Collaboration across government agencies, industry stakeholders and strategic partners will remain fundamental to strengthening Sarawak’s position as one of the region’s leading business events destinations as the state prepares to welcome larger international gatherings and expand its tourism and hospitality infrastructure.
The message was underscored during a courtesy visit by Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), led by Chairman Datu Hii Chang Kee, Deputy State Secretary (Operations), together with members of the organisation’s Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer Jason Tan Chin Foo, to The Honourable Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak.
During the meeting, BESarawak presented updates on the state’s business events landscape, including recent achievements, forthcoming international events and strategic initiatives designed to further reinforce Sarawak’s standing as Malaysia’s and Borneo’s recognised legacy capital for business events.
As the destination continues to gain international recognition, Sarawak is positioning itself for a new phase of growth characterised by larger conventions, stronger industry partnerships and enhanced infrastructure developments aimed at creating long-term economic, social and intellectual value.
The strong growth of Sarawak’s business events industry reflects what can be achieved through collaboration. As we prepare for larger international events and expanded infrastructure, our priority is to strengthen partnerships across the business events ecosystem while continuing to enhance Sarawak’s tourism and hospitality capabilities so every event delivers exceptional delegate experiences and greater value for our economy and communities. ~ The Honourable Dato Sri Abdul Karim, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak
The Minister’s remarks reflect Sarawak’s broader vision of ensuring that business events serve as catalysts for sustainable development, knowledge exchange, investment opportunities and community advancement.
Echoing the importance of collective action, BESarawak Chairman Datu Hii Chang Kee emphasised the role played by public and private sector stakeholders in strengthening the state’s business events ecosystem.
Sarawak is welcoming more regional and international business events every year, and that reflects the strong support and collaboration across the business events ecosystem. As we prepare for BCCK2 and major events such as the International Water Association (IWA) World Water Congress & Exhibition 2028, we must continue working together to ensure these opportunities bring lasting benefits to Sarawak. We are grateful to the Sarawak Government, as well as our tourism, hospitality and industry partners, for their continued commitment to growing the sector. ~ Datu Hii Chang Kee, Deputy State Secretary (Operations)
The development of the second phase of the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK2), alongside the state’s growing portfolio of international events, is expected to further elevate Sarawak’s global profile while strengthening its competitiveness within the regional business events landscape.
BESarawak Chief Executive Officer Jason Tan Chin Foo also highlighted the increasing importance of strategic partnerships in delivering enduring outcomes that extend far beyond individual events.
Beyond attracting events, BESarawak will continue connecting organisers with government, industry and academia so that every conference creates meaningful economic, social and intellectual outcomes. We will also continue supporting the industry through capacity-building initiatives, strategic partnerships and innovative programmes that strengthen local capabilities and ensure every business event contributes to Sarawak’s long-term development. ~ Jason Tan Chin Foo, BESarawak Chief Executive Officer
The courtesy visit reaffirmed the shared commitment between the Sarawak Government and BESarawak to foster a resilient, future-focused business events ecosystem that aligns with the state’s broader development ambitions under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030.
With a growing international reputation, a strong culture of collaboration and an expanding infrastructure pipeline, Sarawak continues to strengthen its position as a destination where business events deliver meaningful legacies that extend well beyond the conference halls.