Sarawak Reaffirms Commitment to Driving Business Events Industry in Support of PCDS 2030
KUCHING, 23 September 2026 – The Sarawak Government is strengthening its support for the business events industry as a key driver of the state’s development, particularly in attracting knowledge, talent, technology, investment and international partnerships in line with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Abang Openg, said business events such as conferences, conventions and exhibitions should be aligned with the state’s development priorities to generate lasting benefits beyond the conclusion of each event.
“Business events have a greater role to play in Sarawak’s development. Although an event may last only a few days, the exchange of knowledge, partnerships and opportunities generated can create value for Sarawak over a much longer period,” he said at the Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) 20th Anniversary Gala here today.
Since its establishment in 2006 as Malaysia’s first dedicated convention bureau, BESarawak has secured 1,587 business events, generating an estimated economic impact of RM4.95 billion and welcoming more than 500,000 delegates.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the legacy-based approach had helped build Sarawak’s reputation as a destination for important global conversations.
He said the inclusion of business events under the tourism sector in PCDS 2030, coupled with its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), provided an opportunity for Sarawak to demonstrate its contribution to the region and the world.
Abdul Karim said the focus moving forward should be on attracting events that aligned with Sarawak’s development priorities and were capable of generating lasting value.
“This requires continued cooperation among ministries, agencies, industry players, associations, academic institutions and communities so that the benefits of business events can extend well beyond the duration of each event,” he said.
Meanwhile, BESarawak Chairman and Deputy State Secretary (Operations), Datu Hii Chang Kee, said the organisation’s 20th anniversary provided an opportunity to strengthen its role in supporting Sarawak’s development priorities.
He said BESarawak’s first two decades had focused on developing the industry, building Sarawak’s reputation and enhancing its capacity to compete internationally.
“Today, we are strengthening how that capability can support Sarawak’s development more broadly. Business events can connect our people and institutions with international expertise, strengthen partnerships and create opportunities for the sectors and communities identified under PCDS 2030,” he said.
BESarawak Chief Executive Officer, Jason Tan Chin Foo, said the organisation’s role was now to ensure that business events generated value across the wider ecosystem, with a particular focus on human capital development.
He said the commercial value of business events remained important, but their contribution extended beyond delegate numbers and spending.
“International and national business events can bring specialists, decision-makers, researchers and industry leaders to Sarawak. Our role is to connect them with local stakeholders so that knowledge can be shared, partnerships developed and opportunities extended beyond the event.
“By strengthening the ecosystem around each event, we can create stronger links between government, industry, academia, associations and communities, ensuring that the value generated continues to grow after the event has ended,” he said.
The efforts are also supported by key initiatives such as AI.LEGACY and Sarawak BEACON to ensure measurable long-term returns for the people and economy of Sarawak.
About The Author
Ed Junaidi is a seasoned Online Editor at Gaya Travel Magazine, where he has been sharing his passion for travel for over 15 years. A dedicated globetrotter, Ed cherishes the chance to explore the world, uncovering new experiences and insights with every journey. His compelling contributions to Gaya Travel Magazine earned him a prestigious residency grant from the Mexican government in 2015 through Media Residency Program. Through his work, Ed continues to inspire readers with stories that capture the essence of travel and cultural discovery.
Leave a Reply