GURUGRAM, India, 9 February 2026: Air India Group showcased the seats on Air India’s newly inducted Boeing 787-9 aircraft and Air India Express focused on its in-flight dining brand, Gourmair, during the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2026 that concluded on 7 February at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.
Air India focused on its elevated Business Class and Premium Economy seats on its new Boeing 787-9 aircraft, which are also available on Air India’s Airbus A350 widebody and narrowbody aircraft operating on domestic and short-haul international routes.
Photo credit: Air India Group. Premium Economy cabin in Air India’s B787-9.
OTM 2026 also marked Air India Express first appearance at the show, with the airline highlighting its rapidly expanding network of 45 domestic and 17 international destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Gulf Region. The presence highlights the airline’s growing connectivity, its newly inducted Boeing 737-8 line-fit aircraft featuring an enhanced cabin experience, and its new Gourmair hot meal offerings, delivered through interactive, engaging experiences for visitors.
The new Boeing 787-9 cabins on display at OTM 2026 will soon become the standard across the airline’s entire Boeing 787 fleet. In line with this, 26 of Air India’s legacy Boeing 787-8 aircraft are progressively undergoing retrofits with the same new cabin interiors and entertainment systems. By the end of this year, nearly 60% of its widebody fleet will have the new look interiors.
HONG KONG, 9 February 2026: Macao’s first high-end dual-city terminal, jointly set up by Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and Zhuhai Airport, opened last week to strengthen further the multi-modal connectivity in the Greater Bay Area (GBA).
The “MGM Hong Kong International Airport City Terminal” represents further integration of cross-boundary aviation services and intermodal transportation serving Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao.
Photo credit: AAHK. Airport Authority Hong Kong CEO Vivian Cheung: “The new premium city terminal will help expand our high-end customer base and enhance connectivity to Macao.”
Located in Cotai, the new city terminal operates daily from 0900 to 1830, providing self-service check-in, flight information, and various transport services connecting to HKIA and Zhuhai Airport.
From the city terminal, travellers can reach HKIA via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge in about 90 minutes or Zhuhai Airport in 60 minutes, providing greater convenience and a more seamless experience for travellers from Macao and surrounding regions.
Airport Authority Hong Kong Chief Executive Officer Vivian Cheung said: “HKIA has been extending the intermodal service network for years, to cover major cities on the western part of the GBA and now further to the Macao market.
“Since the opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the number of Macao travellers flying to and from HKIA has been on the rise. This new premium city terminal will help expand our high-end customer base and further enhance our connectivity with Macao. We will continue to develop our intermodal services, aiming to increase the number of city terminals to 50 by 2027 and attract more GBA travellers to use HKIA.”
Eligible travellers who transfer via intermodal services at HKIA can also apply for a refund of the Air Passenger Departure Tax.
Photo credit: AAHK.MGM Hong Kong International Airport City Terminal.
HONG KONG, 9 February 2026: Cathay achieved another milestone year for its Corporate Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Programme in 2025, as more corporate and cargo customers join forces to decarbonise business travel and air cargo shipments.
Building on the strong momentum since its launch in 2022, the programme saw another year of record growth, with SAF commitments more than doubling from 2024.
Photo credit: Cathay Group.
This growth was enabled by 17 global partners, whose commitment and leadership have helped keep the programme positioned as one of the leading initiatives of its kind globally.
Together, the corporate partners have committed to using approximately 17,400 tonnes of SAF, an increase of nearly 180% from 2024. This is equivalent to a reduction of roughly 54,600 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions on a lifecycle basis — equal to the emissions of about 61,800 economy class round-trip flights between Hong Kong and London.
Cathay welcomed Microsoft as a new partner to the programme in 2025, collaborating to address emissions from both air cargo and business travel.
Kuehne + Nagel, a Diamond partner of the programme since 2024, remained the largest cargo contributor in 2025, while its partnership with DHL Express also enabled the first SAF uplift on flights operated by Air Hong Kong, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Cathay Group.
