By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Oct 3: Sarawak is setting its sights on securing 720 business events between 2026 and 2030 under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), with a projected total economic impact of RM2.06 billion.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the ambitious target reflects the Sarawak’s commitment not only to drive economic returns but also to ensure that at least half of these events deliver measurable legacies in line with Sarawak’s Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“With additional investment, Sarawak is committed to securing fifty percent more business events and ensuring at least fifty percent of them deliver measurable legacies by 2030,” said Awang Tengah when officiating the Borneo Inspires Legacy Awards (BILA) 2025 on behalf of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
He stressed that real progress must be measured both by financial impact and the legacies left behind, with business events identified as one of the six key economic sectors targeted under PCDS 2030.
“These events and their legacy visions will contribute towards the PCDS 2030 and reinforce Sarawak’s position as the Legacy Capital of business events in Malaysia and Borneo, as well as being the preferred business events destination in the region,” he added.
To support this vision, Awang Tengah highlighted several upcoming developments, including the expansion of BCCK and the establishment of a new convention centre in Miri, which will transform northern Sarawak into a hub for major business events. The soon-to-be-launched State-owned airline AirBorneo will also enhance regional and international access, further boosting Sarawak’s appeal as a global destination.
during BILA 2025 at BCCK on Oct 3, 2025.
He also underscored the global dimension of Sarawak’s strategy, noting that the Borneo Inspires Legacy Awards were now open to international participation.
“The Borneo Inspires Legacy Awards define our readiness to stand not only as competitors — striving for excellence and innovation — but also as collaborators, working hand in hand with partners across the world. When competition meets collaboration, we unlock the strength to build a future beyond what any of us could achieve alone,” he added.
Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said BILA is more than a recognition platform, but a catalyst for innovation and inclusivity in the business events industry.
“My vision is for this award ceremony to be more than recognition — it must be a catalyst. A catalyst for innovation, for inclusivity, and for ensuring that every business event leaves a legacy that strengthens Sarawak, Malaysia, and the world,” he said.
Abdul Karim added that the awards demonstrate Sarawak’s leadership in purpose-driven business events, stressing that legacies are not confined by geography but have the potential to inspire impact across borders and generations.
Held as part of LEGACY360, BILA celebrated visionary individuals and organisations whose contributions extend beyond economic impact to touch communities, industries, and the environment.
Awards were presented across multiple categories, including Conventions and Exhibitions (Honorary, Social, Environmental), Corporate Meetings and Incentives (CSR), Journalism, and Sarawak Industry (Kuching and Miri). Winners were recognised for their achievements in sustainability, community development, knowledge advancement, and cross-sector collaboration.
Deputy Sarawak Secretary Datu Hii Chang Kee, Sarawak Financial Secretary Dato Sri Wan Lizozman Wan Omar and Business Events Sarawak chief executive officer Amelia Roziman were among the distinguished guests present. — DayakDaily
