About Host City
Singapore
Singapore is an island nation that has defied its small size to become an economic powerhouse within decades of its independence. Ranked sixth in healthcare infrastructure globally (World Health Organisation 2000), Singapore offers Asia’s best healthcare system, and its standard of medical practice ranks among the best in the world. The close partnership between Singapore’s healthcare providers and the numerous medical technology and pharmaceutical companies based here offers an optimal platform for companies who seek to make inroads into the growing healthcare and wellness markets in Asia Pacific.
Event venue
Concorde Hotel Singapore
100 Orchard Road, Singapore 238840
Hotel website
An internationally renowned business class hotel in Singapore.
Strategically located on the world famous Orchard Road and within the commercial and shopping district of Singapore, Concorde Hotel Singapore (former Le Meridien Hotel) is just minutes away from Suntec City, Marina South, The Esplanade, Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Chinatown and other major tourist attractions.
The hotel’s 407 rooms and suites have been designed to meet the needs of both business and leisure travellers. All the guestrooms are equipped with a work area and other modern amenities to ensure they provide guests with a satisfying stay in Singapore. Free Wi-Fi is also available to Hotel Guests in their rooms, in the lobby, by the pool, and other selected public areas.
The hotel is situated only 25 minutes away from Changi International Airport by car or taxi.
Accommodation
The Secretariat is pleased to assist you in booking a hotel room near the event venue at an affordable rate. Please access the hotel listing and booking form.
Getting Around
By Taxi
You will be able to get a taxi, arguably the fastest way to get around Singapore, from the numerous taxi stands available at commercial buildings, hotels and shopping malls. If you’re coming from an entertainment or dining venue, most concierge services will also be happy to hail a cab for you. Nevertheless, it is always good to have the hotlines for the largest two taxi service providers with you:
| Taxi Company | Hotline |
|---|---|
| CityCab (Yellow) & Comfort (Blue) | 6552 1111 |
| SMRT (Beige) | 6555 8888 |
By Train
The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system is the next fastest way to get around Singapore after taxis. You can download the train route map from www.smrt.com.sg and use it to navigate your way around our island.
SMRT provides a host of ticketing schemes based on stored value smartcards to suit your needs — from standard one-time travel tickets to tourist concession passes. Stored value cards, locally known as ez-link cards, can be purchased from the TransitLink Ticket Office located at selected SMRT stations, and standard value tickets may be purchased from General Ticketing Machines (GTMs) located at all MRT stations.
Good to Know
Visa Requirements
Contact Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority for information on visa requirements.
Language
Singapore’s four official languages are Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English. While Malay is the national language, English is the language that unites all ethnic groups and is used in schools, government and business.
Currency
Singapore Dollars.
The currency of Brunei is also legal tender: 1 Brunei Dollar = 1 Singapore Dollar.
Tipping and Taxes
Tipping is not a common practice in Singapore as a 10% service charge is usually added on to bills at most hotels and F&B establishments. Goods & Services Tax (GST) is 7% and visitors can apply for a GST refund for purchases above $100 made at retailers participating in the Tourist Refund Scheme.
Time Zone
Singapore’s time zone is GMT +8, same as that of neighbouring cities Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Perth.
Weather
Singapore lies almost on the equator and, like most of Southeast Asia, is generally hot and humid all year round. Temperatures range from 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 89°F), and relative humidity averages around 70% — 80%. Most buildings are air-conditioned, but it’s advisable to wear light, cotton clothing to beat the heat.
Rainfall occurs all year round too, mostly as quick showers that are refreshing in the midst of the heat. The rainfall is more abundant though during the rainy season from November to January, when it’s a good idea to have an umbrella handy whenever you go out.
Things to Do
Dining
Food has a sacred status in Singapore. Your trip here is not completed till you’ve tried the various cuisines and signature dishes. To begin with, there is a wide variety of cuisines for your picking but the main ones are Chinese, Malay, Indian and Peranakan. Some of the must-try dishes include Hainanese Chicken Rice, Nasi Lemak, Fish Head Curry, and Ayam Buah Keluak. They are sure to leave you lip-smacking, if not full with delight. So get ready for a sumptuous feast, and delight your taste buds.
Shopping
Brace yourself for a world-class shopping experience. There are many shopping precincts you can explore to get your shopping fix, for a variety of shopping choices throughout the island. For the latest in fashion trends, check out Orchard Road which is Singapore’s main shopping district. If you’re looking for more cultural shopping, then the districts of Kampong Glam, Little India and Chinatown are most ideal. Here, you’ll find an assortment of ethnic products, jewellery, textiles, antiques and more.
Sightseeing
If you’re only going to be in Singapore for a few days, you might want to extend your trip. There’s just so much to see and do. For art aficionados, there are museums and galleries to visit, while history buffs can explore history museums and heritage centres. Party animals can revel in a colourful nightlife scene, nature lovers can immerse in the many rainforests and gardens available, and sports enthusiasts can look forward to sporting action. And the whole family can spend time together at theme parks. Need we say more?
For more on what to do in Singapore, please visit www.yoursingapore.com.