Several Diamond programme partners, including EQT, have entered into multi-year SAF commitments with Cathay, demonstrating a long-term commitment to scaling SAF and credibly reducing their climate impact from business travel and air freight. DSV and Ernst & Young are also among the programme’s 2025 Diamond partners, contributing towards the adoption of SAF.
Growing commitments from partners in the Corporate SAF Programme enable Cathay to purchase additional SAF beyond mandatory requirements and its own voluntary usage, directly supporting the scaling of SAF. This expanded SAF usage is enabled by partnerships with leading suppliers worldwide, who work together to increase the availability of SAF certified to internationally recognised sustainability standards across Cathay’s global network. Key supplier partnerships in 2025 included China Aviation Oil Europe, Itochu, Neste, Shell Aviation, Sinopec, and SK Energy, each contributing to the continued expansion of Cathay’s SAF usage.
Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam said: “Cathay has set ambitious sustainability goals, but like every airline, we cannot achieve them on our own. The growing collaboration between our corporate customers and SAF suppliers through the Corporate SAF Programme is a powerful example of how collaboration with like-minded, ambitious partners can help scale SAF adoption. We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing trust and long-term commitments shown by our partners.
“While the growth we saw in 2025 is encouraging, it is only one step in a much longer journey to decarbonisation. Supportive policies and well-designed market incentives will be essential if our industry is to scale SAF at the pace required to stay on track for its 2050 net-zero ambition.”
Beyond its Corporate SAF Programme, Cathay is helping to scale SAF supply through strategic investments and partnerships, including two joint investment initiatives announced in 2025 that focus on accelerating SAF production capacity and development of next-generation SAF technologies in Asia and beyond. These efforts complement Cathay’s ongoing partnership with stakeholders across the value chain to advance SAF adoption across Cathay’s global network.
CHIANG MAI, Thailand, 9 February 2026: Tripseed, a majority-woman-owned and locally owned travel company based in Thailand, has achieved People and Planet First Verified Social Enterprise status.
The independent verification confirms that the company exists to solve social and environmental problems and has governance and ownership structures in place to protect this purpose over the long term.
Photo credit: Tripseed. Tripseed reinvests a minimum of 50% of profits into social justice and environmental initiatives.
The People and Planet First verification, valid as of 1 January 2026, recognises enterprises that prioritise purpose over private profit, operate with a self-sustaining revenue model, reinvest the majority of surplus into their mission, and embed social and environmental responsibility within their legal and governance structures.
Unlike traditional sustainability certifications that focus primarily on operational practices or environmental metrics, People and Planet First assesses how a business is designed and governed. It verifies that responsibility is structurally embedded in ownership, decision-making, and the use of profits, rather than relying solely on policies or voluntary commitments, recognising enterprises that are regenerative and distributive by design.
For travel agents and tour operators, this provides independent assurance that Tripseed’s responsible tourism claims are not marketing-led, but legally and operationally protected, reducing reputational risk and strengthening confidence in long-term partnerships.
“We have always believed that certifications should be transformative, not decorative,” said Tripseed Chief Growth Officer Ewan Cluckie. “This verification confirms what we have built: a business where commitment to equality, fair economic contribution, ethical governance, and environmental protection is not just policy, but structurally protected.”
Tripseed’s governing articles require the company to reinvest at least 50% of profits in social justice and environmental protection initiatives.
The company is also a signatory to the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles and a member of the Social Enterprise Thailand Association, reinforcing its long-term commitment to responsible business practices within the Thai economy.
The verification follows Tripseed’s public decision to step away from traditional certification frameworks, as the company sought verification models with a stronger emphasis on legal structure, tax responsibility, and balanced attention to social sustainability, governance, and environmental impact.
Tripseed’s Economic Distribution Disclosure Initiative, an industry first, provides transparency on how tourism revenue flows within destinations and was recognised as a finalist in the Social Entrepreneurship in Tourism Awards 2024.
