Sustainable Tourism Asia
2019 — Schedule
Session discussions will catalyze action-oriented opportunities to collaboratively foster the development of best practices in the sustainable tourism industry throughout the region. Attendees will both share their experiences and learn actionable takeaways from market leaders in Asia and globally.
21 November 2019 – from 8:30 to 17:45
08:30 – 09:00 | Registration and Coffee
Marina Bay Sands Singapore, Sands Expo and Convention Centre,
Begonia Junior Ballroom, Level 3
09:00 – 09:15 | Welcome
Opening address by Marina Bay Sands and ELEVATE
– Ian Wilson, Senior Vice President of Non-Gaming Operations, Marina Bay Sands
– Richard Welford, Chairman, CSR Asia, ELEVATE
09:15 – 09:30 | Visa Keynote
Sustainable Tourism Trends and Policies in Asia
A data-driven evaluation of emerging policies, trends and solutions in sustainable tourism and hospitality.
– Glenn Maguire, Principal Asia-Pacific Economist, Visa
09:30 – 10:30 | Session
Food Facts: Sustainable Food Models
Tourism trends are largely influenced by customer preferences. With people in search of the perfect experience and Instagram-worthy food, there is also an increased expectation to provide sustainable menu options and minimize waste. This session will explore how today’s changing global consumer is shaping the hospitality industry throughout Asia.
– Sebastien Brunel, Vice President Procurement Asia Pacific, Accor
– Lucas Glanville, Director of Culinary Operations, Singapore and South East Asia, Hyatt Hotels
– Emmanuel Benardos, General Manager Food & Beverage, Fairmont Singapore & Swissôtel The Stamford
– Moderator: Tess Zinnes, Project Manager, Sustainability Consulting, ELEVATE
10:30 – 11:00 | Coffee Break and Networking
11:00 – 12:00 | Session
Driving Sustainable Development through Local, Inclusive, and Diverse Travel
In many Asian countries, tourism dollars trickle in through a small handful of key destinations and leak out of the economy through foreign-owned travel companies. Today’s new generation of travellers is changing this dynamic as they increasingly seek and require evidence of authentic experiences ranging from locally-run tours and restaurants to shopping. Speakers will explore how these changing consumer expectations can be met while driving economic benefits to emerging destinations through local, inclusive and diverse travel.
– Dr. Zoe Hibbert, Head of Corporate Communication, Asia-Pacific, Visa
– Andrew Dixon, Director, Nikoi Island
– Aye Mya Mya Soe, General Manager, Indonesia, Peak DMC
– Moderator: Lee-Mey Goh, Deputy Director of Strategy, The American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore
12:00 – 12:45 | Session
Climate Friendly Travel: Propelling Tourism Towards Carbon Neutrality
The travel and tourism industry is globally recognized as a key contributor to carbon emissions worldwide. Within this context, Asia Pacific ranks as the world’s largest aviation market given above average levels of domestic travel and a growing middle class. While flight shaming is on the rise, a conscious move towards climate neutral travel is imperative to the long-term survival of the sector. This interactive session will highlight how the industry impacts climate change and vice versa while promoting opportunities to propel tourism towards a sustainable future.
– Geoffrey Lipman, Co-Founder, The SUNx
– Dr. Arunima Malik, Lecturer in Sustainability, The University of Australia
– Moderator: Richard Welford, Chairman, CSR Asia, ELEVATE
12:45 – 13:45 | Lunch and Networking
13:45 – 14:45 | Session
The Perils of Packaging: Navigating Solutions in an Evolving Landscape
The hospitality industry is on track to phase out disposable, single-use plastics ranging from toiletry bottles to straws. Plastic packaging, however, remains a challenge. A variety of options exist, but many get lost in the sea of solutions without knowing the trade-offs. Speakers will describe how to navigate and implement these options.
– Kim Stengert, Chief, Strategic Communications and External Relations, WWF Singapore
– Seah Kian Hoe, Managing Director, Heng Hiap Industries
– Jeannie Kwok, Director Corporate Responsibility, Asia Pacific, Hilton
– Moderator: Mallika Naguran, Founder and Managing Editor, Gaia Discovery
14:45 – 15:45 | Session
Destination: A Circular Tourism Economy
By reimagining linear flow value chains as circular, industry can drive strategies that offer environmental and cost saving benefits. By mapping a value chain, opportunities for upcycling, recycling, and reusing can be identified. This session will take a closer look at how “waste” can be reconceptualized as value in the context of building design, refurbishing and decorating, and accommodations.
