SINGAPORE Suntec Singapore is to leverage on its global reputation by selling franchising and training opportunities to other conference and exhibition centres across Asia and the world.

The new entity will be called Suntec International Convention and Exhibition Services (Suntec International), and will help new and existing facilities with venue management, staff training and sales and marketing skills.

Pieter Idenburg, CEO of Suntec Singapore as well as Suntec International, said: “We will introduce client platforms that feature continuous training and transparent operating procedures based on Suntec’s success in Singapore. 

“Over time, Suntec Singapore has established stringent guidelines and we have our standard operating procedures in place, which will be of benefit to potential clients.”

Idenburg said Suntec International already has its first client and is in the process of signing two more.

He added: “In five years we will be managing three to four centres. Eventually we will probably have about 10 venues that we’ll represent in Asia. However, after year two of Suntec International it is not unthinkable that we will embark on acquisition.”

Idenburg also said that the new entity would not be a threat to Suntec Singapore because of the venue’s strong reputation and relationship with the Singapore government.

Melissa Ow, assistant chief executive of BT MICE Group, Singapore Tourism Board, said: “The internationalisation of Suntec’s expertise will propel it to become a leader in business events on the global stage.”