People and Planet First is stewarded by an international coalition of social enterprise networks, including the Social Enterprise World Forum, and was developed to provide a globally inclusive and credible verification framework for enterprises that are regenerative and distributive by design.
Tripseed delivers immersive B2B travel experiences across Thailand, working closely with overseas tour operators and travel advisors. Its services include supply chain monitoring to support responsible tourism practices, support for locally owned enterprises, strict payment protections for tour guides and freelance workers, and comprehensive accessibility services. In 2024, the company won the Gold Award for Making Travel Inclusive at the International Centre for Responsible Tourism SEA Awards for its accessibility initiatives, including Thailand’s first wheelchair-friendly tuk-tuk tours.
About Tripseed Tripseed is a People and Planet First Verified Social Enterprise and travel company headquartered in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Majority women-owned and locally owned, the company partners with international tour operators and travel advisors to deliver ethical travel experiences rooted in authentic local connections. Learn more at tripseed.com
About People and Planet First People and Planet First is a global verification framework for enterprises that address social or environmental challenges. It verifies that organisations prioritise purpose over private profit, operate with a self-sustaining revenue model, reinvest the majority of surplus into their mission, and have governance structures that protect their purpose over time. Learn more at peopleandplanetfirst.org.
BANGKOK, 9 February 2026: Healthcare in Asia is often seen as either expensive and world-class or cheap and basic. Southeast Asia tells a different story.
Across the region, routine private healthcare costs vary widely, offering travellers and long-stay visitors a clear choice between premium certainty and practical affordability.
This comparison focuses on nine ASEAN countries where private healthcare pricing is most relevant to international travellers.
As global healthcare costs continue to rise, access to affordable and reliable medical care has become an increasingly important factor in travel decisions. For retirees, digital nomads, long-stay visitors, and medical tourists, healthcare is no longer merely a matter of safety. It is part of the destination value proposition.
Rather than comparing complex surgical procedures, this analysis examines routine private healthcare services. Health check-ups, blood tests, dental treatment and basic diagnostic imaging are the services most travellers actually use and typically pay for themselves.
Routine care, emergencies and medical tourism
It is helpful to separate routine healthcare from emergency treatment and planned medical travel. Most travellers use insurance for emergencies, whereas routine care, such as check-ups, blood tests, imaging, and dental treatment, is usually paid for directly. Medical tourism is distinct, involving travel for a specific, preplanned procedure rather than incidental care.
A clear cost spectrum across Southeast Asia
At the top of the cost scale sits Singapore. It delivers exceptional clinical standards, advanced diagnostics and patient choice, but at the highest prices in Southeast Asia. For travellers, Singapore represents premium certainty rather than affordability.
Malaysia and Thailand occupy the middle ground. Both offer modern hospitals, internationally trained clinicians and strong outcomes at significantly lower prices. Thailand, in particular, has built a global reputation as a medical tourism hub, combining competitive pricing with packaged preventive healthcare and hospitality-level service.
The Philippines falls into the mid-cost range. While pricing is not excessive by regional standards, limited insurance coverage means out-of-pocket spending can be relatively high. Indonesia offers moderate pricing overall, with access and quality concentrated in major urban centres.
At the lower end of the scale are Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. These destinations provide very affordable routine healthcare, particularly for diagnostics and dental care. However, lower prices often reflect more limited infrastructure and specialist capacity, meaning patients may travel regionally for complex treatment.
Indicative cost positioning for routine private healthcare
Healthcare and travel are now linked
Healthcare cost alone does not define value. Accessibility, infrastructure, insurance coverage and clinical depth all shape real-world experience. However, Southeast Asia offers something few regions can match: a graduated healthcare landscape that allows travellers to align medical care with budget, lifestyle and expectations.
For medical tourists, this means clarity and choice.
For retirees and long-stay visitors, affordability and proximity are paramount.
For destinations, healthcare is increasingly a competitive advantage rather than a supporting service.
