Hi there,
Maybe my post can help you, I did press conference shots with ITE and TODAY before as an intern. You will need (base on Canon System):
-a fast zoom lens, ex: EF 16-35mm f2.8L
OR
-a med range zoom lens, ex: EF 28-135mm f4-5.6 IS USM
PLUS
-an external flash
Also things to note:
-check out where is the exact interview or event spot with the organisers
-stay behind the shooting line if there is one allocated by the organiser for all photographers
-do not push and squeeze other photographers (but sometimes if things got out of control, whereby reporters, photojournalists and other photographers push around, you got to push and squeeze other photographers in order to get a good shot, but very unlikely this scene will appear in S'pore)
Hope it helps.
Regards