MEET THE TEAM: VERNIQUE CHIAM, CX SENIOR MANAGER, MARINA BAY SANDS
From building events to building people, Vernique champions the next generation of MICE professionals
After pursuing Integrated Events Management at Republic Polytechnic, Vernique Chiam kickstarted her career in 2013 through Marina Bay Sands’ management trainee programme, a structured pathway designed to expose young professionals to different functions across the integrated resort. Through rotations across exhibitions, events and conferences, she discovered a passion for the fast-paced, people-centric nature of the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry.
Over the past decade, Vernique has mastered end-to-end event delivery and client relationship-building. After spending several years at Marina Bay Sands, she stepped out briefly to explore the organiser side of the business, before returning to the integrated resort with a deeper and more holistic perspective of event management.
Today, as a Senior Manager in the Customer Experience (CX) team, Vernique works closely with clients to bring events to life from start to finish. Beyond her day-to-day role, she is passionate about paying it forward by mentoring young professionals and demystifying the MICE sector.
From career milestones to mentorship opportunities, Vernique shares her experiences in MICE and her dedication to nurturing future talent.
1. How would you describe the role of CX to someone new to the industry?
One common misconception is that we are purely a venue operations team, focused only on logistics and operations. In reality, our role goes much deeper. We work closely with clients as partners to shape the end-to-end experiences of the event.
From the moment we first engage a client to the final touchpoint after the event concludes, we provide counsel and guidance to ensure a seamless and meaningful experience for both the client and attendees. This includes understanding their objectives, identifying potential challenges and co-creating solutions that enhance the overall event experience.
2. You have worked on many events over the years – could you share a couple of your most memorable experiences?
Over the years, sustainability has become something I feel strongly about, and it has been incredibly meaningful to see how far Marina Bay Sands has come in this area.
One defining milestone was the Schneider Electric Global Innovation Summit in 2018, our first fully sustainable pilot event. Working closely with the Schneider Electric’s Sustainability team, we consciously minimised the event’s overall environmental footprint through initiatives such as recycling lanyards and eliminating single-use event materials such as straws, plastic bottles, coffee stirrers and takeaway coffee cups, where possible. This really sets the foundation for how we approach sustainable event planning today.
Another event that remains especially close to my heart is Ecosperity Week. I have had the opportunity to work with Ecosperity on multiple editions since 2018. It has been rewarding to witness the event grow in scale and impact over the years, while also developing strong and lasting relationships with the client.
3. You recently attended the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) Academy Engagement in Brussels. What key insights did you gain about leading a team and navigating evolving challenges in the global MICE landscape?
The AIPC Academy Engagement in Brussels was the best academy course I have ever attended. It provided a global platform to learn from industry leaders and exchange perspectives with peers from different convention centres around the world. Despite coming from diverse backgrounds, we realised that many of the challenges we faced were very similar, regarding our workplaces, cultures and approaches to nurturing the next generation.
The Academy was a huge game changer, providing me with new perspectives on team leadership. I learnt new frameworks to better identify different personality types and communication approaches within a team. This has allowed me to better engage individuals and lead more effectively, especially when bridging generational and cultural differences. Hearing from speakers across different fields also broadened my perspective on creativity and innovation, encouraging me to look at challenges from new angles.
4. How do you engage with and inspire next-generation talent?
Mentorship is something that I have always cared deeply about. When I first joined the industry, I received invaluable guidance and support from my seniors. Their encouragement, patience and willingness to share their experiences gave me the confidence to learn, grow and navigate my career with greater clarity. So being in a position now where I can pay it forward and nurture the next generation of MICE professionals is incredibly meaningful to me.
Through Genevieve Lim, the Assistant Vice President of MICE and Sales at Marina Bay Sands, as well as the chair of the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS) Alumni Community (SAC), I have been offered the opportunity to contribute more actively to shaping future MICE talents. Through engagements such as career fairs, networking sessions and workshops, the SAC provides students and early-career professionals with a valuable headstart by offering real-world insights into the industry.
For example, at a recent SAC event, through a mixologist-led boba mocktail workshop, SAC members got to discover how creativity and sustainability can come together in event design. Using fresh botanicals and herbs harvested from our on-site hydroponic capsules, the session offered a behind-the-scenes look at how thoughtful guest experiences are brought to life.
5. What advice would you give to young professionals considering a career in MICE?
The MICE industry is dynamic and constantly evolving, so don’t be afraid to embrace the unknown. While stepping into this industry may feel unfamiliar at first, that is also what makes it exciting. Every event brings a new opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow.
It is also important to be proactive in gaining exposure. Whether it is attending events or networking with industry professionals, these experiences will help you better understand the industry and where your interests lie.
Most importantly, stay open to change. Fresh perspectives and creative ideas are always welcomed in this industry, and it is the next generation who will ultimately shape its future.
