CIM NEWS MAGAZINE Issue 2 2017 | Page 19

WHY SINGAPORE ADVERTORIAL We look at the scope of Singapore’s fast-growing industry clusters, the new events it continues to attract and the numerous awards that reflect Singapore’s status as the top meetings city in the Asia-Pacific. Hub for global organisations Singapore is a magnet for global organisations looking to access the fast- evolving Asian region and beyond. It is home to more than 7,000 multinational companies, of which about 4,000 have located their regional headquarters in the citystate. Singapore is also recognised as the Silicon Valley of Southeast Asia, with a vast new entrepreneurial ecosystem filled with over 55,000 start-ups. Magnet for non-profit organisations Singapore is home to around 140 International Non-Profit Organisations including the World Wildlife Fund, The World Bank Group, Tax Free World Association, International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers, and International Air Transport Association – a number that has more than quadrupled since 2005. New events In 2015, Singapore saw a strong lineup of events, with several making their debuts either in Asia or Singapore, creating an environment that promoted thought leadership through new compelling content. These included Association conventions like the World Liquefied Petroleum Gas Forum, European Society for Medical Oncology Asia Congress 2015 and West Point All-Academies Asia Summit. Singapore has more than 100 international airlines flying to some 300 cities in about 70 countries and territories worldwide. Award winner Singapore’s reputation as the Asia- Pacific’s top meetings city has been recognised for over a decade. It has been named Asia’s Top Convention City in the International Congress and Convention Association Global Rankings for 14 Singapore currently has 20 regional/ bilateral agreements with 31 trading partners, the most extensive network of free trade agreements in Asia. years straight and the Top International Meeting City for the 9 th consecutive year in the Union of International Associations Global Rankings. Singapore’s reputation as a great place to meet and do business is also being enhanced as it develops its knowledge hubs for financial services, applied health sciences, technology, advanced manufacturing, design, travel, media, urban solutions, aerospace and logistics. Find out how Singapore can assist your meeting with its Business Events in Singapore scheme and Singapore MICE Advantage Program. For the 10 th straight year, Singapore remains the easiest country in the world to do business in, according to the World Bank. www.cimmagazine.com   Convention & Incentive Marketing, Issue 2, 2017  19