience. The service will relieve ADNEC visitors from the hassle of calling around for accessing basic internet services. At ADNEC, we are committed to developing our technology infrastructure and improving services portfolio to serve the evolving requirements of our stakeholders.”

ADNEC is already offering high bandwidth Internet connectivity and related support services to clients at affordable prices. The service, which require secured authentication, allows exhibitors and visitors to use applications and services that require high data transmission rates such as downloading multimedia files.

ADNEC offers 133,000 sq m of inter-connected floor space to match the expectations of a wide variety of events and exhibitions. The venue attracted 1.6 million people across 327 events in 2014.

Thailand gathers momentum as a business event destination

Source: TCEB.

Thailand is positioning itself as a business events destination under the stewardship of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization), or TCEB. As the Thai government's flagship body for the sector, TCEB has a leading role in driving Thailand's leadership position in Asia's business events industry, and Bangkok's role as a premier destination for international business events. 

The Thai business events sector is expected to continue to grow strongly in 2015, welcoming 1,036,300 business events visitors, and generating revenue of approximately US$3.55 billion. Reflecting its position as a preferred business events destination in Asia, Thailand has a diverse lineup of confirmed major events in 2015: 

FDI's 2015 Annual World Dental Congress, which will be held from 22 to 25 September 2015 is an industry forum involving leaders of the dental profession from more than 100 countries, as well as top personalities of the international and national trade and industry. Strong collaboration between TCEB and a range of other government agencies instilled unity and confidence in the bid, while Thailand's wide variety of destinations were seen as a unique asset as delegates can enjoy an unmatched pre- and post-event programme.

Another prestigious win is One Young World Summit 2015, which Bangkok will host during 18 to 21 November 2015. Bangkok beat Kobe in Japan and Hong Kong to win the right to be the first city in Asia to host this event. This annual summit gathers together approximately 2,000 young visionaries aged 18-30 from every corner of the world, who are leaders in their respective fields. The bid was won in the midst of political uncertainty last year, and underscores international confidence in Thailand. 

Bangkok was also named host city for travel event TBEX Asia 2015, scheduled for 15 to 17 October 2015. TBEX Asia 2015 will provide platform for the world's largest gathering of travel bloggers, writers, new media content creators, and social media savvy travel industry professionals. The bid was won thanks to strong synergies between relevant government organisations working together including Tourism Authority of Thailand, TCEB and Thai Airways, emphasising the TCEB's 4P (public-private-people partnership) strategy.

According to TCEB, large-scale business event organisers are attracted to Thailand thanks to two key factors. One reason is the variety of destinations, on top of nine internationally recognised international convention and exhibition centres that offer a combined 200,174 sq m of floor space. Another reason is how Thailand can raise traditional business events programmes a notch with local night markets, distinctive street cuisine and cultural activities throughout the calendar year. Thailand also offers a wide range of ecological activities, such as releasing turtles, cultivating coral, feeding rescued elephants, or conducting aerial or mangrove reforestation.

The country's unique offerings are captured under TCEB's Thailand CONNECT The World integrated campaign, which highlights Thailand's unrivalled destinations, business prospects, and people. 

Under 'Destinations', Thailand's five top tier business events cities are showcased, offering limitless options both inside and outside the event venue. 'Business' highlights how, as a world leader in a range of industries, Thailand harnesses regional integration to offer global prospects and opportunities to businesses seeking a springboard for ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) success. 'People' emphasises Thailand's proficient professionals who serve with effortless simplicity, gracious smiles and signature Thai service, as well as benchmark-setting industry standards.

TCEB President Nopparat Maythaveekulchai said, "Thailand CONNECT the World highlights how Thailand's diversity of destinations are enriched by world-class infrastructure and seamless connectivity, and it is a core part of our strategy to strengthen confidence in our MICE industry among international stakeholders."

Thailand's world-class infrastructure - from convenient and efficient mass transit systems to a modern highway system - influences decisions too. This is set to be boosted even further through a major infrastructure investment programme, including high-speed rail and the second phase expansion of Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport. 

Thailand is also a key part of the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC) development policy, which enjoys strong investment by the Japanese government. Designed to connect five countries, from Da Nang in Vietnam to China, Laos, Thailand and Mawlamyine-Myawaddy in Myanmar, the EWEC will be a game-changer, creating a springboard for business success in the fast-growing ASEAN region.