KUCHING: Sarawak is reinforcing its position as a strategic business events destination under the leadership of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) as it has successfully hosted 159 events, generating total revenue of RM491.4 million in 2025.
The stunning figures reflect growing momentum in the state’s business events sector, with a 27 per cent increase in events compared to the previous year— signalling stronger industry confidence and wider participation.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that as Sarawak enters the final phase of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030, it is a critical period to strengthen alignment across the ecosystem and sustain collaboration at the highest level.
“At this stage, a cohesive industry moving in the same direction matters more than ever.
“Through BESarawak, the Ministry will continue to actively support organisers in delivering impactful business events in Sarawak by refining concepts, strengthening innovation, and aligning programmes with our broader development priorities.
“We remain committed to working hand in hand with the industry to ensure that every stakeholder is empowered to contribute meaningfully and generate lasting outcomes for industries, communities, and the wider economy,” he said during BESarawak first Ramadan engagement themed Satu Meja, Seribu Cerita held at Sheraton hotel here on Tuesday. (feb 24).
Meanwhile, Deputy State Secretary (Operation) and BESarawak chairman Datuk Hii Chang Kee said that over the next four years, BESarawak will be guided by three pillars to transform Sarawak into a business events destination of strategic value: transformation and innovation, legacy and impact, and through partnerships and people.
“This means stronger bid-support, designing events with built-in legacy outcomes and closer collaboration with government, academia and industry stakeholders who can strengthen the overall impact,” he said.
BESarawak acting chief executive officer Jason Tan Chin Foo added that the legacy impact remains central to the non-governmental organization strategy.
“To achieve lasting impact, our ecosystem, government, associations, academia, industry, and media, must remain cohesive and aligned.
“Our collaboration must continue beyond the event so that the true value is sustained long after the event has been held,” he added.
The event brought together government agencies, associations, academia, industry leaders and media across Kuching, Sibu, Miri, Bintulu, Kuala Lumpur and Penang to reinforce collaboration, expand future bid pipelines, and position business events as a strategic driver of long-term economic and social impact.
