SOUTHEAST ASIA — Independent destination management companies across Southeast Asia have joined forces under the Ministry of MICE (MOM), creating a regional alliance that gives international meeting and event planners access to multiple destinations through a single network.
Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, MOM brings together independently owned DMCs operating across Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Its partners reported a combined sales value of around US$300 million in 2025, with further regional expansion planned.
The model allows member companies to retain their local ownership and expertise while collaborating on multi-country programmes. Depending on the project, one member can act as the lead partner, coordinating the overall brief while destination specialists manage local delivery.
For international associations and event organisers, the approach addresses a practical challenge in Southeast Asia. Multi-destination events can involve different contracting practices, tax structures, permits, customs requirements and transport arrangements. MOM aims to provide greater continuity by allowing planners to maintain one coordinating relationship across several markets.
The alliance is invitation-only and is also developing a regional forum focused on quality, sustainability, knowledge sharing and execution standards. Over the next 12 to 24 months, MOM says it will measure progress through multi-country opportunities, collaborative bids, cross-border referrals and confirmed projects.
For the business events sector, the initiative raises a wider question: can independent DMCs achieve the regional reach of multinational operators without giving up the local knowledge and relationships that differentiate them?
