UBM Live and UBM Asia have named Singapore Cruise Centre Private Ltd. the exclusive Platinum Sponsor of the inaugural Cruise Shipping Asia event scheduled Nov. 16-18, 2011, in Singapore. Cruise Shipping Asia 2011 is a tradeshow and conference focusing on the Asia Pacific cruise market. As the show's principal sponsor, Singapore Cruise Centre will showcase its position as an award-winning cruise terminal operator in one of the fastest-growing markets in the industry.

"Securing the Singapore Cruise Centre as our Platinum Sponsor is a testament to the importance of Cruise Shipping Asia in helping cultivate the pan-Asia region as an emerging cruise market," said Michael Kazakoff, vice president UBM Live, organizer of Cruise Shipping Asia and the annual Cruise Shipping Miami shows.

Singapore Cruise Centre handles more than 8 million passengers annually at three ferry terminals and one cruise terminal. With the opening of the state-of-the-art International Cruise Terminal at Marina South, Singapore's cruise terminal infrastructure will double in capacity by April 2012.

Singapore Cruise Centre had a lead role in forming the Asia Cruise Terminal Association and chairs the organization. ACTA serves as a regional forum for cruise terminal operators to cooperate in terminal development, operations and management, and to raise awareness of available facilities and services.

"We share the Cruise Shipping Asia vision to tap into the rapid growth of the cruise industry in Asia-Pacific, and it is our honor and privilege to be the Platinum Sponsor of this inaugural event," said Christina Siaw, CEO of Singapore Cruise Centre. "We look forward to CSA 2011 and the opportunities to learn, network and share experiences and expertise within and outside of the industry."

Cruise Shipping Asia conference sessions feature panels of experts discussing key industry topics, including the state of the Asian cruise industry, sourcing, shipbuilding, marketing and successfully tailoring the cruise experience for the Asian market. Singapore Cruise Centre's Siaw will participate on the terminal design and operations panel. A travel agent training program also is planned to promote awareness of cruising as a holiday option in Asia.

The Cruise Shipping Asia exhibition features destinations, itinerary planning, shore excursion services, port and terminal development, as well as ship operations, ship services and hotel operations.