by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 9: Sarawak is set to host two major international water industry events: the Borneo International Water and Wastewater Exhibition & Conference (BIWWEC) in 2026 and the International Water Association (IWA) World Water Congress & Exhibition (WWCE) in 2028.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced this today at the IWA and World Development Congress and Exhibition (WDCE) 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand.
“These conferences will serve as prominent global platforms that bring together leading experts, policymakers and industry leaders from around the world to discuss emerging challenges, share best practices and advance innovation within the water and wastewater sectors.
“They will also provide opportunities for global partners to shape the next generation of water resilience and resource governance,” he said.
He welcomed visitors to Kuching, Sarawak to experience the State’s rich cultural heritage, diverse local delicacies and the renowned hospitality.
According to a report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Sarawak was chosen to host WWCE 2028 after bidding for the event in Bordeaux, France in 2023.
The congress is expected to attract 10,000 participants from 80 countries, thus positioning Sarawak as a hub in the global water industry.
Meanwhile, Kelvin Kuek, chairman of the Malaysian Water Association (Sarawak Branch), said at a press conference that BIWWEC 2026 aims to draw 2,000 to 3,000 participants from around 30 to 40 countries.
Also present were Malaysian Ambassador to Thailand Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, Sarawak Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, IWA executive director Dr Kala Vairavamoorthy, Sarawak Deputy Secretary to the State (Operations) Datu Hii Chang Kee, Sarawak Deputy Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications Datuk Liwan Lagang and other distinguished guests. – DayakDaily
