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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on April 22, 2025
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2025 (TMS APAC) concluded with significant success in Singapore, further strengthening its reputation as a key event for the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector. Held on 16–17 April 2025 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, the show attracted 1,773 attendees from over 72 countries, reflecting a 35% growth compared to its inaugural edition.
The event featured a vibrant show floor with nearly 300 exhibitors, a robust Hosted Buyer Programme, and more than 30 hours of educational sessions focused on emerging trends, technology, sustainability, and workforce development. Over 8,000 scheduled appointments were completed during the two-day event, enhancing business opportunities for participants.
TMS APAC 2025 was co-located with the inaugural Business Travel Show Asia Pacific (BTS APAC), creating an expanded platform for corporate travel professionals, senior buyers, and leading suppliers. A dynamic lion dance performance opened the event, symbolising prosperity and growth for the region’s MICE and business travel sectors.
Jason Young, CEO of Northstar Travel Group, shared the company's vision during the opening ceremony: “Travel brings communities together and makes business happen, that's why we are here this week. We couldn't be more bullish and excited about the opportunity that TMS APAC brings.”
Guest-of-Honour Ong Huey Hong, Assistant Chief Executive of the Industry Development Group and Chief Sustainability Officer at the Singapore Tourism Board, expressed optimism about the sector's future. She stated, “The co-location of TMS APAC and BTS APAC will form a stronger gateway to quality connections and insightful sessions. Singapore aims to triple our MICE tourism receipts by 2040, and we are committed to supporting this growth.”
Exhibitors and buyers praised the event’s organisation, quality of connections, and relevance of content. Amelia Roziman, CEO of Business Events Sarawak, noted, “TMS APAC has proven to be the ideal anchor platform to position Sarawak as the legacy capital for business events in Borneo and Malaysia.”
Vincent U, President of the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) of Macao, emphasised the opportunity to amplify Macao’s global presence: “At TMS APAC, Macao isn't just participating, we are co-writing the future of Asia-Pacific's MICE landscape.”
First-time attendees like Yelle Dela Cruz, Meeting and Event Planner at Alliances Management, shared positive experiences: “It’s like a one-stop shop. The convenience of having all destinations we are exploring, such as Singapore, Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia, represented here is unmatched.”
Participants also appreciated the educational sessions. Harry Foo, Event Director at Evo Communications, remarked, “The content at TMS APAC, especially around AI’s application in MICE, was practical and insightful.”
Industry professionals noted the event’s growing prestige. Vincent Tham, Director of D’Event Tree, observed, “In a short span, TMS APAC has overtaken many MICE and travel trade shows in Singapore and beyond, emerging as one of the top business travel shows in Asia Pacific.”
Adding to the enthusiasm, Ferron Gray, President of Grae Matta Foundation, called TMS APAC “an absolute powerhouse of a show.”
Building on this strong momentum, TMS APAC will return to Singapore on 14–15 April 2026 at Sands Expo & Convention Centre, promising another dynamic edition for the global MICE community.
Industry professionals can already register their interest at: https://www.themeetingsshowapac.com/register-your-interest.
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Published on August 21, 2025
Ras Al Khaimah is rapidly cementing its position as one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing real estate markets in the United Arab Emirates. Driven by the forward-looking vision of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the Emirate is undergoing a remarkable transformation anchored in sustainability, community well-being and smart urban planning.
In the last three years, property sales and prices in the Emirate have surged, propelled by major hospitality, residential and commercial developments. With the population expected to rise from 0.4 million to 0.65 million by 2030, demand for an estimated 45,000 additional homes is on the horizon. This growth has attracted both global developers such as Emaar, Aldar and Ellington and local leaders including Marjan, Al Hamra and RAK Properties.
Al Marjan Island has emerged as a flagship destination in this transformation. Under the leadership of CEO Eng. Abdullah Al Abdooli, it is welcoming iconic luxury brands including Wynn, JW Marriott, Nobu, Missoni and The Address. Further expanding Ras Al Khaimah’s commercial ecosystem, Marjan is developing RAK Central, set to become one of the Northern Emirates’ largest business districts, with Grade-A offices and sustainable infrastructure.
Al Hamra, led by CEO Benoy Kurien, continues to shape community living with Al Hamra Village’s 4,000+ homes, golf course and vibrant community. The group is also spearheading projects such as Waldorf Astoria Residences, Falcon Island, Al Hamra Waterfront and Manar Mall, the Emirate’s most popular retail hub.