As travel becomes more purpose-driven, healthcare is no longer on the margins of tourism planning. It is central to how people choose where to live, travel and return.
Editor’s Note This comparison focuses on routine private healthcare costs typically paid out of pocket by travellers and long-stay visitors. Emergency care is usually covered by insurance, while medical tourism involves planned treatment arranged directly with providers rather than through conventional travel insurance.
About the Author Andrew J Wood is a British-born travel writer, tourism consultant and former hotelier who has lived in Thailand for more than three decades. A former director of Skål International and past president of Skål International Asia, Thailand, and Bangkok, he writes regularly on tourism trends, including medical tourism, destination strategy, and high-value travel across the Asia-Pacific region.
SINGAPORE, 9 February 2026: Singapore’s tourism sector showed steady growth in 2025, with tourism receipts (TR) reaching SGD23.9 billion in the first three quarters, a 6.5% increase over 2024 and the highest for this period.
“The strong tourism receipts performance in 2025 puts us on a steady trajectory towards achieving our Tourism 2040 ambitions (1),” said Singapore Tourism Board Chief Executive Melissa Ow. “We are attracting visitors who value the distinctive experiences that Singapore offers.
Photo and charts credit: Singapore Tourism Board.
To maintain this growth momentum and reinforce our destination appeal and global hub status, we will continue to develop a strong pipeline of differentiated products, events, and experiences.”
International visitor arrivals to Singapore in 2025 reached 16.9 million, up 2.3% from 2024, with Mainland China (3.1 million), Indonesia (2.4 million), Malaysia (1.3 million), Australia (1.3 million), and India (1.2 million) the top five markets.
Tourism performance highlights
Tourism receipts performance from January to September 2025 puts full-year performance on track to exceed STB’s projections of S$29.0 to SGD30.5 billion for 2025 (2).
Tourism receipts growth was driven mainly by sightseeing, entertainment & gaming, and food & beverage (F&B), each up 15%. Mainland China, Indonesia, and Australia were the top TR-generating markets, contributing SGD3.68 billion, SGD2.09 billion and SGD1.54 billion, respectively (3).
As the top TR-contributing market, Mainland China grew 3% year over year, with F&B consumption leading growth at 19%.
2 STB’s projections for 2025 were for international visitor arrivals to reach between 17.0 and 18.5 million, bringing in approximately SGD29.0 to SGD30.5 billion in tourism receipts. The full-year 2025 TR figure will be available in 2Q 2026.
3 excluding Sightseeing, Entertainment & Gaming. In line with previous practices, STB excludes Sightseeing, Entertainment & Gaming in the country analysis due to commercial sensitivities.
The top markets for international visitor arrivals (IVA) were Mainland China (3.1 million), Indonesia (2.4 million), Malaysia (1.3 million), Australia (1.3 million) and India (1.2 million), with Australia (+8%) contributing a record number of international visitors.
IVA in some markets declined year over year, including Vietnam (344,000 vs 393,000 in 2024), likely due to greater price sensitivity to travel. Similarly, IVA from the Philippines decreased to 726,000 from 779,000 in 2024, following the previous year’s spike driven by large-scale entertainment events in Singapore.
Overall, the total IVA remained healthy, with notable growth recorded in Japan (+10%), Malaysia (+8%), Germany (+5%), and the US (+5%), reflecting a good mix of short-, mid- and long-haul markets.
The hotel industry maintained stable performance in 2025, with Average Occupancy Rate (AOR) increasing year-on-year to 81.9% from 81.4% in 2024. Average Room Rate (ARR) was SGD273.56 (-1%) and Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) was SGD224.04 (-0.4%).
Hotel capacity expanded with 644 new hotel keys added to Singapore’s accommodation landscape.
The cruise industry also demonstrated strong momentum with 375 ship calls (+10%) and over 2.0 million passenger throughput (+9%), cementing Singapore’s position as the region’s leading cruise hub in 2025.
