SingEx CEO to lead industry association with immediate effect as Janet Tan-Collis steps down.
The Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS) announced that Janet Tan-Collis has stepped down as president of SACEOS, with immediate effect. Aloysius Arlando, who has served as president-elect since April 2018, will immediately step into the leadership role.
Tan-Collis took the helm at SACEOS in 2013 and has been credited for leading its transformation from an industry body, to a platform for regional knowledge exchange and education. She has received a number of awards linked to her work with the association, including the 2017 lifetime achievement accolade at the Singapore Tourism Awards, and the 2018 Chairman’s Award at PCMA Convening Leaders.
Janet Tan-Collis recognised at PCMA Convening Leaders 2018
Janet Tan-Collis recognised at PCMA Convening Leaders 2018Inspired by her philosophy, Arlando says he will continue to drive education initiatives that foster greater regional and global collaboration.
“Janet’s dedication to the education needs of the MICE industry has been an inspiration. The milestones and accolades that she and the executive committee have achieved for the industry serve as a prime foundation on which we can confidently enter the next phase of growth,” he says.
Since 2010, Arlando has been the chief executive officer of SingEx Holdings, with business interests in the management of Singapore EXPO Convention and Exhibition Centre and new-to-market trade events like the award-winning Singapore Fintech Festival.
Arlando previously held leadership positions within the Singapore Tourism Board and Ministry of Trade and Industry. He also served in the Ministry of Manpower where he spearheaded lifelong learning and workforce development efforts. In 2017, he became the first Asian representative to be named as president of the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC).
Arlando’s vision for SACEOS focuses on building communities to establish new levels of collaboration.
“In today’s world of digitally-enabled communities; cross-industry collaborations and global market connectedness, we must forge purpose-driven partnerships near and far to make our MICE industry future-ready and strengthen Singapore’s leading position in the global MICE space,” he says.
“The challenges facing the MICE industry – be they SMEs, boutique entrepreneurs or well-known regional players – are in the areas of capabilities and capacity for business growth and sustainability.
“It is therefore imperative for SACEOS to work with key local associations as well as global MICE associations to address the challenges head on and create new and exciting opportunities for the betterment of the business community, people it serves and the workforce it employs.”
This vision inspired the creation of the Asia Pacific Community Building Manifesto in 2018 as part of SACEOS’ flagship event, the Singapore MICE Forum. The manifesto is a bold commitment among like-minded stakeholders to harness the new forces of change in transforming the industry into a powerful platform for socio-economic, intellectual and commercial benefit.
He adds: “With the evolution of rising cities, smart future and connected communities, there is no better time than now for SACEOS to harness the collective wisdom of relevant stakeholders to create new business models and promote sustainable business progress in the Asia-Pacific region.
“With my executive committee, we aim to build on the hard work of SACEOS’ past leaders, forge new relationships and successful partnerships, to make this industry a choice for all, where passion can truly be made possible.”
Singapore Tourism Board chief executive, Keith Tan, congratulated Arlando and recognised Tan-Collis’ contribution to the development of Singapore’s MICE industry.
“Under Janet’s leadership, SACEOS has strengthened their education offerings and catalysed the development of the business events industry in Singapore and the region. STB extends our congratulations to Aloysius on his appointment as president of SACEOS, and looks forward to continuing our strong partnership to grow Singapore’s business events industry.”