MCI Group Asia Pacific

HELD for the first time in Singapore, the International Symposium on Pediatric Neuro-Oncology 2014 helped MCI Group Asia Pacific to win the Association Conference Organiser of the Year award at the Singapore Experience Awards 2015 in the BTMICE awards category.

Around 900 delegates from 55 countries, of whom more than 60 per cent came from outside the Asia-Pacific region, attended the symposium at Suntec City Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The biennial global meeting was attended by a multi-disciplinary international community of professionals involved in the research, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of infants and children with brain tumours.

MCI was responsible for promoting the conference and managing the call-for-paper process in collaboration with the client. A total of over 500 abstracts were successfully accepted and presented at the conference in poster or oral format and this contributed to a successful and content driven meeting.

"The quality of the scientific programme was very high as reiterated by the attendees in the feedback survey, coupled with the networking opportunities that showcased Singapore's latest attraction, Gardens by the Bay, and Singapore Flyer," says Vincent Yap, assistant director, institutional division, MCI Group Asia Pacific, Singapore.

The symposium was also well supported by a host of non-profit organisations, local hospitals and medical institutions, and had the full support of the Singapore Tourism Board.

A key highlight of the global meet was the ISPNO-CCF Learning Xchange which was held in collaboration with the learning partner, Children's Cancer Foundation.

"This provided parents and participants with relevant information, knowledge and resources as regards to survivorship issues. It was an opportunity for parents to connect with oncology experts and other parents with similar backgrounds," says Mr Yap.

Another highlight was the St Jude-VIVA Forum, which is held annually in Singapore and is the combined effort of the St Jude International Outreach Program and VIVA Foundation for Children with Cancer.

The welcome reception was held at Royal Palm restaurant alfresco-style and the gala dinner was at the Gardens by the Bay Flower Dome. Both venues were selected to provide a networking platform for participants to mingle and enjoy the Singapore nightscape and cuisine.