By Amanda L
KUCHING, Oct 20: Sarawak’s business events sector is projected to contribute RM641.5 million to the economy from 153 events secured this year, exceeding the annual economic impact target by 59 per cent.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the 153 events secured by Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) had surpassed its annual target of 140, while the projected economic impact was above the RM403.5 million target.
“The events are expected to attract 66,625 delegates, exceeding the annual target of 49,207 by 35 per cent. They are also projected to generate RM33.6 million in tax revenue, 39 per cent above the RM24.2 million target,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUS) complex today.
Among the notable international events secured are the Asian Network for Quality Congress 2027, the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Asia Pacific Regional Conference 2028, and the International Congress on Parasitology 2030, expected to attract 1,000, 1,000 and 2,300 delegates respectively.
“BESarawak is focusing on attracting high-value business events aligned with Sarawak’s priority sectors and development aspirations under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. These events are expected to facilitate knowledge exchange, professional development, international research collaboration and industry advancement,” he added.
Separately, 171 business events are scheduled to take place in Sarawak this year, with a projected total economic impact of RM731.2 million.
Of these, 125 had been hosted at the time of the report, attracting 52,332 delegates and generating an estimated RM470.2 million in economic impact, including RM26.1 million in tax revenue.
To sustain this growth, BESarawak is strengthening its presence in international markets and building a pipeline of future events. Its engagements this year included The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2026 in Singapore and IMEX Frankfurt in Germany, while Sarawak is scheduled to make its debut at the China International MICE Exchange in November.
Infrastructure and connectivity are also part of Sarawak’s plans to attract larger and higher-value international events. The development of Borneo Convention Centre Kuching 2 (BCCK2), alongside expanded air connectivity through AirBorneo, is expected to strengthen the State’s competitiveness as a business events destination.
The benefits also extend to the wider tourism industry, as 42 per cent of delegates extended their stays for leisure, generating additional spending on accommodation, food and beverages, transport, retail and other tourism-related activities. —DayakDaily