RAK Properties, through its landmark Mina development, is redefining the Emirate’s shoreline. Already hosting world-class resorts like Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah and InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah, it is gearing up to welcome Nikki Beach, Staybridge Suites and a Four Seasons. Commenting on this momentum, Chairman Abdulaziz Abdullah Al Zaabi said, “We are creating a vibrant, sustainable environment that is attracting global investment while maintaining the unique culture and natural heritage of our Emirate.” CEO Sameh Muhtadi added, “We are witnessing unprecedented global interest and this momentum will only continue.”
Supporting this real estate boom is Ras Al Khaimah’s strong infrastructure: eight hospitals including RAK Hospital, a modern education ecosystem, and its ranking among the world’s safest places. Tourism further strengthens the Emirate’s appeal, with 1.28 million visitors in 2024 enjoying attractions like Jais Flight, the world’s longest zipline and the UAE’s highest-altitude restaurant, 1484 by Puro.
At the heart of it all lies Ras Al Khaimah’s 2030 Vision, a people-first development strategy focused on sustainability, inclusivity and global competitiveness. With its rising skyline, thriving communities and investor-friendly ecosystem, the Emirate is emerging as a benchmark for urban growth, lifestyle innovation and long-term prosperity.
Published on August 19, 2025
Applying for a student visa to New Zealand will now look different, with the country introducing a fully digital process. Starting today, all international student visa applications will be processed through Immigration New Zealand’s upgraded online platform, ADEPT. The move is aimed at reducing paperwork, expediting decisions, and making the process simpler and more efficient for applicants worldwide.
From August 18, applications for English Language Student Visa, Exchange Student Visa, Fee Paying Student Visa, Pathway Student Visa, New Zealand Government Scholarship Student Visa, and Foreign Government Supported Student Visa are automatically being directed to the new ADEPT form. Any applications submitted through the old system on or before August 17 will continue to be processed, while draft applications must be submitted by September 17. After this date, all draft applications will be deleted.
Immigration New Zealand confirmed that from September 18, paper applications will no longer be accepted for student visa categories, marking a complete shift to online processing. This change is part of a broader seven-year programme designed to transition all visa categories to a single digital platform. Visitor Visas, Accredited Employer Work Visas, and Permanent Resident Visas have already been on the ADEPT system since 2021.
In its official statement, Immigration New Zealand said, “Customers and staff are at the heart of the Our Future Services programme. We are aiming to deliver a simpler, faster, and more user-friendly visa application process to reduce waiting times, provide clear communication on application status, and increase self-service capabilities so everyone feels more informed and better supported.”
The immigration agency has also advised applicants to apply at least three months before their intended travel date, as this remains a peak period for student visa processing. Family-related visa products linked to student visas will also be shifted to the new system over the coming year as part of the phased rollout.
This digital transformation marks an important milestone for international students aspiring to study in New Zealand, providing a streamlined and modern approach to visa processing.
By Hariharan U
India’s leading destination representation firm, Red Dot Representations, has joined hands with Unique Lanka Travels, a top travel solutions provider from Sri Lanka, to expand the island nation’s global reach and redefine the way travellers experience it.
The collaboration marks an important milestone in showcasing Sri Lanka’s beauty, culture, and diversity to a wider international audience. With Red Dot’s expertise in bespoke sales and marketing strategies, Unique Lanka Travels will gain the kind of exposure and two-way communication usually reserved for larger travel companies. This means travellers can look forward to extraordinary, customised experiences crafted with precision and care.
Highlighting Sri Lanka’s appeal, Charith De Alwis, CEO of Unique Lanka Travels, shared,"Sri Lanka is a captivating paradise for high-end Indian travellers seeking luxury, adventure, and cultural richness. Offering pristine beaches, lush tea plantations, and vibrant heritage sites, Sri Lanka is perfect for indulgent stays at world-class resorts and thrilling outdoor adventures. At Unique Lanka Travels, our team is dedicated to customizing your experience and ensuring a seamless, pampered journey. We are excited to collaborate with Red.dot representation, a market expert, to grow together and bring exclusive Sri Lankan adventures to discerning travellers. Make Sri Lanka a must-visit destination on your bucket list!"
Echoing the sentiment, Prabhakar Kamat, Business Head at Red Dot Representations, said,"We are excited to represent Unique Lanka Travels, as their focus on authenticity and quality brings values that align perfectly with ours. Our onus as a team will be to engage on a platform that represents Sri Lanka as a must-see destination through one-of-a-kind sales and marketing initiatives to today’s traveler."
With this partnership, both companies are set to enhance Sri Lanka’s presence in key markets, engage closely with trade partners, and set new benchmarks in experiential travel. The collaboration ultimately aims to enrich the journeys of global travellers, making Sri Lanka a must-visit destination for those seeking both luxury and authenticity
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