By DayakDaily Team
MIRI, July 17: The Kenyalang Convention and Exhibition Centre ONE (KCEC ONE), a new 5,000-capacity venue in Miri, is set to open this July, marking a major boost to the city’s ambitions of becoming a leading Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) destination.
According to a news report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), the facility is poised to become one of the largest and most modern event venues in Sarawak, strengthening Miri’s tourism and business sectors while creating jobs and generating economic spillover for the local community.
Sarawak Minister for Transport and Senadin assemblyman Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the facility is another key milestone under the Greater Miri Development Plan, which aims to transform Miri into a smart, liveable, and internationally connected city.
“KCEC ONE will strengthen Miri’s position as a premier MICE destination, stimulate the tourism sector, create employment opportunities, and generate economic benefits for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, the retail sector, and local businesses,” he said during a press conference at Kenyalang Smart City on Wednesday (July 15).
Lee said the world-class facility will serve not only as a convention and exhibition centre, but also as a community hub to host conferences, exhibitions, concerts, sporting events, educational programmes, cultural performances, and family activities.
Its soft launch is scheduled for July 19 in conjunction with the Sarawak Day 2026 celebration and the ‘Dance for Sarawak 5.0 – 1,000-Person Zumba’ programme.
Touching on the programme, which enters its fifth edition, Lee said it is expected to attract more than 1,000 participants, making it one of the largest community fitness gatherings ever organised in Miri while promoting a healthy lifestyle and fostering unity and togetherness among the community.
Meanwhile, he said that KCEC ONE is only the beginning of the wider Kenyalang Smart City development, which also includes plans for a Fudan University Medical Branch Campus, a teaching hospital, and an integrated medical research institute.
Lee expressed his appreciation to Teo Ah King and Imasa Dinasti Sdn Bhd for their role in delivering the project, reflecting the strong partnership between the government and private sector in advancing Sarawak’s development.
Meanwhile, Teo said KCEC ONE was completed in about six months using local contractors and workers from Miri who met international standards.
He added that nearly 300 condominium units under the Kenyalang Smart City development have been sold, while more than 50 per cent of the 44 available shoplots have been booked ahead of the official launch. — DayakDaily
