Redefining the BE Industry in Sarawak
In the post pandemic era, Sarawak has reimagined the role of business events (BE), moving beyond their traditional economic footprint to embrace a deeper, long term legacy impact that aligns with state and global goals.
From Economic Impact to Legacy Impact
For decades, the success of business events was measured by visible results such as delegate numbers, hotel bookings and tourism receipts, the tip of the iceberg. Yet beyond those figures lies something far more significant: the lasting change that events can spark in society, the economy and the planet.
Sarawak is leading this shift. Guided by the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the state is intentionally designing events to ensure benefits continue to ripple long after the closing ceremony.
Measuring Success Differently
The role of Destination Marketing Organisations (DMOs) has evolved. For Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), success is no longer about filling venues but about:
- Aligning events with long-term government development priorities
- Measuring Social, Economic and Environmental (S.E.E.) outcomes
- Viewing government funding as investment in future sector growth
This broader perspective draws in a wide circle of stakeholders — Government, Associations, Industry, Academia, Media, and local communities (G.A.I.A.M), creating a collaborative ecosystem where events drive genuine transformation.
The Tribe Legacy Concept
At the heart of Sarawak’s strategy is the Tribe Legacy Concept, where industries such as healthcare, energy, technology, and business events come together as “tribes.” Each tribe shares expertise, unites around common goals, and contributes to national and societal progress.
Key initiatives advancing the Tribe Legacy Sarawak campaign include:
- Legacy 360 Framework – A first-of-its-kind platform offering interactive sessions, workshops, accredited training, and networking to ensure events deliver long-lasting positive impact.
- AI Legacy Intelligent Impact Management System with UNIMAS – An AI-powered tool to monitor, validate, and amplify legacy data across social, economic, and environmental outcomes.
- Borneo Inspired Legacy Award (BILA) – A biennial awards programme honouring impactful events and leaders who have created measurable legacies.
- International Journal of Business Events and Legacy with Curtin University Malaysia – A pioneering academic journal dedicated to legacy research.
- ICCA Association Impact Masterclass – Equipping organisers with the skills to design events that deliver both Return on Objective (ROO) and Return on Investment (ROI).
Legacy in Action
Sarawak’s commitment to legacy is already producing tangible results:
Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Conference 2025
Bringing together 1,300 delegates, the conference strengthened public health priorities in palliative care and cancer treatment. Its legacy included launching the Sarawak State Task Force on Palliative Care and fostering collaboration between communities and NGOs.
International Water Association (IWA) World Water Congress 2028
A milestone 10,000-delegate event secured through a legacy-driven bid. Its outcomes include advancing water management, renewable energy, and rural transformation, as well as prompting government investment in expanding the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.
Shaping the Future
Sarawak is proving that business events are more than economic drivers, they are catalysts for transformation. By embracing legacy impact alongside economic benefits, the industry strengthens its relevance to government priorities, global goals and community aspirations.
This redefined approach positions Sarawak not merely as a host destination, but as a partner in shaping a future built on transformation, innovation, and sustainable development, for the state, the nation and beyond.
