By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 19: Sarawak is set to host 122 business events by the end of 2024 which are projected to generate a total economic impact of RM373.4 million.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Art Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah revealed that direct delegate expenditure is expected to inject RM203 million into the local economy, with RM22.4 million translating into tax revenue.
“We have currently concluded 80 per cent of the scheduled events,” he told the august House during his ministerial winding-up speech here today.
Some major events hosted this year include Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen and Exhibition (APGH) 2024 with 3,000 delegates; 10th World Congress of Herpetology with 1,495 delegates; and Borneo International Water and Wastewater Exhibition and Conference 2024 with 600 delegates and 60 exhibitors.
Abdul Karim also highlighted the achievements of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), noting that 97 per cent of the targeted 100 business events scheduled through 2028 have already been secured.
“These events are projected to generate an additional Total Economic Impact (TEI) of RM281.1 million.
“Direct delegate spending is expected to contribute approximately RM152.7 million to the economy, with an additional RM16.8 million in tax revenue,” he said.
Noteworthy bids won by BESarawak include Asian Congress on Occupational Health 2026 with approximately 2,000 delegates; 8th Asia Pacific Conference on Public Health (APCPH 2024) with approximately 1,000 delegates; and Hari Wartawan Nasional (Hawana) National Media Conference 2024 with approximately 729 delegates. — DayakDaily
