Singapore to host SIBOS 2003 Financial Services Forum

Financial services forum SIBOS 2003, will be held in Singapore from 20 to 24 October event organizers, SWIFT, confirmed today. The four day conference is expected to draw over 6,000 industry leaders to the island, and to generate in excess of S$100 million in revenue for the local economy.

The decision to hold the event in Singapore indicates widespread confidence in the safety and security of travel to Singapore, signifying an important milestone for the recovery of the tourism and convention and exhibition sectors following the SARS outbreak.

The event assembles the world’s preeminent bankers, investment managers, brokerage dealers, and treasury specialists. With special plenary sessions, networking events and a formidable speaker list, it is regarded as one of the most important events for focused marketing activities in the global financial community.

During the peak of the SARS outbreak in Asia, SWIFT postponed confirmation of SIBOS 2003 until the organisers could be satisfied beyond any doubt that SARS would not pose a threat to health or safety of its attendees.

Singapore was removed from the WHO list of SARS-affected countries on 30 May 2003.

“We’re very confident that SIBOS Singapore will be a success,” said Patrik Neutjens, Director of Corporate Communications at SWIFT. “Our speaker line-up is one of the most impressive that we’ve ever secured. That, combined with the enthusiasm of the local community, should guarantee us a great SIBOS."

Commenting on the announcement, Mr Lim Neo Chian, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive of the Singapore Tourism Board, said: “We are proud of the decision by SWIFT. It shows tremendous confidence in Singapore and recognises our status as one of the leading financial centres in the world today.”

Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre will play host to SIBOS 2003, committing all its 75,000 square metres of meeting space and facilities to the event. 

CEO Warren Buckley stated: “We are delighted with the decision and look forward to hosting the delegates of SIBOS 2003. This is a strong endorsement of the successful campaign to contain SARS and marks a highly significant milestone in the recovery for our industry.” 

Pacific World Singapore will manage the event on behalf of SWIFT. Managing Director, Robert Guy, added: “Singapore is unrivalled as a destination for conventions and exhibitions, providing over 7000 rooms in leading hotels within walking distance of one the best convention centres in the world.”