Reimagining Hospitality Futures: The International Food & Beverage Association (IFBA), Food & Beverage Management Association (FBMA) & Hospitality Alliance Singapore (HAS) Exchange Programme 2025
On 9 April 2025,at the Wyndham Hotel Singapore, the Dongguan-Singapore Exchange Programme brought together a dynamic roster of delegates representing key institutions in Singapore’s hospitality and F&B ecosystem, where delegates from Singapore’s hospitality and sourcing sector met with representatives from China’s food and beverage industry.
The Dongguan-Singapore Exchange Program served as a platform for regional dialogue unfolded between the International Food & Beverage Association (IFBA), Food & Beverage Management Association (FBMA) & Hospitality Alliance Singapore (HAS) Exchange Programme with Dongguan International Trade Enterprise Association and Overseas Economic and Trade Expedition. There, distinguished delegates from Singapore’s hospitality scene & China’s Food & Beverage sector convened for an afternoon of purpose driven conversation, cultural synergy & cross-border partnership.
The gathering was part of a broader initiative to build lasting bridges between ASEAN and China’s industry networks through high-level dialogue and collaborative foresight. Attendees included association leaders, procurement experts, strategic sourcing managers, and hospitality innovators—all convened to share insights.
Voices Around the Table: Delegates & Dialogue
The event brought together a strong representation from Singapore’s hospitality and food sectors, including leaders from associations, sourcing managers, and regional strategists. Among them were Madeline Lai, Lens Gwee, Han Bin, Florence Ng, Kevin Tan, Justin Aow, Lionel Tay, and Jonathan Cheah—each bringing a unique perspective grounded in their work across procurement, international exhibitions, association leadership, and trade development
Spearheaded by President of IFBA & HAS Mr Cheong Hai Poh, who personally facilitated the exchange ahead of his official visit to Chongqing, the event reflected his ongoing commitment to driving regional partnerships & shaping the next phase of food & hospitality leadership in Asia.
Together, the aim is to create a space not only for networking, but for the co-creation of ideas across disciplines, industries & cultures. This strategic exchange was more than a meeting of minds, it was a bold step toward co-creating a resilient, intelligent & culturally inclusive future for Asia’s hospitality & food industries
The afternoon was framed by an ethos of collaborative foresight, where topics ranged from emerging culinary tech & sustainability practices, to talent mobility & next generation consumer experiences. As these sectors accelerate post-pandemic reinvention, both countries recognise the growing imperative to act collectively in navigating shifting demographics, digital disruption & climate conscious demands.
Cheong Hai Poh
“The IFBA, FBMA & HAS Exchange Programme is a symbol of trust, respect & vision between our two countries. We are here not just to connect, but to build together a future of hospitality that is intelligent, sustainable & uniquely Asian,” said Mr Cheong Hai Poh, President of IFBA & HAS.
Indeed, the event’s momentum was grounded in intentional collaboration, not competition. The discussion embraced the evolution of dining from product to purpose, from service to storytelling & from transaction to transformation.
Will Lau
“At Sino Bridge, we believe that the future of business lies in cultural fluency & shared purpose. Today’s exchange reinforces how much we can achieve when we bridge perspectives across borders. Not just in trade, but in trust, innovation & human connection,” said Mr Will Lau, Founder, Sino Bridge Singapore Investment Consulting.
The session also spotlighted the power of food as soft diplomacy. Delegates shared perspectives on how gastronomy now serves as a narrative of identity, an avenue for placemaking & a magnet for global travellers seeking authenticity & connection.
As the session closed, it was clear this was not just an exchange. It was a catalyst. Delegates left with fresh perspectives, collaborative intent & a shared commitment to shaping a future where innovation & culture coexist harmoniously.
IFBA’s Role: Connecting Industry Through Regional Purpose
At the heart of the Exchange Programme was the International Food & Beverage Association (IFBA), whose mission goes beyond events to building platforms where policy, practice, and partnership intersect. As a global advocate for professional excellence, IFBA’s role was to ensure the programme didn’t just bring people together, but moved them towards actionable collaboration.
By curating opportunities like this, IFBA reinforces its belief that regional connectivity, cultural awareness, and industry leadership must go hand in hand.
We’re not just shaping experiences. We’re shaping what’s next.
List of Enterprise Representatives on the Chinese side of the Singapore Exchange Program 中国方新加坡考察团企业代表名单(共21人)
1.组长: 周志昌
东莞市外贸企业协会 常务副会长
广东易贸跨境供应链有限公司 总经理
2.副组长：李文坚
东莞市信立实业有限公司 执行总裁
3.秘书长：秦静宜
东莞市外贸企业协会 执行秘书长
成员(18人)
4.东莞市博瀚食品贸易有限公司 董事长 陈浪舟
5.东莞三誉食品有限公司 董事长 吴水生
6.东莞市乾晋实业有限公司 董事长 唐建芬
7.湘汝餐饮文化有限公司 董事长 廖高义
8.湘汝餐饮文化有限公司 经理 廖坤
9.东莞市传旗食品有限公司 董事长 肖传明
10.东莞市传旗食品有限公司 经理 王金花
11.东莞市顺聚商贸有限公司 董事长 陈代锋
12.东莞繁华食品有限公司 总经理 朱灿宇
13.东莞市鑫源食品有限公司 经理 王乐强
14.东莞市东莞市卡曼食品有限公司 经理 陈林
15.东莞市鸿达食品有限公司 黄筠杰
16.东莞市信立实业有限公司 常务副总裁 黄美全
17.东莞市信立实业有限公司 运营总监 高志超
18.东莞市信立实业有限公司 政策研究室副主任 李林全
19.东莞市信立实业有限公司 政策研室副主任 黎剑球
20.东莞市信立实业有限公司 品牌总监 蒋将
21.东莞市信立实业有限公司 企划主管 刘漫漫
Singapore Delegation 新加坡方
- Madeline Lai
1st Vice President HAS, President Hospitality Purchasing Association Singapore, Strategic Sourcing Manager – Duni Group
- Lens Gwee
Assistant Treasurer HAS
President Food and Beverage Management Association Singapore
- Han Bin 韩彬
Chairman Asia Pacific Hotel Alliances
新加坡亚太酒店联盟 APHA, Corporate Partner, IFBA
- Florence Ng
Project Director, IEG Asia (Italian Exhibition Group)
- Kevin Tan
Senior Manager, IEG Asia (Italian Exhibition Group)
- Ellyn Heng
Liason Officer IFBA and HAS, Director of Food and Beverage, The Standard Hotel
- Justin Aow
Liason Officer IFBA and HAS, Director, BT International
- Lionel Tay
Director, BT International, Former VP Sembcorp Yangon
- Jonathan Cheah
Director of Commerce, Singapore Food Manufacturers’ Association, Director, Faesol Pte Ltd
