KUCHING: Sarawak continues to take measures to strengthen its position as a regional hub in water and waste water management through the organisation of the Borneo International Water & Wastewater Exhibition & Conference (BIWWEC) 2026 scheduled to take place from 15 to 17 July at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the organisation of the annual event is a key platform that brings together government leaders, industry players, academics, technology providers and investors locally and internationally to drive innovation and strengthen collaboration in the water sector.

According to him, BIWWEC 2026 is expected to attract approximately 1,500 international delegates, 2,500 visitors and more than 70 exhibitors from at least 19 countries, thus making it one of the largest water industry events in the region.

"This organisation reflects Sarawak's continued commitment in developing a sustainable water sector through investment in infrastructure, digital transformation, capacity building and environmental preservation," he said during the BIWWEC 2026 Press Conference at BCCK, here, on Thursday.

He added that BIWWEC is also part of Sarawak's preparations towards the organisation of the International Water Association (IWA) World Water Congress & Exhibition 2028, thus introducing Kuching as the main destination for world-class events in the sector.

At the same time, the Sarawak Government is also actively implementing the development of facilities such as the BCCK2 project to meet the needs of organising large-scale events in the future.

Commenting further, Dato Sri Julaihi said the involvement of young people was also emphasised through the organisation of special programmes such as Young Water Professionals which aimed to attract students and new talents in the water industry.

"This initiative is important to produce the next generation who are able to understand and lead the direction of the water sector in the future," he explained.

Accordingly, schools around Kuching and Samarahan will be officially invited to provide early exposure to students on the importance of sustainable water management.

Also present were Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) Datuk Liwan Lagang, MUT Permanent Secretary Datu Jafri Lias and other dignitaries. -UKASnews