EFFORTS to advance sustainability and building talent for Singapore’s business events industry have gained recognition in the annual awards organised by the city state’s tourism board.
Among the 24 outstanding individuals and organisations singled out in the Singapore Tourism Awards 2026 was Clarion Events Asia CEO, Richard Ireland, who was named Business Event Champion.
Ireland, who has been president of the Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS) since October 2021, received the award for his “transformative contributions” to the city’s MICE industry.
“Under his leadership, he spearheaded the Singapore MICE Sustainability Roadmap and Singapore MICE Sustainability Certification, the first such framework to achieve Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s recognition,” Singapore Tourism Board said in a statement following the July 7 award ceremony at Shangri-la Singapore.
“He was also instrumental in launching the Singapore MICE Development initiative to address workforce challenges and build talent pipelines. Through thought leadership and international partnerships, Mr Ireland has strengthened Singapore’s standing as a leading global hub for business events.”
CloserStill Media received the Outstanding Event Organiser award for delivering Tech Week Singapore, described as a tradeshow experience that stayed current with shifts in the tech industry, with innovative digital tools including Asia’s first 3D interactive floorplan.
CloserStill was also praised for showing a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion by partnering with organisations such as Women in Data Centers and the Nomad Futurist Foundation to provide more access and understanding of the digital economy.
Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre received the Outstanding Event Venue Experience award with its hosting of TOKEN2049 singled out for integrating meeting spaces, accommodation, entertainment and dining with wellness zones and collaborations with local food hawkers.
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The judging panel also noted that Marina Bay Sands is Singapore’s first fully carbon-offset venue, achieving triple-platinum certifications in global sustainability standards and gold in the Singapore MICE Sustainability Certification.
SEMICON Southeast Asia 2025 received the Outstanding Business Event award for delivering a “thoughtfully curated exhibition and seamless attendee experience”.
The conference’s thematic zones were singled out for praise along with its flexible multipurpose layouts that also accommodated networking and engagement activities without compromising on quality. A programme of ancillary events and workshops also addressed climate change in the semiconductor supply chain.
