In an exciting development for the state’s tourism and business landscape, the Sabah Convention Bureau (SCB) is on the verge of an official launch, set to take place before the year concludes. This announcement was made by the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, Datuk Christina Liew, who is steering this initiative. The SCB, a new addition to her ministry, is poised to play a pivotal role in positioning Sabah as a preferred destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) events.
One notable event in the pipeline is the International Women CEO Summit 2024, an initiative proposed by the Sabah Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Association (Swepa). This summit aligns seamlessly with the criteria set for MICE events, and Datuk Christina Liew expressed her enthusiasm for such collaborative efforts that serve the greater good. She pledged her ministry’s support within its capabilities, provided the proposed projects meet the necessary eligibility criteria.
This exciting announcement was made during the 15th Installation Night of Swepa, held at Hilton Kota Kinabalu, where the newly-installed president, Karen Wong, sought the minister’s support for the Women CEO Summit 2024. Liew commended Swepa for its proactive stance and expressed her optimism that the organization, under Karen Wong’s leadership, would continue to thrive and extend its influence beyond Sabah’s borders.
Liew emphasised the positive impact of Immediate Past President Sitti Damsal’s leadership during her tenure from 2021 to 2023. Swepa’s collaborations with organisations like the Sabah Chinese Chamber of Commerce Women’s Division and the Malaysian Digital Economy Development (MDEC) have been instrumental in assisting women entrepreneurs and professionals in adapting to and prospering in the digital age. Their engagement with the US Embassy has further solidified Swepa’s role as a force for positive change in the community.
During her address, Karen Wong shared her vision for the Women CEO Summit 2024, which is expected to draw women leaders from neighbouring countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, and possibly the USA. The summit’s agenda will focus on empowering women economically, addressing their needs, aspirations, and overall well-being. Wong’s presidential theme, “LAN & WAN,” reflects her commitment to building both local and international networks and connections.
As Sabah prepares to unveil the SCB, it is evident that the state’s future as a dynamic hub for MICE events is on the horizon, and Swepa’s initiatives, like the Women CEO Summit 2024, are poised to play a significant role in this exciting journey.