MDfA appoints new Regional Head

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Singapore, 5th February: Messe Düsseldorf for Asia (MDfA) has appointed Lars Wismer as its Regional Head, succeeding Gernot Ringling, effective 1st February 2026.

Lars Wismer also outlined the importance of Asian markets, discussed strategic opportunities, and explained MDfA’s role as a connecting element within the global Messe Düsseldorf portfolio.

Lars Wismer is experienced in the trade fair and event industry. He has served several positions in the group, building for the new role.

Pico Far East’s revenues up 14%

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Hong Kong, 30th January: Hong Kong-listed Pico Far East Holdings reported its annual results for the year ended 31st October 2025. The company posted revenues of US$928 million, up 14% year-on-year. Pico’s net profit posted a growth of 18% during the financial year, reaching US$56 million. Diluted earnings per share for the year were HK$0.3477 (US$0.045).

More than 85% of Pico’s revenues (US$791 million) were generated from its Brand experience activation business, representing year-on-year growth of 7.3%. Other revenues were generated from the Museum & themed environment business (US$118 million), and the Meeting architecture activation business (US$19 million). The Museum & themed environment business jumped 116% over the previous year, however the Meeting architecture activation business dropped 16% year-on-year.

In terms of geographical region, the Greater China (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) generated about 33% of total revenues, amounting at US$311 million. The Asia-Pacific market generated revenues of US$242 million, or about 26% of total revenues.

According to the company, it continued to push forward its strategies to build a resilient and growth-sustaining business. The company also continued to solidify its position as a global leader in the brand and event experiential market.

In 2026, China will continue its “One Belt and One Road” initiative in the result of further growth globally.

BESarawak names acting CEO

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Sarawak, 4th February: Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) has appointed Jason Tan Chin Foo as Acting CEO, effective immediately, to succeed CEO Amelia Roziman, who stepped down on 31st January 2026.

Jason Tan Chin Foo has 18 years of experience in hospitality and business events, he has also held senior leadership roles across business development, research, marketing, and communications, building deep institutional knowledge and trust industry relationships.

Hii Chang Kee, Deputy State Secretary (Operations) and Chairman of BESarawak, was quoted, “Jason is well positioned for this role, with strong industry insight and a clear commitment to collaboration and collective impact. The board is confident that his strategic leadership will further strengthen BESarawak and advance the business events industry to new levels of performance and impact.”

Quick takes

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TCEB targets business events expenditure to be 371b baht in 2026

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) targeted the business events expenditure for 2026 to be 371 billion baht (US$11.7 billion), which will be about 1.8% of GDP contribution. In 2025, business events expenditure was 338 billion baht (US$10.7 billion).

VNU AP hosts cybersecurity event

VNU Asia Pacific organised its Cybersec Asia x Thailand International Cyber Week 2026 (powered by NCSA), co-locating for the first time with AI ASIA. Running from 4th to 5th February 2026, at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok, the event is targeted to be a landmark reflecting the inseparable future of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. The event will feature 140 exhibitors and sponsors from 15 countries, occupying an exhibition space of 3,500 m2.

Hyve expands Bett to USA

International exhibition organiser, Hyve Group, announced to expand its Bett portfolio to the U.S. in 2027. Bett USA will be launched in Nashville, under the Bett Global portfolio with Bett UK, Bett Asia and Bett Brazil. Bett, the platform of education technology, bringing together educators, leaders, policy makers and solution providers at scale. The new show reflects growing customer demand for networking and connections, against the backdrop of a continuously evolving sector.

Messe München launches new IFAT Saudi Arabia

International exhibition organiser, Messe München, held its inaugural edition of IFAT Saudi Arabia, serving the waste, water and environmental technologies industries. Taking place at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center, from 26th to 28th January 2026, the new event showcased more than 450 exhibitors from over 35 countries, attracting some 20,000 trade visitors. Following the success of the inaugural edition, the next edition of IFAT Saudi Arabia will return to Riyadh, running from 18th to 20th January 2027.