Jeff Xu
What makes Singapore so attractive that business travellers keep holding meetings here? Let's find out.
Singapore, a tiny little country on the tip of the Malay Peninsula, so small that the country itself is just one city. Despite its size; this city is something to be reckoned with. It is one of the strongest economies as well as one of the most expensive cities in Asia. But here is the catch; although Singapore is never the cheapest destination, if you are doing business in Southeast Asia, I guarantee that you would want to have your meetings there. Why? Here are 5 reasons to hold your meetings in Singapore.
1. The business heart of Southeast Asia
Singapore Merlion - The proud symbol of the city (Credits: Flickr)
Singapore is, without any doubt, the most developed finance and business center in Southeast Asia. Singapore is ranked No.1 worldwide for the ease of doing business by the World Bank for 2012, consecutively for 7 years. On top of that, Singapore came in the 3rd place in the Global Financial Centres Index in 2017, right after London and New York City. The stats says it all. Singapore also has one of the world’s busiest ports, making the volume of business flowing through this city highly disproportionate comparing to its size. Want a piece of this pie? I suggest you start planning your business meetings in Singapore.
2. Forget about culture shocks
I have personally visited close to 30 countries, and Singapore is the most culturally blended country I have seen, and I am confident to say that it has no match around the world. I’m not talking about countries like the US, where the culture is basically a gigantic mix due to the diversity and number of immigrants they have. Each culture living in Singapore is deeply soaked into its roots. The country has 4 official languages that come from 4 other independent countries with completely different backgrounds and cultures; it was originally a part of Malaysia, but later became a British colony and a member of Commonwealth nations, and is now mostly populated by citizens with Chinese ethnicity. Singapore is where the west meets the east. Such mixture of culture is found both in Singaporeans’ daily lives and business activities, which is why, during your business meetings in Singapore, you won’t have to worry about offending the partner unintentionally with a hand gesture. I know, what a relief!
3. A hospitality industry made for MICE
The Marina Bay (Credits: Flickr)
Singapore has a size of 719,1 km², with over 400 hotels on it and still building. What drives so many people to Singapore that it needs these many hotels? One of them is, of course, leisure, and another one even bigger than leisure? You guessed it, MICE. For those who are not familiar with MICE, it stands for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions. Singapore hosts millions of MICE tourists every year, and the hospitality industry is always ready for them. Hotel meeting rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, and the crew is warmly at your service for all your needs. I was a hospitality student in Singapore, and if I judge with the standard I was taught there, not that many hotels I have stayed outside Singapore would score above the ‘pass’ line. Don’t believe it? Why not go and see it for yourself?
4. Work hard, play hard
Needless to say, Singapore rocks as a touristic destination. Even if business travel is your primary purpose of visiting Singapore, you wouldn’t want to miss the chance to explore this world-famous tropical heaven. Besides, what good business can be done if you are not in a happy and relaxed mood? Sentosa Resort, Universal Studio, Night Safari, and if you are feeling lucky, why not try the Marina Bay Sands Casino? What more, let’s not forget the food. Singapore is that one place where you can find genuine cuisines from everywhere, especially Asia. One visit to the Chinatown and you will regret not having 2 stomachs. There is nothing wrong with having fun while doing business, and Singapore boosts both to the max level.
5. MeetingPackage.com is your bridge to Singapore
Already searching for meeting venues in Singapore after reading everything above? I know just the right place for you. MeetingPackage.com offers a selection of meeting venues in Singapore, from 5-star hotels to smartly designed meeting spaces. To save you the trouble of going to the website and search, here are the Top 5 venues in Singapore on MeetingPackage.com:
Huone Singapore
Image Credits: Huone Singapore
Finnish design has found its way to Singapore. Huone (the Finnish word for 'room') offers a one of its kind meeting venue, with uniquely designed meet rooms, ready to give you a brand new meeting adventure.
Book a meeting in Huone Singapore here.
Conrad Centennial Singapore
Image Credits: Conrad Centennial Singapore
Conrad Centennial Singapore offers you meetings with elegance in the heart of Marina Bay. With million worth of art collections, Conrad Centennial Singapore is bound to WOW you.
Book a meeting in Conrad Centennial Singapore here.
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
Image Credits: Four Seasons Singapore
Whether you have a group as small as 15, or as big as 500, Four Seasons Singapore meets all your needs. Customised meeting setups, everything is made just for you. Have a once-in-a-lifetime meeting experience in the heart of Singapore.
Book a meeting in Four Seasons Singapore here.
Capella Singapore
Image Credits: Capella Singapore
What's better than having a meeting steps away from Singapore's famous Palawan beach? Located right on the vacation heaven Sentosa Island, Capella Singapore will show you the perfect combination of business and leisure.
Book a meeting in Capella Singapore here.
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
Image Credit:Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
Why run all the way to the centre when you have the best option right at the airport? The ultra-modern Crowne Plaza Changi Airport features state-of-the-art meeting equipment in their meeting rooms. Meetings are simply made easier.
Book a meeting in Crowne Plaza Changi Airport here.
Over To You
There you have it, 5 reasons to hold your meetings in Singapore. Convinced? Don't wait then. Singapore is always ready to welcome everyone from every corner of the world. Book your meeting in Singapore with MeetingPackage.com now!