New experiences boost visitor spending
The strong tourism spending can be attributed to the new and refreshed experiences
across multiple industries, including attractions, cruises, events, and MICE.
Attractions
Several major attractions opened in 2025, enhancing Singapore’s destination appeal.
These included Rainforest Wild, Singapore’s fifth wildlife park and Asia’s first adventure-based zoological park, and Curiosity Cove, Singapore’s largest indoor playscape with over 30 experiential features, both at Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
Other notable additions were Jurassic World: The Experience at Gardens by the Bay’s Cloud Forest and Singapore Oceanarium at Resorts World Sentosa.
Rejuvenation efforts enhanced existing attractions, such as the Chinatown Heritage Centre, which reopened with refreshed exhibits and character-led tours, and SuperPark’s expansion, which added climbing walls, trampoline arenas, and a games arena. Singapore Flyer refreshed its Time Capsule with a pre-flight experience featuring 10 interactive themed zones showcasing Singapore’s 700-year transformation.
BANGKOK, 9 February 2026: Thai Airways International resumes flights to Amsterdam on 1 July and increases flights to three regional destinations — Fukuoka and Sapporo in Japan and Beijing, China — during its summer timetable, which runs from 29 March 2026 to 24 October 2026.
The airline announced the summer timetable changes last week, spotlighting the decision to fly a daily direct service from Bangkok to Amsterdam, effective 1 July, ending a 28-year absence on the BKK-AMS route. Previously, the airline served Amsterdam by extending its flights beyond Zurich, Switzerland. This time round, it will serve Amsterdam with a direct daily flight.
THAI A350-900 to fly daily to Amsterdam this July.
Reintroducing Amsterdam to the TG network is seen as a signal that the airline is healthy enough to resume flights to European Tier 1 cities that were suspended when it filed for bankruptcy in 2020.
Industry speculation suggested the airline might resume direct flights to Auckland, New Zealand, either during the winter timetable effective this October, or possibly in 2027.
There are seasonal changes in frequencies during the summer timetable, 29 March to 24 October 2026, on routes to three Asian cities.
Fukuoka
THAI will schedule daily flights on the Bangkok – Fukuoka route between 29 March and 19 August 2026, and again between 3 September and 24 October 2026. However, it will reduce services to four flights weekly between 20 August and 2 September 2026
Sapporo
THAI will operate the Bangkok–Sapporo route with a daily service from 29 March to 19 August 2026, and again from 3 September to 24 October 2026. However, it will reduce services from daily to three weekly between 20 August and 2 September 2026
Beijing
THAI will increase flights on its Bangkok–Beijing route from a daily to twice-daily service effective 16 April 2026.
Siem Reap
One regional destination, Siem Reap in Cambodia, is absent from the airline’s 2026 summer timetable after being introduced on 1 October 2025 2025. Daily flights to Siem Reap airport (SAI) end on 28 March 2026. However, the round-trip TG588/TG589 flights — Bangkok (BKK) to Siem Reap (SAI) — could be reinstated as a seasonal service during the airline’s winter timetable from late October 2026 to the end of March 2027. TG has not provided any information on the future of this route.
Thai Airways International will operate flights to 62 destinations. Flight details are as follows:
BANGKOK, Thailand, 6 February 2026: Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, is spotlighting a rare convergence of Michelin recognition across its hospitality ecosystem, spanning hotels, dining, and the chefs who have passed through institutions under Dusit Hospitality Education.
While individual Michelin distinctions across Dusit’s portfolio have been announced previously, their collective significance has become increasingly apparent. Together, they reflect a long-term, integrated approach to hospitality, one that links guest experience, culinary excellence, and education under a shared philosophy of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality.
Award-winning alumni (from left): Chef Sittikorn ‘Au’ Chantop, Chef John Chantarasak, Chef Pichaya ‘Pam’ Soontornyanakij, and Chef Parkorn ‘Tan’ Kosiyabong – Michelin-recognised chefs whose careers reflect the professional foundations gained through Dusit’s hospitality education institutions.
