Safety is at the core of IAAPA’s existence and work. In fact, safety is not only an essential part of the attractions industry, it’s vital to many other industries such as food and beverage, housing, and air travel. This is why we at IAAPA take safety seriously, as part of our industry of fun. Annually, IAAPA coordinates and hosts Safety Harmonization meetings and various safety-related education to ensure our members have the most up-to-date knowledge and information to operate daily.
Breaking glass ceilings, our IAAPA Asia Pacific team worked with our members to embrace our work of “Being Global and Acting Local.” Our work spans over 40 countries and regions in Asia Pacific with over thousands of languages and dialects. Amidst the uncertainty of 2020, our Asia Pacific team continued to look for opportunities to continue safety work. We held IAAPA’s first Chinese-language IAAPA Safety Institute, a sold out, in person event with more than 100 people in Shanghai, China. In addition, we worked closely with Sun World Holding’s Chief Operating Officer Mr. Brad Loxley and Ms. Ngo To Giao, to translate ASTM standard F770 into Vietnamese for the use of the Vietnam members and industry. The standard provides guidance for the ownership, operation, maintenance, and inspection of amusement rides.
Our partnership with ASTM F24 continues to strengthen in Asia, as we work closely with Ms. Franceen Gonzales as chair of the ASTM F24 committee. Ms. Gonzales is a long-time member of IAAPA and has served on the IAAPA board of directors. She has been greatly involved with implementing safety guidance in Asia-Pacific, including representing IAAPA during government meetings in Indonesia and advocating on behalf of safety measures to other countries in the region.
In Asia Pacific, as many countries continue to adopt or reference international standards, we are glad to be a connector of information and purpose in strengthening the global safety standards of the attractions industry.
—June Ko, Executive Director and Vice President, Asia Pacific Operations
