Singapore’s economy thrives on a robust MICE industry, but its continued growth necessitates a shift towards sustainable and responsible practices. To this end, SACEOS has been spearheading initiatives and programs focused on two pillars – Organisations and People – to guide the industry on its path towards a more sustainable future.

To certify and equip businesses in integrating sustainability practices, SACEOS launched the Singapore MICE Sustainability Certification (MSC) with the support of Singapore Tourism Board in January 2024. Applicable across the MICE industry which includes event organisers, stand builders, venues (including hotels with MICE venues), food and beverage caterers, transport operators, freight forwarders, and event technology and audio-visual providers, the Singapore MSC framework covers the management approach to Carbon, Waste, Energy, Water management, Social, Human Resource competency and Procurement.

By achieving certification across 3 tiers – Gold, Silver and Bronze, organisations are able to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and reinforce Singapore’s position as a leading sustainable MICE destination.

Since its launch, we are encouraged by the strong response from the industry. Five companies have achieved the Singapore MSC so far including Marina Bay Sands Pte Ltd, which became the first organisation and venue to achieve the Gold tier. Other certified companies include TRICOM Events Pte Ltd (Silver – Event Organiser), The Mill International Pte Ltd (Silver – Stand builder), Expotrans Pte Ltd (Bronze – Freight Forwarder) and INX Events & Productions Pte Ltd (Bronze – Event Organiser). A strong pipeline of companies is also currently in the process of certification.

While organisations play a crucial role in integrating sustainability practices at their events, it is the people who are the driving force behind sustainable events. Therefore, the Singapore MSC requires organisations to have at least one employee complete a sustainability course related to the MICE industry, including but not limited to SACEOS’ Certified Event Sustainability (CES) Accreditation Programme.

The CES is developed in partnership with NTUC LearningHub to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills to plan and execute greener events. This programme covers topics like sustainable sourcing, venue selection, waste reduction strategies, creating a positive social impact and narrating sustainability through storytelling.

Upon completion of the programme, graduates will receive an exclusive CES badge and accreditation to be used alongside their designations to showcase their dedication in embracing and championing sustainability in their MICE careers. 

By empowering MICE professionals, the CES programme ensures that sustainability is embedded throughout not only their organisations’ operations, but also its culture. Since its launch, more than 70 professionals have graduated from the programme.

We look forward to more organisations and individuals coming onboard these important initiatives as we chart a more sustainable future together.