ABOUT SMD
The Singapore MICE Development (SMD) is a dedicated talent development initiative by the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS), created to connect the next generation of talent with the MICE industry.
First launched in 2025 alongside with the Singapore MICE Forum (SMF), SMD returned in 2026 for its second edition. The programme brought together students from Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), young professionals and industry practitioners through career conversations, networking and experiential learning.
SMD 2026 provided participants with opportunities to gain first-hand insights into the MICE industry, discover diverse career pathways and engage directly with leading companies and professionals across the sector.
A LOOK BACK AT SMD 2026
AGENDA ON 31 JULY 2026
9:00AM - 9:10AM
Welcome Remarks by Genevieve Lim, SACEOS Alumni Community (SAC) Chair
Welcome Remarks by Genevieve Lim, SACEOS Alumni Community (SAC) Chair
9:10AM - 9:40AM
From Intern to Industry Professional: Building a Career in MICE
From Intern to Industry Professional: Building a Career in MICE
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
9:40AM - 10:10AM
Marketplace Showcase (Booth Visits)
Marketplace Showcase (Booth Visits)
10:10AM - 12:00PM
SACEOS Alumni Community (SAC) Segment: SAC MICE Career Quest
SACEOS Alumni Community (SAC) Segment: SAC MICE Career Quest
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
12:00PM
Lunch Break
Lunch Break
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
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
The Marketplace Showcase brought participating MICE companies and organisations together with students and young professionals, providing a platform to discover the breadth of career opportunities across the industry.
Participants had the opportunity to meet industry representatives, learn more about different organisations and gain insights into the wide range of roles available within the MICE ecosystem.
SUPPORTING INSTITUTES OF HIGHER LEARNING
SMD 2026 was made possible through the support and participation of Institutes of Higher Learning that continue to play an important role in developing the next generation of MICE talent.
