Sarawak continues to strengthen its position as a sustainability leader in the business events industry with the introduction of the globally recognised Sustainable Event Professional Certificate (SEPC) programme, marking the first time the internationally accredited certification will be offered in East Malaysia.
The initiative reflects Business Events Sarawak’s (BESarawak) ongoing commitment to developing industry capabilities while supporting the destination’s long-term sustainability agenda. Delivered in collaboration with the Events Industry Council (EIC), the programme represents a strategic investment in professional development at a time when sustainability has become a key consideration for international associations, event organisers and destination selection.
The collaboration follows the signing of an agreement between BESarawak and EIC during IMEX Frankfurt 2026, reinforcing Sarawak’s commitment to advancing sustainable business events through internationally recognised education and industry standards.
As part of our strategic pillars of People and Partnerships, as well as Sustainability Leadership, we believe that investing in talent is investing in the future of the industry. Through SEPC, we are building a common language and understanding of sustainability across the business events ecosystem while equipping industry players with the tools to create long-term impact beyond the event itself, in line with Sarawak’s legacy-driven direction. ~ Datu Hii Chang Kee, Deputy State Secretary (Operation) and Chairman of BESarawak
The SEPC programme is designed to equip business events professionals with practical knowledge and internationally recognised competencies in sustainable event management. Participants will explore topics including sustainable event planning, responsible procurement, supply chain management, accessibility, social impact, performance measurement, reporting, and responsible business practices.
As sustainability increasingly influences event bidding, procurement requirements and destination competitiveness, industry professionals with recognised credentials are expected to play a greater role in delivering responsible and measurable event outcomes.
What makes SEPC important is that it is not only about making events greener. Sustainability can be integrated into decision-making, operations, partnerships, measurement, and long-term impact creation across the entire business events ecosystem. We are proud to collaborate with the EIC to make this capacity building programme accessible to our industry partners across Sarawak as part of our efforts to strengthen professional development and support the broader aspirations of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. Through initiatives like SEPC, we are strengthening industry capabilities while advancing Sarawak’s vision for sustainable economic growth, environmental responsibility, and inclusive community impact. ~ Jason Tan Chin Foo, Chief Executive Officer of BESarawak
The programme also reflects growing international expectations for destinations and event organisers to demonstrate measurable sustainability outcomes, with education and professional certification becoming increasingly important across the global meetings and events industry.
From the Events Industry Council’s perspective, Sarawak is demonstrating the kind of forward-thinking leadership we hope to see more of globally. Investing in professional education through the SEPC shows a genuine commitment to raising industry standards and empowering the local ecosystem with internationally recognised sustainability practices. ~ Amy Calvert, President and Chief Executive Officer of Events Industry Council
The Sustainable Event Professional Certificate (SEPC) programme will take place in Kuching on 20–21 August 2026 and is open to registered Business Events Sarawak Professional Partners (BESPartners). Eligible participants may obtain further information by contacting ellya@sarawakcb.com or calling +6082-242516.