Convention centres across Asia-Pacific are embracing innovation to create more efficient, engaging, and environmentally responsible events
Convention centres are constantly evolving to meet the dynamic demands of the events industry.
From integrating cutting-edge technology and prioritising accessibility to embracing sustainable practices and creation of loyalty programmes, these venues throughout Asia-sPacific constantly invest in infrastructure upgrades and programmes to deliver exceptional experiences.
Singapore Expo, Singapore
Singapore Expo’s facilities and infrastructure have also undergone improvements and refurbishments to stay relevant and competitive in the global events landscape.
For organisers looking to hold experiential conferences, Apex @ EXPO features state-of-the-art technologies in an immersive space that accommodates a plenary hall, with customisable audiovisual and digital elements and content management capabilities, alongside a configurable screen.
Singapore Expo’s multipurpose Arena @ EXPO is another versatile space – which can seat over 6,600 attendees – features high-quality acoustics and tech systems, and customisation capabilities.
“Many events already benefit from Singapore EXPO’s “Halls Without Walls” infrastructure – all 10 10,000m2 halls are pillarless and interconnected across one level, enabling seamless transitions and unique configurations. One of the biggest events held in Singapore EXPO is the 2024 edition of FHA F&B, which spanned seven halls, allowing the event to host more than 72,495 attendees from 91 countries and regions,” said Chua Wee Phong, group CEO of Singapore Expo’s managing organisation, Constellar.
As the nation’s largest purpose-built business events venue, Singapore Expo is also diversifying its offerings as a vibrant space for entertainment and leisure experiences. This includes the PLAY @ EXPO: Find Your Fun, All in One Place campaign, which features a series of themed weekends including consumer events such as Artbox Everyday 2025, Culture Cartel, and more.
Chua added: “The growing variety of on-site lifestyle events, concerts and leisure experiences aligns with the venue’s refreshed brand identity, Playground of Possibilities, where we want to attract younger generations of trendsetters, reflecting our commitment to innovation and creating dynamic experiences that stay ahead of the changing MICE and tourism landscape.”
Singapore Expo is committed to sustainable event practices, demonstrated by its use of renewable energy and venue-wide green initiatives. The venue holds the Singapore MICE Sustainability Certification (Gold) for 2024, and initiatives range from a large-scale, on-site solar rooftop installation – one of the largest in the country – and urban farms, to plastic-free packaging, and responsible F&B solutions.
In 2024, Singapore Expo hosted more than 350 events and welcomed more than 1.5 million delegates and attendees, and the outlook is looking positive, shared Chua.
Upcoming events include the return of Asia Tech x Singapore (May 27-29); the 41st International Association for Hydro-environment Engineering and ResearchWorld Congress (June 22-27); while ITMA Asia + CITME, a textile technology and machinery exhibition, will take place from October 28-31. – Rachel AJ Lee
Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, Indonesia
Renovation and improving of the facility are annually carried out at Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC) as part of its long-term strategy to be a leading convention centre in both Indonesia and South-east Asia.
The venue has also recently upgraded its audiovisual equipment to high-resolution LED screens and sound systems, as well as improved the fibre optic infrastructure and high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity in public areas and meeting rooms.
“Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (the Nusa Dua complex development and management company) is in the process of building a natural gas pipeline distribution network in the Nusa Dua area which will be used for fuel and food production.
This will replace Liquefied Natural Gas, and is both more environmentally friendly and energy efficient. The implementation at BNDCC is scheduled for 3Q/4Q this year,” said Riyanthi Handayani, president director of Nusa Dua Indonesias.
She added that LED lighting has been installed throughout the building and procurement of electric vehicles is ongoing as part of the company’s efforts to improve energy efficiency.
As international event planners prioritise sustainability when selecting venues, Riyanthi is confident these enhancements will meet this growing demand.
After a successful 2024 – where 131 events, including 38 international conferences with a total of 110,442 participants and international corporate events with a total of 33,163 participants – Riyanthi is bullish for the year ahead.
“Our projection this year is that business will be dominated by association and corporate events, both domestic and international, plus other social events. Our (target) is to grow business by between five and eight per cent annually for the next five years by increasing the number of international events,” she said. – Mimi Hudoyo
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia
It is an optimistic outlook for the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre) this year.
The 3,000-person plenary hall has been equipped with four new LED screens, while its audiovisual systems in all meeting rooms are being upgraded in stages.
The venue is also in the midst of upgrading its meeting rooms with Bring-Your-Own-Device capabilities. These enable up to four devices to connect seamlessly to the LED screens. Additionally, the meeting rooms are equipped with motion sensors for energy efficient lighting and offer organisers full control over the ambiance settings.
In 2H2025, the Centre will offer several new meeting spaces and an additional versatile space on Level 3 which can be used for small meetings.
To further enhance sustainability and efficiency, the centre has invested in 2,000 new banquet chairs that eliminate the need for linens, reducing laundry-related energy and water use, and setup time. It has also invested in a sustainable buffet system powered by eco-burners, which eliminates dependency on electricity.
The venue’s general manager, John Burke, shared that the Centre has already secured 55 per cent of its business target for the years. This includes confirmed bookings for 60 international, regional and domestic exhibitions, and more than 70 corporate meetings and events.
Several major international conferences and congresses happening this year include the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry General Assembly & World Chemistry Congress (July 12-19), and Asian Patent Attorneys Association General Assembly & Council Meetings (October 24-28).
Burke added: “Visa exemption for Chinese visitors, extended by the federal government until end 2026, is expected to attract more Chinese exhibitors and delegates to exhibitions held at the Centre.
“Furthermore, Malaysia’s role as the Chair of the ASEAN Summit in 2025 will boost government-to-government meetings, providing a major uplift to related industries such as hospitality and transportation throughout the year.” – S Puvaneswary
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, New Zealand
Having enjoyed a significantly higher than anticipated level of business since opening three years ago, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has continued to build on a growing international reputation for innovation, responsiveness and sustainability.
As part of its continual focus on innovation, Te Pae Christchurch launched a refreshed website in late 2024, designed to provide an intuitive and engaging experience for clients, exhibitors and media.
In 2024, Te Pae Christchurch became the first convention centre in the world to achieve Toitū net carbon-zero accreditation.
“We have a fantastic foundation in a 5 Star Green Building design and a certified Toitū net carbon-zero operation. We are also happy to share the details of our initiatives, such as our eWater system for natural sanitisation, dehydration of food waste into soil food for community gardens and use of environmentally friendly packaging, to support our clients’ sustainability goals,” said Te Pae Christchurch’s general manager Ross Steele.
Behind the building’s multi-award-winning design and architecture, Te Pae Christchurch features leading audiovisual and network technologies in its meeting rooms and 1,368-seat configurable auditorium.
“While our popularity since opening has reinforced the ongoing demand for face-to-face interaction, hybrid events are the new standard for the industry, through live streaming, virtual networking sessions and interactive online platforms” says Ross. “Te Pae was designed with advanced networked AV systems that make it easy for our expert team to deliver both live and hybrid experiences.”
Off the back of a packed 2024 season, with over 220 national and international conventions exhibitions, banquets, meetings and live entertainment events, Te Pae Christchurch has a strong pipeline of activity for 2025 and beyond.
Events on the calendar include the Australian College of Critical Care Nurses annual scientific meeting (April 9-11); and the industry’s own Professional Conference Organisers Association conference, heading to New Zealand for the second time from December 7-9. – Rachel AJ Lee