A triple Michelin win for hotels
In 2025, Dusit Thani Bangkok, Dusit Thani Kyoto, and Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu hotels were each awarded one Michelin Key from the Michelin Guide, recognising exceptional stays and affirming Dusit’s focus on design integrity, refined service, and experiences shaped by local culture and character.
Dusit Thani Italian restaurant accolade
In parallel, Dusit’s culinary credentials have been strengthened through one Michelin Star awarded to Cannubi by Umberto Bombana at Dusit Thani Bangkok – the first Italian restaurant in Thailand to receive such distinction – reinforcing the group’s position as a curator of world-class dining experiences.
Role of Dusit Thani College alumni recognised
Crucially, this recognition extends beyond hotels and restaurants to the people shaping them. Dusit Thani College, recognised as one of the leading institutions in Thailand and Asia in hospitality and culinary education, has spent more than three decades providing a strong professional foundation for budding chefs who have gone on to build meaningful careers. Its alumni include respected chefs, restaurateurs, and competitors on international platforms such as MasterChef and Iron Chef, reflecting both technical excellence and creative confidence.
In the most recent Michelin Guide selections, this impact has been clearly demonstrated. AKKEE, owned by Chef Sittikorn ‘Au’ Chantop, an alumnus of the International Programme in Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management, and GOAT Bangkok, owned by Chef Parkorn ‘Tan’ Kosiyabong, an alumnus of the International Programme in Kitchen and Restaurant Management, both received one Michelin Star for the second consecutive year. GOAT Bangkok also received a Michelin Green Star, recognising its leadership in sustainable practices.
Further reflecting the breadth of this talent pipeline, M-O-K, owned by Chef Sirorat ‘Fay’ Thowtho, and AGAVE, owned by Chef Nitinan ‘New’ Mangkala – both alumni of Kitchen and Restaurant Management and based in Ubon Ratchathani, northeast Thailand – were awarded the Bib Gourmand, celebrating quality, value, and regional culinary identity.
This momentum is echoed at Le Cordon Bleu Dusit – Culinary Arts School, Bangkok, a collaboration between Le Cordon Bleu and Dusit that delivers internationally recognised professional training spanning Thai cuisine, classical French cuisine, bakery, pastry, and plant-based gastronomy. Its graduates continue to earn global recognition, including Chef Pichaya ‘Pam’ Soontornyanakij, named Asia’s Best Female Chef 2024 and The World’s Best Female Chef 2025, who once again received a Michelin Star for POTONG, which also ranked No. 13 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025, and Chef John Chantarasak, who received one Michelin Star for his inventive interpretation of Thai flavours through a seasonal British lens at AngloThai in London.
“Taken collectively, the Michelin Guide recognitions across our hotels and dining, together with the achievements of chefs who have passed through our education ecosystem, reflect the strength of an approach built on care, craft, and continuity,” said Dusit International Group CEO Chanin Donavanik. “They speak to our belief that Thai-inspired gracious hospitality extends beyond the guest experience – shaping standards, skills, and the foundations on which talent can continue to grow across the industry.”
Alongside Dusit Thani College and Le Cordon Bleu Dusit – Culinary Arts School, Bangkok, Dusit’s commitment to talent development is further reflected in The Food School Bangkok. This industry-aligned culinary school broadens access to professionally relevant education. Bringing together three leading partners – ALMA – The School of Italian Culinary Arts, Tsuji Culinary Institute, and Dusit Thani College – it supports the skills development and professional progression of experienced industry practitioners, as well as entrepreneurs preparing to launch their own restaurants.
“At a time when the global hospitality sector is grappling with talent shortages and rising expectations, we are pleased to be able to contribute to strengthening the industry beyond our own operations,” said Chanin. “Supported by Thailand’s strong food culture, global connectivity, and a favourable environment for students and professionals alike, the institutions we operate help equip talent to succeed across a wide range of hospitality settings. We remain committed to supporting this collective effort in whatever ways we can, with the hope that it continues to be reflected in meaningful outcomes, including recognition on respected global platforms such as the Michelin Guide.”
