The Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA) was officially registered with the Singapore Registry of Societies on 25 January 2005. Prior to its registration, an assembly meeting was in Singapore on 21 September 2004. The assembly was attended by associations' representatives from China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Taiwan.
President's Message
Warmest greetings to my fellow MICE colleagues and friends.
As a past Board Member at AFECA for the last 6 six years, I have valued the many friendships, experiences and the opportunity AFECA has given me, to spend time with a purpose and much learning along the way. Today, I am humbled to be able to serve AFECA as the elected President (2020-2022). My heartfelt thanks extend to the Board for their trust bestowed upon me.
To be serving a large organisation such as AFECA is not an easy task. My predecessor Mr. Walter Yeh (Immediate Past President) together with his Board members has achieved immense accomplishments, but I am determined to demonstrate initiatives to maintain the good results.
My congratulations also go to the newly elected Board Members, and I look forward to working with each of you. I believe that our team is made out of many experienced, knowledgeable and committed Board members and, we shall strive to fulfil the objectives and values of AFECA and promote the MICE industry for the benefit of all. I also look forward to welcome Walter’s support as well as from our Honorary Presidents – Ms. Dilys Yong and Mr. Edward Liu in achieving this cause.
As our industry is going through a challenging time now with billions of dollars in losses, I hope for AFECA members to adopt new initiatives in the new norm; to rethink and reinvent our MICE businesses such as to implement or adopt hybridisation and digitalisation in their events; and to start preparing for the rebound of the industry.
It is hoped that the recent RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) Agreement signed between ASEAN Member States, Australia, China, Japan, Republic of Korea and New Zealand will bring new opportunities and collaborations to the MICE industry. This is ASEAN’s biggest free trade pact to-date that have a combined market size of USD262.2 trillion, taking up 30% of the world’s GDP.
Meanwhile, I am pleased to take this opportunity to thank AFECA’s Advisory Council members for their input and valuable time put in and they are – Bureau of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taiwan; Hong Kong Tourism Board (MEHK); Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC); Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO); Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO); Malaysian Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB); Philippine Tourism Promotions Board (TPB); Singapore Tourism Board (STB); Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, Vietnam.
Finally, with the good news of pandemic vaccines clinical trials taking place, my wish is to see the fast recovery not just for the MICE industry, but for Tourism, Airlines, Hotels, F&B and other related industries.
I would be most grateful for the continuous support from the Board, Advisory Council and Members for the years to come. Like the saying goes “Alone we can do so little; Together we can do so much” – Let us all work together for the benefit of the MICE industry in the Asian region; increase cross-border cooperation, business collaboration, partnerships and friendships amongst member countries, the region and worldwide.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully
Dato’ Vincent Lim
President
(2020-2022)
The long-term vision for AFECA is to be a strategic partner in the creation of a world federation representing the exhibition and convention industry in Asia.
- To promote the growth and development of the exhibition and convention industry in Asia.
- To encourage and maintain the highest ethical standards of business conduct and professionalism within the industry.
- To promote and establish common industry standards in Asia.
- To represent the Asian industry in developing initiatives with Government agencies.
- To represent the Asian interest at international level.
- To promote the common interest of members.
The three dark blue ovals represent people. Dark blue symbolizes business professionals of AFECA. The curve that surrounds the three ovals represents uniting the people from all over the world, which also stands for connectivity. Turquoise color represents the universal global colour, which symbolizes connecting around the world. The world "Asian" is in bold font as Asia is the focal point in this association.
