SINGAPORE tourism industry’s toughest year “ever endured” culminated in an awards evening honouring people for their innovation and adaptability as the Covid-19 pandemic brought the visitors economy to a standstill.
The Singapore Tourism Awards virtual edition saw 77 finalists nominated for the Experience Excellence, Enterprise Excellence and Customer Service categories while three new awards were added recognising special efforts for sustainability, community care and exemplary employer.
“In the toughest year the tourism sector has ever endured, we are inspired by the efforts of all our award finalists and recipients to transform their business models and appeal to new audiences,” said Keith Tan, chief executive of Singapore Tourism Board, which organises the awards.
“As we prepare to welcome international travellers back to Singapore in a safe and calibrated way, it is crucial for our tourism businesses to maintain this spirit of resilience and creativity. We hope they will continue to innovate and create new products and experiences that will ensure that Singapore remain a top destination for both leisure and MICE visitors,” Tan said.
In an event attended by trade and industry minister Gan Kim Yong on July 23, a total of 34 individuals and organisations were recognised for their achievements in providing innovative and outstanding experiences and services, even in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Messe Berlin and Milken Institute Asia Center both received Outstanding Event Organiser awards under the Experience Excellence (MICE) category. Messe Berlin impressed judges by testing the hybrid event prototype for safe business events with TravelRevive, while the the Milken Institute combined virtual and holographic elements with an in-person event at the association’s Asia Summit 2020.
Nine recipients for Special Recognition
Seven organisations and two individuals were honoured under the Special Recognition category.
Special Award for Sustainability
Mandai Park Holdings and Resorts World Sentosa were each awarded the Special Award for Sustainability for their contributions to environmental sustainability.
- For many years, Mandai Park Holdings (MPH) has displayed leadership in conservation and sustainability. Through its various entities, the organisation has supported over 50 local and regional conservation projects, contributing to species conservation efforts. MPH has also reduced its carbon footprint by 30 per cent through various initiatives, including sourcing its animal feed from more sustainable sources. Additionally, MPH reused 25 tonnes of horticultural waste in 2020 as part of its waste management efforts.
- Resorts World Sentosa excelled in its use of technology for energy and water conservation. Its award-winning District Cooling Plant that supplies chilled water to air conditioning systems across the resort is one of the most energy-efficient district chilled water supply systems in Singapore. The organisation has also adopted a rainwater harvesting system for general landscaping purposes on its premises. Joining in the national effort towards a Zero Waste Nation, Resorts World Sentosa ceased providing single-use plastic straws and sales of single-use plastic water bottles, saving approximately 130 tons of plastic waste annually.
Special Award for Most Exemplary Employer
Wildlife Reserves Singapore and Gardens by the Bay were each conferred the Special Award for Most Exemplary Employer for developing and implementing impactful policies to retain and retrain employees during the pandemic.
Wildlife Reserves Singapore and Gardens by the Bay were each conferred the Special Award for Most Exemplary Employer for developing and implementing impactful policies to retain and retrain employees during the pandemic.
- Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) formed the Company Training Committee between the unions and the organisation to review and redesign work processes, bridge identified skills and training gaps and refine training initiatives to increase employees’ proficiency levels. It also offered extensive support to staff who were affected by Malaysia’s Movement Control Order, such as providing temporary shelter and helping them secure Stay-Home Notice (SHN) lodging. WRS was mindful of staff well-being during this pandemic and launched the CARElephant Programme which offers online counselling. A MandaiCares Hardship Fund was also established to help employees facing financial hardship.
- Gardens by the Bay established a Central Pool Scheme to cross-train staff, so they can take on a variety of responsibilities across different departments and adapt to new roles. With Gardens by the Bay moving towards becoming a smart garden, staff are upskilled in new technologies that not only enhance efficiency in operations but also create value-added roles.
Special Award for Community Care (Business and Individuals)
Marina Bay Sands, Resorts World Sentosa and SATS-Creuers Cruise Services (SCCS) & Star Cruises received the Special Award for Community Care (Business) for stepping up as leaders for positive change during the pandemic and displaying care and selflessness for the wider community.
- Marina Bay Sands mobilised its workforce and resources to help numerous beneficiaries. For instance, 48 hours after Singapore’s Circuit Breaker was announced in April 2020, restaurants across the property rallied together to donate 15,000kg of food and produce to The Food Bank Singapore. The organisation also engaged more than 300 employees to assemble 10,000 care kits for low-income families and migrant workers, which was completed over a 24-hour period.
- Resorts World Sentosa involved all of its business units to set up and run Community Care Facilities (CCF) for COVID-19 patients, recruiting more than 2,000 volunteers to ensure smooth operations. More than 34,000 COVID-19 patients benefited from the organisation’s successful management of the CCFs.
- SCCS and Star Cruises provided temporary accommodation on SuperStar Gemini & SuperStar Aquarius for over 8,000 migrant workers who had recovered from COVID-19. The organisations also went the extra mile to cater to the welfare of the migrant workers, creatively transforming terminal spaces to set up medical facilities and facilitate services such as free haircuts.
Ian Soh from Mandarin Oriental, Singapore and Loo Sew Min from Resorts World Sentosa were recognised for their acts of selflessness with the Special Award for Community Care (Individuals).
- Ian displayed strong leadership when implementing Standard Operating Procedures at the designated CCF managed by Mandarin Oriental, Singapore. He ensured all members were trained and familiarised with the procedures, which enabled the smooth operation of the CCF.
- Sew Min demonstrated a sense of community as a volunteer in the high-risk areas in Resorts World Sentosa’s CCFs. These areas housed thousands of COVID-19 patients. With his passion for birds, Sew Min also actively volunteers for events, including conducting virtual sessions at elderly care facilities, schools and community centres to educate the public on birds.
Outstanding people in the tourism sector
A total of 25 individuals and organisations were also honoured for their outstanding achievements across the three award categories of Customer Service, Experience Excellence and Enterprise Excellence.
Xperience DMC’s Fascinating World of Aviation PLUS Exclusive Hangar tour was named Outstanding Tour Experience under the Experience Excellence (Leisure) award category, for presenting Singapore’s unique aviation history with a special focus on Seletar Aerospace Park.
Lloyd’s Inn Singapore was also recognised for its Outstanding Hotel Experience under the Experience Excellence (Leisure) award category. The hotel engaged in multiple cross-sector collaborations with retailers and specialists, to provide guests with new experiences that focused on sustainability, wellness and mental health.
All images courtesy Singapore Tourism Board
