Taking
place on 19 October, the inaugural event aims to bring together
eminent business leaders from the industry and over 100 of
Singapore’s brightest sparks to provide a strategic solution to the
industry’s manpower needs. Now in its fifth year, ITB Asia 2012
will be held from 17-19 October at The Sands Expo and Convention
Center, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.
In partnership with
The Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition
Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS),
the invitation-only event will target the top 10% of travel,
tourism and hospitality students from Singapore’s five
polytechnics. With support from the Singapore
Tourism Board (STB) in attracting high-achieving
business leaders, the event aims to raise the calibre of individuals
who already have a keen interest in the industry and in doing so,
develop and even secure the next generation of talent.
“In
the increasingly competitive Asian travel market,
attracting and retaining talent are integral to
a business’ success. Future Leaders will give industry
professionals access to some of Singapore’s brightest minds, and
serve as a platform to formulate talent management policies. The
initiative also reinforces ITB Asia’s aim to bring together our
partners to share knowledge and build networks to future-proof their
businesses,” said Nino Gruettke, Executive Director of ITB Asia.
Starting
with a panel discussion with speakers representing the different
segments in travel, the half-day event will give students key
industry insights in an engaging format. Moderated by an industry
leader and a student, the discussion will address students’
concerns and questions about their potential career paths within the
industry upon graduation.
Students
will also be able to benefit from hands-on learning opportunities
available through the initiative. The mentorship programme,
piloted by key executives from prominent businesses including
BCD Travel, FCm TravelSolutions, PARKROYAL on
Pickering, Sentosa Leisure
Group, The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore and SACEOS,
will connect young and vibrant industry executives with students
through discussions and activities, providing opportunities to
network and exchange insights.
“With
Asia becoming a growth engine for the global tourism industry, there
is a critical need to groom the next generation of talent through
strategic partnerships and
innovative talent programmes. SACEOS, the Association representing
Singapore's MICE industry, will partner ITB Asia for the inaugural
Future Leaders,” said Rosalind Ng, President of SACEOS.
“SACEOS
will also bring together a group of young Singapore MICE
Leaders as part of its efforts to increase awareness of the dynamic
MICE industry in Singapore amongst the public and the
tertiary institutions. SACEOS hopes that this effort will lead to
further talent attraction to maintain Singapore's leadership
position in the region,” added Ng.
Future
Leaders will conclude on a high note with a networking session
attended by the human
resource personnel of key industry players, as
well as representatives from top universities Singapore Institute
of Technology and Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne in search of the
brightest students from travel, tourism and hospitality. A
platform presenting opportunities for internships, employment and
scholarships, the session encourages students to share
their resumeswith
industry and university executives to kick start their career and
higher education development.
After
ITB Asia 2012, Future Leaders will continue to engage its alumni
through social media and industry-related activities throughout the
year.
ITB
Asia attracted over 7500 attendees from over 90 countries last year,
and is also a partner event of TravelRave a mega travel
and tourism festival week organised by
the Singapore Tourism Board to be held in Singapore in
October 2012.
