Singapore -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/19/2012 -- Singex signed a joint venture agreement with leading European exhibition organiser Fiera Milano in Singapore today. This joint venture will see the development of more global events in Asia as the two leading exhibition and conference organisers join forces. The collaboration between Singex and Fiera Milano is part of Singex’s continuing strategy to create and own turnkey events in the global MICE arena.

The first show to emerge from the partnership will take place in early 2013. Named RehabTech Asia, this inaugural edition of Asia’s first assistive technology, integrated care and rehabilitation engineering event is expected attract much interest and attention from industry players from Asia, Europe and South America. “Singex is committed to the development of impactful international business events, and as such, we see a very strong synergy between Fiera Milano and Singex. Through this alliance, we intend to bridge Europe and South America with Asia, and launch new-to-market events such as RehabTech Asia – the first of more to come. Leveraging off each other’s strengths and MICE expertise, we are confident that this joint venture will establish itself quickly as a leader within the Asian MICE industry.” said Mr Aloysius Arlando, Chief Executive Officer of Singex.

Fiera Milano S.p.A., a leading trade fair organiser in Italy and one of the largest in the world, owns an impressive portfolio of professional shows in key trade sectors. Fiera Milano is now looking to make significant inroads into the Asian MICE industry. Mr Enrico Pazalli, its Chief Executive Officer, said, “We see Asia as the next big MICE market, with Singapore at the heart of all the action. As the Asian consumer becomes increasingly sophisticated, interesting business and consumer events are also in demand. For our venture into Asia, we choose to partner with Singex because of their experience in event and venue management as well as their understanding of the region. Singex’s strong Asian business and government contacts, as well as affiliations with leading international trade associations and organisations, make it an ideal partner for Fiera Milano’s foray into Southeast Asia and beyond.”

Asia is forecasted to become an important engine of growth in the future even as it leads the world out of the worst recession in over half a century. The region’s share of world growth is likely to increase, enhancing Asia’s role as an economic powerhouse over the next few decades.

Leveraging its extensive global trade and communications network, strong knowledge-based industries, and quality MICE infrastructure, Singapore is well-poised to maintain its position as the business city of choice for event organisers. The city was named “Best Business City in Southeast Asia” in the 2011 Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Travel Awards and voted “Asia’s Best City for Business Events” in the 2010 CEI Asia Industry Awards. The winning combination of Fiera Milano, a well-established full service organiser, and Singex, with its proven track record in developing successful exhibitions and conferences in Asia, is thus expected to be a timely addition to Asia’s burgeoning MICE industry.

Jeannie Lim, Singapore Tourism Board’s Executive Director, Exhibitions & Conferences and Conventions & Meetings, said, “We are very pleased to witness this successful collaboration between Singex and Fiera Milano, and look forward to its contribution to Singapore’s vibrant MICE landscape. As Asia’s leading business city with a dynamic MICE industry, Singapore provides wide-ranging opportunities for the formation of synergistic industry partnerships to create and develop top-quality business events.”

Echoing similar sentiments, the Italian trade commissioner to Singapore, Dr Massimiliano P. Sponzilli, is strongly supportive of this partnership. He stated, “Despite the global crisis, businesses in Italy are still looking for new markets for expansion, especially in South East Asia. In this respect Singapore plays an important role, being regarded as the center of the region and its robust economy. It is therefore not surprising that Fiera Milano, in partnership with Singex, decides to bring Reatech to Singapore. The Italian Trade Commission fully supports such a worthwhile endeavour and looks forward to participate in this new initiative to support Italian companies and organisations looking to establish presence in this region. ”