South East Asia Design Inn Symposium
Following the success of the Design Inn Symposium Australasia-Pacific, the leading hotel architecture and interior design conference, the first ever South East Asia Design Inn Symposium made its debut on Wednesday 26 February at Pan Pacific Singapore. Curated by the best creative minds in the business, the South East Asia Design Inn Symposium examines the critical components of hospitality design and explore exciting new properties to open in the region. Expect inspiring masterclasses, project deep-dives and evocative panel sessions featuring leading architects, designers, hotel operators and owners.
2025 Program Overview
Wednesday 26 February 2025
| 8:00am-8:45am | NETWORKING: REGISTRATION, COFFEE, TEA and EXHIBITION SHOWCASE at Pan Pacific Singapore. |
| 8:45am-10:50am | South East Asia Design INN Symposium sessions in Pacific Ballroom 1, Pan Pacific Singapore. |
| 8:45am-8:50am | WELCOME to the first-ever South East Asia Design INN Symposium by EDG Design Project Director KATHERINE CAMERON, Onyx ASW Chief Executive Officer IVAN SUNDE and HM Editor RUTH HOGAN. |
| 8:50am-9:20am | PANEL SESSION: DESIGNING FOR ADAPTING BRANDS: HOW TO STAY ON-BRAND WHILE EVOLVING OVER TIME. As the hospitality landscape evolves, even the most established hotel brands must adapt to remain relevant. This panel explores how iconic hotel brands are refreshing their design identities to meet changing guest expectations while preserving their core brand essence. Moderated by: PAUL WISTE, Industry Consultant Panellists: • CHRIS GODFREY, Chief Executive Officer, HBA • COLIN SEAH, Founder & Director of Design, Ministry of Design • KENGYANG TAN, Vice President Architecture, Design & Construction, Asia Pacific Ex. Greater China, Hilton • OLIVER CORRIN, Creative Director of Strategy & Branding, EDG |
| 9:20am-9:45am | KEYNOTE Q&A: RICHARD HASSELL, co-Founding Director, WOHA Design, in conversation with Onyx ASW Chief Executive Officer IVAN SUNDE. |
| 9:45am-10:15am | PANEL SESSION: OPERATIONS IN DESIGN: HOW FUNCTIONALITY MEETS CREATIVITY. This panel explores the intersection of design and hotel operations, emphasizing how interior design directly impacts the guest experience. Industry leaders will discuss how thoughtful design choices shape key operational aspects such as guest flow, service efficiency, and back-of-house logistics. Moderated by: IVAN SUNDE, Chief Executive Officer, Onyx ASW Panellists: • CAMILLE CORLETTE, Principal & Global Creative Director, Corlette Design • MAX MA, Director of Design & Technical Services, Accor • PHIL SMITH, General Manager, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore • WOOKIE PARK, Studio Director, Hachem |
| 10:15am-10:45am |
PANEL SESSION: FOSTERING CONNECTION: BUILDING RESORTS THAT INSPIRE COMMUNITY AND WELLBEING. This panel examines how resort design can foster a sense of connection—between guests, nature, and local communities. Experts will discuss creating communal spaces that encourage interaction, incorporating cultural elements to connect guests with the destination, and designing outdoor areas that blend seamlessly with the natural environment. The goal is to inspire a sense of belonging and holistic wellbeing through thoughtful design. |
| 10:45am-10:50am | WRAP-UP of the inaugural South East Asia Design INN Symposium by EDG Design Project Director KATHERINE CAMERON, Onyx ASW Chief Executive Officer IVAN SUNDE and HM Editor RUTH HOGAN. |
| 10:50am-11:30am | NETWORKING: MORNING TEA and EXHIBITION SHOWCASE. Presented by Agilysys.  |
Note: Program is subject to change
IMPORTANT: THE AHICE HOUSE RULES
A note from the organisers: Due to a number of unofficial invite-only events taking place during conferences in recent years, we would ask that businesses and individuals please do not host any events during the above times as a courtesy to other sponsors of AHICE South East Asia.
We all know that without sponsors, events like this cannot happen and we ask that our request is respected. If unapproved events do take place during the official times, the organisers and representatives of those companies will not be able to attend any AHICE sessions and are at the risk of passes being revoked.
We are also requesting that supplier and adviser attendees that aren’t sponsors of the event do not canvas for business with sales materials and documents at AHICE South East Asia events. Those that do will be at the risk of passes being revoked.
To find out how you can be involved in the program, please contact:
James Wilkinson, AHICE Group President: jwilkinson@intermedia.com.au
2025 South East Asia Design Inn Symposium
Gold Sponsor
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