About Dusit International Established in 1949, Dusit International or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT) is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, Dusit Hospitality Education, Dusit Foods, Real Estate Development, and Hospitality-Related Services. Dusit International’s diversified investments in real estate development, hospitality-related services, and the food sector are part of its long-term strategy for sustainable growth, which focuses on three key areas: balance, expansion and diversification.
KUCHING, Sarawak, 6 February 2026: Business Events Sarawak announces a leadership transition with the appointment of Jason Tan Chin Foo as Acting Chief Executive Officer.
The appointment ensures continuity and stability as BESarawak confidently advances its long-term strategic agenda to drive impact-led, partnership-driven growth and strengthen Sarawak’s position as the legacy capital of business events in Malaysia and Borneo.
Photo credit: BESarawak. With 18 years of experience in hospitality and business events, Jason Tan Chin Foo leads BESarawak in the next phase of its organisational and industry growth.
Jason brings 18 years of experience in the hospitality and business events industry, with strengths in strategic development, stakeholder engagement, and organisational growth. Since joining BESarawak in 2012, he has held senior leadership roles across Business Development, Research, Marketing, and Communications, building deep institutional knowledge and trusted industry relationships.
Commenting on the appointment, BESarawak Chairman and Deputy State Secretary (Operation) Datu Hii Chang Kee said: “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.”
Jason Tan Chin Foo commented: “I am honoured by the trust placed in me to take on this role at a crucial time for BESarawak. I firmly believe collaboration is key to strengthening Sarawak’s business events sector and delivering sustainable, long-term impact across industries and communities. I thank the Board for this opportunity to lead and look forward to working closely with our industry partners and stakeholders to shape the future of business events.”
SINGAPORE, 6 February 2026: Tigerair Taiwan has signed a purchase agreement with Airbus for four A321neo aircraft, marking the airline’s first order for this type.
The new aircraft will support the airline’s network expansion while delivering improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions than previous-generation aircraft.
Photo credit: Airbus. Tigerair Taiwan Chairperson Joyce Huang (left) and Airbus EVP Sales of Commercial Aircraft business Benoît de Saint-Exupéry.
The low-cost carrier, which currently operates a fleet of 17 A320 aircraft, including nine A320ceo and eight A320neo, will benefit from greater commonality across the A320 family, reducing training, maintenance and operating costs.
“The purchase of A321neo aircraft is a cornerstone of our ‘third-generation’ fleet expansion, designed to maximise operational efficiency as we scale for regional dominance,” said Tigerair Taiwan Chairperson Joyce Huang.
“Configured with 232 seats, the A321neo allows us to increase capacity on our high-demand ‘golden routes’ and accelerate network expansion. By serving more passengers across more destinations with a lower cost per seat, this investment reinforces our position as Taiwan’s leading LCC. Furthermore, it advances our journey toward a younger, more fuel-efficient fleet that meets both our commercial and ESG targets.”
“We are pleased to see Tigerair Taiwan reaffirm its confidence in Airbus as it takes another step in its fleet growth. The addition of the A321neo will complement its existing A320 fleet,” said Airbus EVP Sales of Commercial Aircraft business Benoît de Saint-Exupéry. “The A321neo is the ideal platform for Tigerair Taiwan to capture growing demand while maintaining its commitment to cost-effective operations.”
The A321neo, the largest member of Airbus’ best-selling A320neo Family, offers segment-leading operating economics and extended range, enabling airlines to serve regional and medium-haul routes with greater flexibility. Compared with previous-generation aircraft, the A321neo delivers at least a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.
The A320neo Family has received more than 10,000 orders from over 130 customers worldwide. All Airbus aircraft are capable of operating with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with a target to enable 100% SAF capability by 2030.
