ABOUT SMD

The Singapore MICE Development (SMD) debuted in July 2025 alongside the Singapore MICE Forum (SMF). Following a positive inaugural response, SMD returns in 2026 for its second run. This initiative provides a dedicated platform for leading MICE companies to connect with students from Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs). Through career insights, networking opportunities, and direct industry engagement, SMD aims to inspire and nurture the next generation of talent while highlighting the diverse and dynamic career pathways within the MICE industry.

The Singapore MICE Development (SMD) 2026 will be held on 31 July 2026 as a dedicated talent development initiative by the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS). Inaugurated in 2025, SMD was first launched alongside the Singapore MICE Forum (SMF) as a new initiative to connect leading MICE companies with students and young professionals from Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs). Last year, SMD welcomed around 600 participants, including students from various IHLs and industry professionals. 

Through industry engagement, career insights, and experiential learning opportunities, SMD aims to inspire and shape the next generation of MICE talent while showcasing the diverse and evolving career pathways within the MICE industry. 

SMD 2026 will feature an industry career panel discussion, the Marketplace Showcase, where participants can engage directly with leading MICE companies, the SACEOS Alumni Community (SAC) MICE Career Quest, where participants can gain first-hand insights from industry practitioners and explore the evolving world of MICE careers, and the MICE Job Roles Showcase. Together, these experiences are curated to strengthen talent development and enhance employability within the industry.

AGENDA ON 31 JULY 2026

 

Panelists 

Grace Tan, Assistant Manager, Sales, Marina Bay Sands

Khairunnisa Abd-llah, Head of Marketing, Energy Portfolio, Clarion Event

Lin Enxin, Events Intern, SACEOS

 

Moderator: Richard Ireland, President of SACEOS

Room 1: Life on Event Day 

What really happens behind the scenes when events go live. 

Panelists 

Esther Ng, Conference Executive, Ace:Daytons Direct (International)

Rajavarman Mathichandran, Head,Conferences & Events Unit, National University of Singapore

Sarah Loke, Regional Marketing Manager, Workato

Tania Victoria Neubronner, ASEAN Marketing Lead, Elastic

Moderator: Renee Soh, Intern, Marina Bay Sands

_____________________________________________________

Room 2: Future-Proof or Left Behind ?

How AI and Sustainability Are Changing Real MICE Jobs. 

Panelists 

Cassandra Ler, Assistant Manager, Sustainability, Resorts World Sentosa

Clarence Chan, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Bandwagon

Hong Ruoying, Executive Director, Revenue Management, Marina Bay Sands

Vishunu Arumugam, Senior Account Manager, Gevme

Moderator: Ryan Ng, Executive, Convention Services to Aspirer, Marina Bay Sands

SPEAKERS

Cassandra Ler

Assistant Manager, Sustainability,
Resorts World Sentosa

Clarence Chan

Founder &
Chief Executive Officer, Bandwagon

Esther Ng

Conference Executive,
Ace:Daytons Direct (International)

Genevieve Lim

SACEOS Alumni Community (SAC) Chairperson,
SACEOS

Grace Tan

Assistant Manager,
Sales,
Marina Bay Sands

Hong Ruoying

Executive Director,
Revenue Management,
Marina Bay Sands

Khairunnisa Abd-llah

Head,
Marketing, Energy Portfolio,
Clarion Events

Lin Enxin

Events Intern,
SACEOS

Rajavarman Mathichandran

Head,
Conferences & Events Unit,
National University of Singapore

Renee Soh

Intern,
Marina Bay Sands

Richard Ireland

President,
SACEOS

Ryan Ng

Aspirer,
Convention Services,
Marina Bay Sands

Sarah Loke

Regional Marketing Manager,
Workato

Tania Victoria Neubronner

ASEAN Marketing Lead,
Elastic

Vishunu Arumugam

Senior Account Manager,
Gevme

MARKETPLACE SHOWCASE

SUPPORTING INSTITUTES OF HIGHER LEARNING