– Szue Hann Tan, Managing Director, MINIWIZ Singapore
– Louise Hardman, CEO / Founder, Plastic Collective
– Moderator: Katie Yewdall, Associate Director, Sustainability Consulting, Southeast Asia, ELEVATE
15:45 – 16:05 | Coffee Break and Networking
16:05 – 16:45 | Session
Forced Labor in Seafood Supply Chains: Ghost Fleet Documentary Clip and Q&A
Hotels and restaurants are increasingly placing importance on responsible seafood sourcing practices to avoid forced labor. This fireside chat with Patima Tungpuchayakul, a Thai abolitionist from the documentary Ghost Fleet, will pull back the veil on the seafood industry to reveal striking stories of activists seeking justice for enslaved fishermen.
– Patima Tungpuchayakul, Labor Rights Organizer
– Moderator: Mabel Wong, Director, Australia, Sustainability Consulting and ELEVATE Strategic Partner Program, ELEVATE
16:45 – 17:45 | Session
Hospitable Employers: Responsible Recruitment and Labor Practices
Hospitality creates many employment opportunities with low barriers to entry. On the other hand, recruitment and hiring risks related to modern day slavery are a growing / relevant challenge. Speakers will provide cross-sector perspectives of how to ensure responsible recruitment practices tailored to the hospitality and tourism industry.
– Guna Subramaniam, Southeast Asia Regional Advisor, Migrant Workers Programme, Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB)
– Stella Freitag, Research Analyst, Minderoo Foundation, Walk Free Initiative
– Luke Tan, Case Manager, Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics (HOME)
– Moderator: Mabel Wong, Director, Australia, Sustainability Consulting and ELEVATE Strategic Partner Program, ELEVATE
17:45 – 18:00 | Closing
Traveling into Tomorrow’s Tourism Industry
– Richard Welford, Chairman, CSR Asia, ELEVATE
18:00 – 19:30 | Networking Reception
08:30 – 09:00 | Registration and Coffee
Marina Bay Sands Singapore, Sands Expo and Convention Centre,
Begonia Junior Ballroom, Level 3
09:00 – 09:15 | Welcome
Opening address by Marina Bay Sands and ELEVATE
– Ian Wilson, Senior Vice President of Non-Gaming Operations, Marina Bay Sands
– Richard Welford, Chairman, CSR Asia, ELEVATE
09:15 – 09:30 | Visa Keynote
Sustainable Tourism Trends and Policies in Asia
A data-driven evaluation of emerging policies, trends and solutions in sustainable tourism and hospitality.
– Glenn Maguire, Principal Asia-Pacific Economist, Visa
09:30 – 10:30 | Session
Food Facts: Sustainable Food Models
Tourism trends are largely influenced by customer preferences. With people in search of the perfect experience and Instagram-worthy food, there is also an increased expectation to provide sustainable menu options and minimize waste. This session will explore how today’s changing global consumer is shaping the hospitality industry throughout Asia.
– Sebastien Brunel, Vice President Procurement Asia Pacific, Accor
– Lucas Glanville, Director of Culinary Operations, Singapore and South East Asia, Hyatt Hotels
– Emmanuel Benardos, General Manager Food & Beverage, Fairmont Singapore & Swissôtel The Stamford
– Moderator: Tess Zinnes, Project Manager, Sustainability Consulting, ELEVATE
10:30 – 11:00 | Coffee Break and Networking
11:00 – 12:00 | Session
Driving Sustainable Development through Local, Inclusive, and Diverse Travel
In many Asian countries, tourism dollars trickle in through a small handful of key destinations and leak out of the economy through foreign-owned travel companies. Today’s new generation of travellers is changing this dynamic as they increasingly seek and require evidence of authentic experiences ranging from locally-run tours and restaurants to shopping. Speakers will explore how these changing consumer expectations can be met while driving economic benefits to emerging destinations through local, inclusive and diverse travel.
