The two organisations signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday to collaborate on the education and training of MICE professionals and strengthening of business platforms for the development of the MICE industry in South Korea and Thailand. Eung Su Kim, president of the KMA, and Sumate Sudasna, president of TICA, said they would collaborate for the growth of the MICE industry in the two countries with the aim of contributing to their respective economies and the enhancement of international goodwill and cooperation.
They will assist education and training of MICE professionals by inviting members of each other’s association to attend respective educational meetings and sessions, promoting both associations’ internship programmes, and accepting interns to the maximum extent possible.
Furthermore, the two parties will send speakers to each other’s events for MICE meetings organised, sponsored or supported by KMA and/or TICA, coordinate and develop further details for the execution of this MoU, and carry out additional activities where appropriate.
“TICA is honoured to expand our core belief in professional industry education and regional accreditation with the KMA,” Sumate said.
“Education and knowledge are vital to forming a sustainable industry, and our members in Thailand have gained from our education programmes over the years. More and more countries see the benefits from the economic impact that business events bring. TICA will ensure to stay and … help the industry to gain more respect through professional development.”
Kim said: “This MoU is a good start for more efficient networking between Korea and Thailand.
“This MoU allows both countries to leverage on our knowledge and experience to gain further insights in service excellence on an international level. Business events will continue to have a strong impact for any country, especially among Asia-Pacific countries.”
The KMA was established in 2003 to work with Korean and foreign organisations for growth and development of its partners as well as the MICE industry.
KMA members are convention and visitors bureaux, destination marketing organisations, convention and exhibition centres, professional convention and exhibition organisers, MICE service providers, travel agencies, hotels and resorts, airlines, educational institutions and other companies related to the MICE industry.
TICA was established in 1984 jointly by the government and private sector comprising key practitioners in the business-events industry. TICA’s main functions are to promote and market Thailand as a leading business-events destination in the world and to develop expertise for member organisations in servicing planners and |organisers.