Simeon Ong, Sales Manager for Associations at Marina Bay Sands, shares how an eight-month internship gave him full MICE-industry exposure, built his confidence, and ultimately shaped his career path in tourism, destination sales, and global events.

📌 Key Takeaways

• His internship gave him complete end-to-end event experience, and he discovered how working across logistics, proposals, sourcing, and operations built the foundation for his sales career.
• When COVID shut down the industry, he learned that career resilience and adaptability open unexpected paths, allowing him to return stronger to the tourism sector after time in HR.
• He emphasizes that networking is the most powerful tool students can develop, because internship contacts became industry partners, mentors, and future colleagues.
• Entering association sales taught him that selling a destination is bigger than selling a venue, and he finds meaning in bringing international events that grow Singapore’s tourism economy.
• Through every event and client interaction he continues to show that curiosity and a growth mindset fuel long-term success in the global MICE and hospitality industries.

Denise Lim, Global Partner Marketing Manager at SAP Singapore, shares with me in this Alumni Voices episode how her internships in events management became stepping-stones to a career in technology events. From managing international conferences to adapting to the rise of virtual events, Denise reflects on the lessons, challenges, and opportunities that shaped her professional journey.

📌 Key Takeaways:
• Internships at Pico International and Koelnmesse gave Denise hands-on experience with government and international conferences, building the foundation for her career.
• Being entrusted with real responsibility as an intern — including managing registration teams and handling client issues — built confidence and leadership skills.
• She stresses the importance of seeking a holistic internship by observing and learning from colleagues across roles like speaker management, sponsorships, and content design.
• Denise highlights the major industry shift to hybrid and virtual events, which now allow companies to reach a truly global audience.
• At the heart of events is human connection — success comes from creating spaces for networking, empathy, and meaningful interactions.s

If this is your first time to the IOI podcast, it is recommended you start with this episode