To raise the standard of internships and better attract the next generation of talent in the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) industry, the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS) has developed a guide on best practices for internships in the MICE industry, with the support of Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

Developed in consultation with Institutes of Higher Learning and industry players, the guide provides a set of best practices for MICE businesses and interns to reference when designing or embarking on internship programmes. It covers key areas such as objectives of the internship, a mentorship framework, recommended working hours, leave benefits, allowance, workplace safety and wellbeing as well as early job offers.

The best practice guide is launched at a critical time, as the recovery of the MICE industry continues its momentum amid the return of travel demand. MICE businesses are recognising the urgent need to uncover and build a strong pipeline of new talent to support their growth. Internship programmes will continue to play an important and strategic role in ensuring that the industry continues to attract the best talent and remains an exciting, rewarding, and purposeful industry to embark a career in.

Richard Ireland, President, SACEOS, said, “More than ever, the quality and experience of internships will play a key role in interns’ decision on whether to pursue a career in the MICE industry. Therefore, it is important that as the industry prepares for its next stage of growth, the standard of our internship programmes is raised in order to attract the next generation of talent. We are confident that the guidelines on best practices for internships will help MICE players ensure that their interns not only gain valuable work experience, but enjoy a positive and meaningful internship – and ultimately a successful career in the industry.”

The guide also comes on the back of recent efforts by STB to increase awareness of the different areas and specialisations that the tourism sector offers. This includes roles in attractions, cruise, hotels, integrated resorts, tours, and MICE. It recently launched the Tourism Careers Campaign to encourage and invite individuals to bring their passions to life through a career in tourism.

Dr Edward Koh, Executive Director, Conventions, Meetings & Incentive Travel, Singapore Tourism Board, said, “To sustain the growth of the tourism sector, STB is working closely with our partners to ensure a robust pipeline of tourism manpower. We want to build a future-ready tourism workforce with a strong local core, and hope that the MICE internship guide will spur MICE businesses to relook their internship programmes and create positive and rewarding attachments for interns. I look forward to more industry-wide efforts that showcase the dynamic nature of the MICE industry and encourage job-seekers to explore a career in MICE.”

The Best Practices for Internship in MICE Industry can be downloaded here. Companies may reference the information and customise their programme in order to suit the organisation’s needs and requirements.