Singapore is a vibrant MICE destination for both work and play — its world-class infrastructure, knowledge-based economy and global connectivity. Renowned for its food, shopping, rich culture and heritage, there is no shortage of fun and unique activities for event organisers. 

Heritage Highlights 

For a cultural experience, enjoy a docent-led tour of National Gallery Singapore, the world’s largest public collection of Singapore and Southeast Asian modern art. Explore the DBS Singapore Gallery, with over 300 pieces of Singapore art from the national collection. End the tour by enjoying a drink with a twist at the Smoke & Mirrors bar on the gallery’s rooftop.  

Head to Joo Chiat, for a unique insight into Peranakan culture – a hybridisation of Chinese, Malay and Western aesthetics, heritage, values and cuisines. Home to The Intan, a private Peranakan museum and treasure trove owned by antiques collector Alvin Yapp. You can view his personal collection of Peranakan antiques and try some Nyonya dishes and snacks. 

Immersive experiences 

Start the day with the Breakfast in the Wild programme at Singapore Zoo. Dine up-close with protected wildlife such as orangutans, macaws, reptiles.  The Zoo uses sustainably sourced ingredients, including sustainable palm oil and fresh coffee beans from farmers in Java, Indonesia.  

Join Edible Garden City for a multi-sensory urban farm tour This social enterprise encourages consumers and businesses to grow their own food. Learn about soil fertility, watering and lighting conditions to create your own edible garden back home. Tour an on-site urban farm and taste edible plants such as roselle, basil and curry leaves while discovering how to grow them at home too.  

Gastronomic journeys 

Singapore’s diverse dining scene is an attraction in its own right, with Singapore Hawker Culture inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. 

Groups craving street food can visit vibrant hawker centres like Makansutra Gluttons Bay looks out across Marina Bay is an ideal introduction to Singapore’s lively hawker scene. Or try the 1-Michelin-starred Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle minced pork noodle at just S$6 (US$4). At Lau Pa Sat, Singapore’s first wet market that dates back more than 150 years, you can enjoy a sumptuous spread of authentic street food. 

Singapore’s bar scene has something for everyone, with some bars making it to the World’s 50 Best Bars 2022 list. Taste expertly crafted cocktails at Jigger & Pony, which ranked at number 12, or enjoy the opulent Art Deco-themed Atlas bar. Go green with your dining experience at the world’s tallest urban farm, 1-Arden Food Forest, 51 storeys high, which provides produce for on-site restaurant Kaarla, putting sustainability on show. 

Strong support 

Qualified MICE groups can enjoy some of the options mentioned above complimentary through the INSPIRE Global 2.0 programme. This programme offers nearly 80 options in dining, attractions, tours, team-building, and retail experiences to enhance the itineraries of MICE groups visiting Singapore. Find out how more here.  

Original article adapted from M&C Asia.