In the global race toward net-zero emissions, Singapore is leading by example. To advance the green transformation of its MICE industry, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has adopted the ISO 14068-1 standard at multiple international MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) trade events, achieving carbon neutrality for its exhibition booths — a national first in Singapore.

Co-developed with the Singapore Standards Council (SSC), which operates under Enterprise Singapore and serves as Singapore’s member body of ISO, the standard has prompted STB to review its long-established operational practices. By switching to reusable booth materials and removing carpeting where low-carbon alternatives were not feasible, STB cut emissions by 45% at the IMEX exhibition in the United States, equivalent to 9.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

STB has been committed to driving industry transformation since launching the MICE Sustainability Roadmap in 2022.

Unlike approaches that focus merely on carbon offsetting, ISO 14068-1 prioritizes emission reduction and carbon removal, offering clear, practical guidance across the entire carbon value chain. STB’s initiative aligns with the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and reflects the global shift toward sustainability in the tourism sector. Certification for STB’s implementation of the standard is expected to be granted next year.

Since releasing the MICE Sustainability Roadmap in 2022, STB has consistently promoted industrial transition. With ongoing support from Enterprise Singapore, STB aims to scale these efforts to more international events, demonstrating that sustainability and tourism development can advance hand in hand.