The Singapore Tourism Board has launched a new global campaign to inspire groups to choose Singapore as their next destination. The Made in Singapore campaign, which puts a fresh spin on the Passion Made Possible destination brand, spotlights quintessentially Singapore experiences, from iconic attractions to hidden gems, to show how ordinary moments are turned into extraordinary experiences in Singapore.

From forest bathing at the unexpected setting of Jewel Changi Airport’s Rain Vortex, to working up an appetite dining at Lau Pa Sat hawker centre, and witnessing a colourful “air show” at the all-new Mandai Bird Paradise, there are always new or innovative experiences for event planners to discover that can be enjoyed as a part of an Incentive or Corporate Meeting Programme.

Extraordinary experiences

Only in Singapore, the Intan Connoisseur Experience is tailored to engage, intrigue and provide an intimate and exclusive Peranakan experience for groups at The Intan. Enjoy sound bath in the award-winning living home museum, learn Peranakan beading and support a women’s project, meet a culinary recipient of the prestigious intangible Cultural Heritage Award, and admire a private Peranakan jewellery collection from a 3rd generation jeweller.

Getting out on the water is always a great way to experience Singapore and discover its hidden gems. The Southern Islands Yacht Guided Tour gives groups the opportunity to explore these beautiful and scenic islands on a private yacht. Or for a more adrenalin-fuelled experience, feel the rush on the Southern Island Speed Boat Tour.

With its world-class, award-winning F&B scene, there are experiences to delight all tastes in Singapore. Recently unveiled (in Singapore for the first time), The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 list recognised several bars in the destination including Jigger & Pony, Sago House and Atlas. One of the OGs of the effervescent Singapore cocktail scene, Jigger and Pony is now into its eleventh year but remains a hotspot, while the luxurious Atlas won’t fail to impress your group with its Art-Deco inspired décor and Gin Tower.

On the gastronomic front, Singapore continues to have the greatest number of Michelin-starred establishments in Southeast Asia and is the only Southeast Asian city to boast 3-star dining establishments (of which there are three). A total of 55 establishments were awarded with Michelin Stars in 2023, while 79 food establishments were recognised with a Bib Gourmand this year. Newbies awarded with 1 Michelin star this year include Poise, which focuses on modern European dining with a light European touch and Born, Chef Zor Tan’s first independent restaurant, which blends contemporary French and Chinese cuisines.

For a more authentic and relaxed dining experience, head to one of the 53 hawker stalls that have been awarded with Bib Gourmand status, including Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee at 51 Old Airport Road Market, Bahrakath Mutton Soup at Adam Food Centre, and No. 18 Zion Road Fried Kway Teow at Zion Riverside Hawker Centre.

New on the block

Over in Sentosa, The Palawan @ Sentosa by Shangri-La Group is redefining beach-side lifestyle and entertainment offerings with the region’s first indoor gamified electric go-karts, Singapore’s first floating aqua park, an 18-hole mini-golf course, two unique beach clubs and 10 iconic food trucks – providing the perfect playground for corporate groups looking to incorporate some downtime.

Meanwhile, Singapore’s famous Orchard Road has evolved from a shopping street into a lifestyle destination in its own right and must-see on any meeting or incentive itinerary. New openings include The new Pan Pacific Orchard (below), a landmark hotel that celebrates nature with four distinctive open-air terraces, Singapore’s first Pullman hotel, Hilton’s largest hotel in the Asia-Pacific region, and the upcoming COMO Metropolitan Singapore at COMO Orchard – the first hotel venture by homegrown lifestyle group COMO (opening late 2023).

If wellness is on the agenda, groups can immerse in forest bathing and nature therapy by XIU Nature Connections, which offers guided forest bathing experiences such as ecotours and  sleep-based meditation classes in the heart of the city; as well as Marina Bay Sand’s SkyPark yoga sessions, in collaboration with Virgin Active, presenting visitors with a unique opportunity to sweat it out 56 stories up in the air. Other exciting offerings include Asia’s first surf-snow-skate attraction ‘TRIFECTA’ by The Ride Side.

Benefits and rewards

One of the major benefits of holding a meeting or incentive in Singapore is the fact that some 80 experiences covering dining, attractions, thematic tours, team-building and retail experiences can be incorporated into MICE programmes as part of the In Singapore Incentives & Rewards (Inspire Global) scheme and the Singapore MICE Advantage Programme (SMAP).

Both offer perks such as complimentary experiences or shopping vouchers for qualifying groups. There is also the opportunity for organisers to receive funding and marketing support under the Business Events in Singapore (BEiS) Programme.

Unique experiences offered as part of the Inspire Global scheme include the award-winning Singapore Sidecars, a novel way to see Singapore’s iconic landmarks and attractions. This social enterprise provides vintage vespa sidecar tours on restored vintages from Triquetra.sg, while channelling profits and resources to supporting good causes, making it a fantastic activity for companies that want to leave a positive impact.

Foodies will love the gastronomic options on offer including dining at The Halia, set amidst the lush greenery of the Ginger Garden in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The Herbarium Concoction Experience gives delegates the opportunity to get hands on and learn how to make Halia’s signature Ginger themed non-alcoholic drink called Cucumber Turmeric, followed by a sumptuous three-course meal.

The new  Made in Singapore campaign aims to keep Singapore top of mind for MICE groups by showcasing the country’s key attributes: an inspiring City in Nature destination that is not only vibrant and cosmopolitan, but also rooted in strong multicultural heritage.

If you are interested in creating an extraordinary MICE experience Made in Singapore, visit www.visitsingapore.com/mice or contact [email protected]

Find out more about the BEiS, Inspire Global, and SMAP programmes and how to qualify here