KUCHING, Dec 13: The business events industry in Sarawak has once again demonstrated exceptional performance, concluding the year with 95 secured national and international events with an estimated RM346.5 million total economic impact.
The figure is 139 per cent above target.
According to a press release, Sarawak is expected to welcome over 42,000 delegates from 2024 to 2028, with an estimated direct delegate expenditure of RM188.3 million and tax revenue of RM20.8 million.
It was also mentioned that Sarawak hosted a total of 107 business events, which is a 7 per cent increase compared to 2022.
“The total economic impact of these events stands at RM372 million with over 45,000 delegates contributing RM202.2 million to the economy.
“The tax revenue for Sarawak is RM22.3 million. These figures are a 62 per cent increase compared to the previous year,” read the press release.
Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) Sarawak Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah spoke at the Board of Directors Appreciation Dinner hosted by Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) and praised BESarawak and the industry for going above and beyond this year.
“This increase in delegate arrivals and economic impact is a sure sign that Sarawak is back to its pre-pandemic vibrancy. Our economic achievements demonstrate that we are targeting the right business events based on the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 — and ensuring they positively impact Sarawak,” Abdul Karim said, as cited in the press release.
Meanwhile, it was highlighted that one of the highlights of the event was an expression of appreciation for the dedicated employees of BESarawak, who have an impressive track record of five and 10 years in the bureau.
They are Jason Tan Chin Foo (general manager for business development and marketing), Cho Chui Chui (finance manager), Chin Sin Nee (senior HR executive), Erica Ng (accounting and finance executive), and Alex Lidu (office assistant and driver).
In addition, the outgoing board members were acknowledged for their substantial contributions and positive impact on the business events industry.
They are Datu Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel (Deputy Sarawak State Secretary – Economic Planning and Development) who will remain as the Sarawak Business Events Funds Chairman; Councillor Clarence Ting Ing Horh (chairman for Sibu Municipal Council); Assoc Prof Dr Hiram Ting Huong Yiew (associate professor at the faculty of hospitality and tourism management, UCSI University), and Audry Wan Ullok (president of the Sarawak Tourism Federation). — DayakDaily
