The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (ICCS) has awarded IEG Asia Pte. Ltd., an Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) subsidiary, with its ‘Best Italian SME in Singapore’ award. The recognition came at the ICCS Business Awards ‘24, an initiative highlighting the role of businesses in promoting international relations and economic collaboration between Italy and the Lion City.
The jury awarded IEG Asia for its investment in Singapore's MICE sector, especially through the Sigep Asia and SIJE shows, and for the company’s commitment to shaping the business landscape of the Lion City and promoting collaboration with Italy.
Receiving the award in the presence of Italian Ambassador to Singapore, Dante Brandi, director of the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in Singapore, Giorgio Calveri, and leaders and representatives of the Italian and Singaporean business communities were Ilaria Cicero, CEO of IEG Asia, and Francesco Santa, IEG’s international business development director. Carlo Costa, CCO of IEG, was also in attendance.
“I would like to thank ICCS and those who have supported IEG Asia on this road to growth in a city where more and more Italian companies are alighting and which is the most important economic hub in the whole ASEAN area,” said Ilaria Cicero. “In little more than a year, IEG Asia has acquired events in the F&B, Ho.re.Ca. and Jewellery sectors from a local organiser and an international one, also with the support and consultancy of Algebra Pte. Ltd. of Singapore. We have faced numerous challenges, others await us: we will continue with tenacity and professionalism to expand our business in Singapore and the ASEAN countries.”
“This award is an honour. It confirms our commitment to bringing Italian excellence to the world, and to Singapore in particular, the primary destination for our country's exports to South-East Asia, which exceeded €2.8bn (+16.9%) in 2023,” added Francesco Santa. “It is the result of our team’s work and passion and the trust and support of our partners and customers.”
“According to Ministry of Trade and Industry estimates, Singapore's economy grew by 2.7% in the first quarter of 2024: faster than the last quarter of 2023. This recognition is important,” Carlo Costa underlined, “also in light of these numbers. It proves that the ‘IEG spirit’, which encourages us to face the market with curiosity, professionalism, teamwork and attention to detail, is a winning one, even when a long way from our headquarters, which are always firmly connected to all the Group's offices.”
Stax ranking
Another important recent acknowledgement is for Italian business is that, for the second year running, Italian Exhibition Group is the only Italian company among the world’s top 27 trade show players included in the prestigious Stax ranking – produced by the global strategy consulting firm – based on turnover produced exclusively by the organisers’ direct exhibitions.
Another significant fact is that four of the top 27 positions in the ranking are held by industrial or commercial partners of IEG, which projects the Group's leading industries into strategic geographical areas such as the Middle East and the Americas. In fact, Informa, which Stax ranks as Number 1, is a partner of IEG with JGTD show dedicated to the gold and jewellery supply chain. Also partnering with IEG are Koelnmesse (for Sigep China), while Deutsche Messe is IEG’s partner in Mexico and Canada. Also on the list is Nürnberg Messe, which organises Focus on PCB at IEG’s Vicenza Expo Centre.
Photo (L-R): Carlo Costa, CCO of IEG; Ilaria Cicero, CEO of IEG Asia; Francesco Santa, international business development director of IEG
