ONE OF the world’s most influential think tanks is reaffirming its commitment to Singapore as its strategic hub in Asia and the destination for a major conference.
A newly signed Memorandum of Understanding with Singapore Tourism Board (STB) will see the Milken Institute Asia Summit anchored in the Lion City for the next three years.
STB said the move not only cemented Singapore’s status as a prime destination for high-level business events but also underscored the city state’s role as a gateway to Asia Pacific.
Since its debut in 2014, the Milken Institute Asia Summit has drawn global movers and shakers – with business leaders, senior government officials, leading finance executives, institutional investors, and philanthropists to tackle the region’s most pressing challenges. The event is led by the institute’s Asia headquarters, which has been based in Singapore for more than a decade.
This year’s Asia summit, scheduled for October 1-3, will again coincide with Singapore’s Formula One race week, which attracts corporate gatherings as well as F1 fans.
“The agreement reflects the strong appeal of business events in Singapore and how the city can bring together global leaders and decision-makers for conferences, private roundtables and networking events,” a spokesperson for STB said.
Melissa Ow, STB chief executive added: “As a strategic global-Asia node for business and innovation, Singapore serves as an important gateway for organisations worldwide to access the dynamic and rapidly evolving Asia-Pacific region.
“We value our strong partnership with Milken Institute, and their decision to anchor their prestigious Milken Institute Asia Summit in Singapore for the next three years further cements Singapore’s position as a premier destination for meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
This commitment also reaffirms our position as the ‘World’s Best MICE City’. We look forward to welcoming influential thought leaders and changemakers to Singapore, where they will shape the future of global business and innovation.”
– Melissa Ow, chief executive, Singapore Tourism Board
Ow said the relationship between STB and the Milken Institute has grown stronger over the years, even during the pandemic. In 2020, a hybrid edition of the Asia Summit brought together 200 in-person attendees and 1,100 virtual participants from around the globe. This earned it the ‘Outstanding Event Organiser’ accolade at the 2021 Singapore Tourism Awards.
In 2023, STB took its support global by hosting the Sponsors and Speakers Welcome Reception at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles, showcasing Singapore’s hospitality to an international corporate audience.
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The 2024 edition of the Asia Summit at the Four Seasons hotels featured high-profile participation from Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, as well as Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung.
Richard Ditizio, CEO of the Milken Institute, said: “When we decided to set up our Asia headquarters in Singapore in 2014, the Singapore Tourism Board was incredibly generous and gracious in the support they provide for us to establish our regional home base. Since then, they have been a close ally and trusted partner, contributing substantial support for our various engagements in Asia and the United States.
“I am proud to redouble our commitment to Singapore by anchoring our signature Asia Summit to Singapore for the next three years, and I look forward to continuing our partnership with STB for years to come.”
Main picture… Richard Ditizio, CEO of the Milken Institute with Singapore Tourism Board’s Melissa Ow after signing the MoU
