KUCHING: Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) paid a courtesy call on Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg to discuss the next phase of the state's business events growth and strengthen collaboration in support of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).

In a statement on Thursday, it said discussions centred on how business events can create greater value for Sarawak through economic opportunities, knowledge exchange, industry development, investment and community benefits, building on the state's strong industry foundation and international reputation.

During the visit, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said continued government support strengthens the industry's ability to build on its progress, attract bigger opportunities and extend benefits across more sectors and communities as competition across ASEAN grows.

“Sarawak has built a strong international reputation in business events, strengthened by our focus on legacy-driven outcomes. We are now seeing that translate into more events and wider opportunities for local businesses and industries,” he said.

The statement added that infrastructure, venue and accommodation capacity, and air connectivity were highlighted as key factors in strengthening Sarawak's ability to attract larger and more diverse business events.

With the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching 2 (BCCK2) under construction and improved air connectivity through AirBorneo, the discussion also pointed to opportunities for Sarawak to draw more business events and tourism from across the Asia Pacific region.

Meanwhile, BESarawak Chairman and Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operation) Datu Hii Chang Kee said stronger collaboration and coordination are essential as the industry grows, with government agencies, industry and institutions needing to work together to maximise the opportunities each event brings to Sarawak.

“As the industry grows, our role in connecting business events more closely with PCDS 2030 becomes even more important.

“With a growing pipeline of larger events addressing globally relevant issues across industries, we need to consider how each opportunity can contribute to Sarawak’s broader priorities, whether through investment, talent development, industry growth, knowledge exchange or international partnerships,” he said.

Additionally, BESarawak Chief Executive Officer Jason Tan Chin Foo said the organisation is building on the strengths of the past two decades, with a focus on being intentional about the events it pursues and strengthening Sarawak's business events ecosystem.

As Sarawak advances towards the goals of PCDS 2030, BESarawak said it will continue aligning its business events pipeline with the state's priority sectors to bring greater knowledge, innovation and partnerships supporting broader development. -UKASnews

Translator: Uilson Ng