Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) proudly announces the appointment of Datu Hii Chang Kee as its new Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective 1 November 2025.
Datu Hii, currently the Deputy Sarawak State Secretary (Operation) — overseeing public communication, service transformation, innovation, and the digitalisation of government services — steps into the role following the retirement of former Chairman Dato Sri Abang Haji Abdul Karim bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, in August this year.
Renowned for his progressive vision and inclusive leadership, Datu Hii brings with him a deep understanding of how government, industry, and community can work together to create meaningful impact. He aims to steer BESarawak toward becoming Malaysia’s leading convention bureau and a regional muscle for legacy-driven events.
The appointment of Datu Hii is timely and strategic,” said The Honourable Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak. “His position within government enables him to bridge strategy and execution, ensuring that Sarawak becomes an international model of inclusive leadership where collaboration between government and industry drives sustainable growth.
Guided by this vision, Datu Hii is determined to position Sarawak as a key destination for impactful, legacy-driven business events that contribute meaningfully to the economy, community, and sustainable development, in line with the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030.
Over the next five years, we will align plans to transform Sarawak into a business events destination of high strategic value. Our direction will be guided by three pillars – transformation and innovation, impact and legacy, and partnerships and people. To achieve this, we have outlined five key focus areas, which are destination development, market diversification, digital transformation, sustainability leadership, and talent development,” he continues. These areas form the backbone of Sarawak’s journey towards becoming a globally recognised destination for high-value, high-impact business events where progress, partnership, and pride merge for a sustainable future. ~ Datu Hii, Chairman of BESarawak
With over 30 years of experience in the public sector, Datu Hii’s career is marked by a strong foothold in business events and tourism, having previously served as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and leading the formulation of the Sarawak Tourism Master Plan 2021–2035.
His appointment marks a new chapter for Sarawak’s business events industry, balancing continuity with fresh ambition to elevate Sarawak’s global competitiveness,” said Amelia Roziman, CEO of BESarawak
His extensive experience in public service, coupled with his deep understanding of the business events landscape, will be invaluable to the industry’s future and significance to the government and society.
Datu Hii recently chaired the Legacy Event Advocacy Policy (LEAP) Summit, which led to the Borneo Legacy Declaration, a landmark agreement endorsed by policymakers and influencers from Malaysia, Australia, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom.
It also stands as a strong testament to Sarawak’s leadership in driving positive long-term change across the Asia Pacific, as well as to Datu Hii’s influence in uniting international players in championing business event legacies at the policy-making level.
Among his impressive list of achievements, Datu Hii has served on the Sarawak Tourism Board, Sarawak Arts Council, and Tourism Malaysia, contributing to landmark projects such as the Borneo Cultures Museum. He holds degrees in Housing, Building and Planning, Law, and Human Resource Development, and is a Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executive Fellows Programme graduate.