MELBOURNE [ ABN NEWS ] — Two new Regional Sales Directors have been appointed to the Melbourne Convention Bureau’s offices in Asia, Chief Executive Officer, Karen Bolinger, announced today.

Edward Kwek will be heading up the Singapore office as Regional Sales Director – South Asia, and Jessica Chang will take on the position of Regional Sales Director – North Asia in Shanghai, joining Business Development Manager – China, Jenny Yang.

Mr Kwek joins MCB from the Institute of Technical Education where he was Section Head, Leisure & Travel Operations, and brings with him a wealth of experience in the hospitality and tourism industries.

Miss Chang has previously held the role of Director, MICE Project Office at the Bureau of Foreign Trade in Taiwan and has also held various positions in destination marketing and travel companies throughout Asia and Europe.

Ms Bolinger said the new additions to the team will be charged with the task of implementing MCB’s strategy for Asia under the management of Director International Incentives, Jasmine Lim.

“North and South Asia are very important markets for MCB, particularly for corporate and incentive business, so it is essential that these regions are serviced effectively,” Ms Bolinger said.

“In December 2012, MCB relocated its office in North Asia from Hong Kong to Shanghai, a strategic move designed to fully immerse us in the China market, which will be significantly strengthened by Jessica’s new role.

“Edward’s presence in South Asia will allow us to continue to leverage emerging markets such as India and Indonesia. Melbourne’s reputation as an incentive destination was significantly boosted by hosting the Amway India Leadership Seminar late last year, which brought 4000 successful independent business owners to the city, and we will continue to capitalise on this outstanding case study.

“Both Edward and Jessica will also activate Melbourne Values You in-market, which is a new initiative launched at the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo, presenting a series of special offers for incentive and corporate travel reward planners, designed to make booking and planning an event in Melbourne not only seamless, but cost effective.

“In addition, they will also be well positioned to tap into the all-important evolving association sector in these regions.

“It really is an exciting time for MCB and I have every faith in Edward and Jessica to deliver strong results for Melbourne out of Asia.”

Miss Chang will commence her role on 1 April 2013 and Mr Kwek on 13 May 2013.

Read more Melbourne Convention Bureau welcomes new Regional Sales Directors in Asia