By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 17:The launch of the Business Events Sarawak Alliance (BESA) heralds a new era of strategic collaboration between state ministries and agencies, aimed at positioning business events as a powerful policy delivery tool, a catalyst for sector development, and a driver of long-term legacy, beginning in 2026.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that through BESA, priority support will be given to local events, with each ministry committing to organise at least two national or international business events that are legacy-focused. These events will receive preferential consideration under the Sarawak Business Events Fund.
“Structured support will also be provided for eligibility, assessment, and financing. Business Events Sarawak will facilitate the eligibility process, evaluation, and financing for events endorsed by ministries, ensuring they meet legacy-based criteria and assessment standards,” he explained.
He added that ministries and agencies will benefit from capacity building and exposure through targeted training programmes and participation in selected national and international business events.
“This approach empowers ministries not merely as participants, but as owners of impact,” he emphasised.
His remarks were delivered in a speech read by the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, during the official opening of the 1st Sarawak Business Events Forum 2025 today.
The Premier also highlighted the role of business events as a strategic driver of the Post-Covid Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). Since PCDS 2030 was launched in 2021, Sarawak has successfully attracted a variety of national and international business events.
“These gatherings are more than just meetings; they are strategic platforms to accelerate sectoral growth, attract investment, enhance research capabilities, and elevate Sarawak’s presence on the global stage.
“Most of these events are local initiatives led by ministries and state agencies in collaboration with industry partners, reflecting Sarawak’s priorities, strengths, and long-term vision,” he added.
Also present at the forum were Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) Board of Directors chairman and Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operations) Datu Hii Chang Kee, and BESarawak CEO Amelia Roziman. — DayakDaily
