Meet the Team: Grace Tan, Sales Executive, Marina Bay Sands
A former Sales intern turned full-timer, the 25-year-old shares why she chose to start her career in this niche industry
Having developed an early interest in Sales, Grace Tan aspires to be an active ambassador for the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry and to nurture the next generation of talent.
The 25-year-old kickstarted her journey at Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), where she completed an eight-month internship with the Sales Team at Marina Bay Sands while pursuing a degree in Hospitality Business. Her exceptional performance and deepened understanding of the industry led to a seamless transition into a full-time role as a Corporate Sales Executive upon graduation.
In her current role, Grace manages key accounts within the energy and transportation sectors, focusing on strategic account penetration, stakeholder engagement and delivering bespoke event solutions together with her clients.
Reflecting on her journey from intern to executive, Grace shares insights into her growth at Marina Bay Sands and her aspirations to empower future MICE professionals through mentorship and advocacy.
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in Sales, and which aspect of your role do you find most exciting?
I’ve always been drawn to roles that involve connecting with people and creating meaningful experiences, which naturally led me towards Sales. While studying, I took on freelance roles as a public speaking trainer and participated in ad-hoc sales jobs. These experiences sparked my passion for client-facing work and helped me discover how I enjoy building relationships. My interest in hospitality began even earlier, during secondary school, when I studied human geography – a subject I genuinely enjoyed and excelled in. That passion carried through to university, where I pursued a degree in Hospitality Business. Together, these experiences shaped my decision to build a career in Sales.
What excites me most is the opportunity to connect with clients from around the world—whether it's engaging with buyers at international trade shows like The Meetings Show or hosting intimate dinners to deepen relationships. There’s something truly special about reconnecting with overseas contacts at client engagement events – it’s like spotting a familiar face in a room full of strangers. These moments make these relationships feel even more meaningful and rewarding.
2. You previously completed an internship at Marina Bay Sands. Could you share more about that experience and how it influenced your decision to take on a full-time role?
In 2022, I completed an eight-month internship with the Sales Team at Marina Bay Sands, and it was a truly holistic experience. I had the opportunity to co-host site inspections alongside various sales managers, gaining firsthand exposure to client interactions and the operational side of the business. I also supported the team with administrative tasks, learning how to manage client needs with precision and care. One of the highlights was working with the Integrated Services Team, where I focused on optimising sales processes to streamline internal workflows.
The internship was both challenging and rewarding. It gave me a comprehensive understanding of the business and affirmed my interest in the industry. Most importantly, it gave me the confidence to pursue a full-time role in this dynamic and fast-paced environment.
3. What kind of leader do you aspire to be, and how do you hope to contribute to the MICE industry?
I aspire to be an active ambassador for the MICE industry – someone who shares experiences, mentors juniors, and inspires the next generation to explore MICE as a dynamic and fulfilling career path. I believe in the power of storytelling and guidance to spark interest and build confidence in those just starting out.
There’s a leader at work whom I deeply admire. She’s an exceptional problem solver who consistently puts others first, resolves issues swiftly, and manages stakeholder expectations with grace. One thing she said that left a lasting impression on me was: as a leader, she hopes the people under her guidance will eventually surpass her. That mindset truly resonated with me, and it’s a philosophy I hope to embody in my own leadership journey—empowering others to grow beyond what they thought possible.
4. What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to enter this industry, and what would you say to your younger self, knowing what you know now?
If you’re clear about what you want, take that leap of faith. Start something new, even if it feels uncertain, and let your passion guide you. The MICE industry is full of opportunities for growth, creativity, and connection, but it takes courage to begin.
To my younger self, I’d say: don’t be afraid of failure. Every misstep carries a lesson. Take time to reflect, learn, and approach things differently the next time. Growth often comes from discomfort, and the only real regret is in never trying at all.
5. What do you think the MICE industry in Singapore can do better to support and develop the next generation of talent?
Singapore already offers a compelling value proposition as a leading MICE destination, supported by strong government initiatives. Marina Bay Sands, for example, actively engages with tertiary institutions through fireside chats, campus roadshows, and initiatives like the SIT module takeover held from January to March this year. These efforts play a vital role in raising awareness and sparking interest among students.
I believe the industry can go further in broadening its reach. Expanding educational opportunities to include students from diverse academic backgrounds, not just those pursuing hospitality degrees, would help cultivate a wider pool of talent. By creating more inclusive pathways into the industry, we can inspire fresh perspectives and foster innovation in the next generation of MICE professionals.
