By Amanda L
KUCHING, Feb 25: The BESarawak Business Events Fund package, offering financial support of up to RM40,000, is among two new initiatives introduced by Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) this year to strengthen Sarawak’s business events landscape and widen opportunities for emerging organisers.
BESarawak chairman and Deputy State Secretary (Operations) Datu Hii Chang Kee said the fund is tailored for organisers entering the industry or managing smaller-scale conferences and meetings.
“Events drawing between 25 and 149 delegates will be eligible for funding ranging from RM7,000 to RM40,000.
“This move is designed to nurture grassroots initiatives and support their progression into larger, more competitive platforms,” he said during his speech at the Satu Meja, Seribu Cerita iftar dinner at a hotel here today.
Complementing the fund is the Academic Mobility Programme (AMP), which focuses on university-led study groups and technical visits within the corporate meetings segment.
Through structured guidance and resource support, the programme aims to advance academic exchange and professional exposure while positioning Sarawak as a knowledge-driven destination.
“Prospective organisers and institutions are encouraged to engage BESarawak early in their planning process. Comprehensive assistance is available, including bid strategy formulation, market research, funding facilitation and endorsements from relevant ministries and government agencies,” he added.
Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah stressed that sustained growth in the sector hinges on collaboration between organisers, industry partners and the government.
“In today’s competitive global landscape, no destination succeeds alone. By working together, sharing expertise and aligning resources, we can ensure that each event contributes not just to the industry, but to the wider community,” he said at the same event.
He noted that BESarawak will continue guiding organisers in translating ideas and networks into measurable social, economic and environmental outcomes, particularly as Sarawak advances under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which he described as a decisive period in defining the sector’s long-term contribution to the State’s development.
“Through continued stakeholder engagement and coordinated policy support, the ministry and BESarawak aim to consolidate Sarawak’s standing as a leading business events destination in the region,” he said. — DayakDaily