– Dr. Zoe Hibbert, Head of Corporate Communication, Asia-Pacific, Visa
– Andrew Dixon, Director, Nikoi Island
– Aye Mya Mya Soe, General Manager, Indonesia, Peak DMC
– Moderator: Lee-Mey Goh, Deputy Director of Strategy, The American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore
12:00 – 12:45 | Session
Climate Friendly Travel: Propelling Tourism Towards Carbon Neutrality
The travel and tourism industry is globally recognized as a key contributor to carbon emissions worldwide. Within this context, Asia Pacific ranks as the world’s largest aviation market given above average levels of domestic travel and a growing middle class. While flight shaming is on the rise, a conscious move towards climate neutral travel is imperative to the long-term survival of the sector. This interactive session will highlight how the industry impacts climate change and vice versa while promoting opportunities to propel tourism towards a sustainable future.
– Geoffrey Lipman, Co-Founder, The SUNx
– Dr. Arunima Malik, Lecturer in Sustainability, The University of Australia
– Moderator: Richard Welford, Chairman, CSR Asia, ELEVATE
12:45 – 13:45 | Lunch and Networking
13:45 – 14:45 | Session
The Perils of Packaging: Navigating Solutions in an Evolving Landscape
The hospitality industry is on track to phase out disposable, single-use plastics ranging from toiletry bottles to straws. Plastic packaging, however, remains a challenge. A variety of options exist, but many get lost in the sea of solutions without knowing the trade-offs. Speakers will describe how to navigate and implement these options.
– Kim Stengert, Chief, Strategic Communications and External Relations, WWF Singapore
– Seah Kian Hoe, Managing Director, Heng Hiap Industries
– Jeannie Kwok, Director Corporate Responsibility, Asia Pacific, Hilton
– Moderator: Mallika Naguran, Founder and Managing Editor, Gaia Discovery
14:45 – 15:45 | Session
Destination: A Circular Tourism Economy
By reimagining linear flow value chains as circular, industry can drive strategies that offer environmental and cost saving benefits. By mapping a value chain, opportunities for upcycling, recycling, and reusing can be identified. This session will take a closer look at how “waste” can be reconceptualized as value in the context of building design, refurbishing and decorating, and accommodations.
– Szue Hann Tan, Managing Director, MINIWIZ Singapore
– Louise Hardman, CEO / Founder, Plastic Collective
– Moderator: Katie Yewdall, Associate Director, Sustainability Consulting, Southeast Asia, ELEVATE
15:45 – 16:05 | Coffee Break and Networking
16:05 – 16:45 | Session
Forced Labor in Seafood Supply Chains: Ghost Fleet Documentary Clip and Q&A
Hotels and restaurants are increasingly placing importance on responsible seafood sourcing practices to avoid forced labor. This fireside chat with Patima Tungpuchayakul, a Thai abolitionist from the documentary Ghost Fleet, will pull back the veil on the seafood industry to reveal striking stories of activists seeking justice for enslaved fishermen.
– Patima Tungpuchayakul, Labor Rights Organizer
– Moderator: Mabel Wong, Director, Australia, Sustainability Consulting and ELEVATE Strategic Partner Program, ELEVATE
16:45 – 17:45 | Session
Hospitable Employers: Responsible Recruitment and Labor Practices
Hospitality creates many employment opportunities with low barriers to entry. On the other hand, recruitment and hiring risks related to modern day slavery are a growing / relevant challenge. Speakers will provide cross-sector perspectives of how to ensure responsible recruitment practices tailored to the hospitality and tourism industry.
– Guna Subramaniam, Southeast Asia Regional Advisor, Migrant Workers Programme, Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB)
– Stella Freitag, Research Analyst, Minderoo Foundation, Walk Free Initiative
– Luke Tan, Case Manager, Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics (HOME)
– Moderator: Mabel Wong, Director, Australia, Sustainability Consulting and ELEVATE Strategic Partner Program, ELEVATE
17:45 – 18:00 | Closing
Traveling into Tomorrow’s Tourism Industry
– Richard Welford, Chairman, CSR Asia, ELEVATE
18:00 – 19:30 | Networking Reception