KUCHING: The Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) has achieved a phenomenal milestone in 2024, exceeding its annual target by nearly 30 per cent.
Hosting 519 events and welcoming over 30,000 visitors and delegates, BCCK has significantly boosted Sarawak and Malaysia’s economy, with an estimated economic impact of RM289 million since 2010.
According to its statement, BCCK successfully delivered a diverse range of events in 2024, including 14 international conferences, 302 national and local meetings, six exhibitions, 99 banquets and weddings, three sports events, and 91 offsite catering services, as well as two concerts and comedy shows.
The statement also highlighted that in April this year, the iconic Juh Sungkei di BCCK Ramadhan Buffet drew over 50,000 diners, setting a new attendance record and surpassing 2023’s numbers despite operating one day fewer.
“As we celebrate our 15th anniversary in 2024, we have exciting developments underway, such as the new deck expansion, which is set to open in Q2 2025, and enhanced digital connectivity,” it said.
In light of this, the statement affirmed that BCCK’s commitment to sustainability and social impact remains a foundation of its operations.
Through its ISO-certified systems, BCCK has implemented food waste bioconversion programmes in partnership with a local farm, converting waste into organic fertilisers.
“From January 2022 to September 2024, we recycled 102kg of E-Waste, 3,516kg of mixed paper, 36kg of aluminium cans, 3,516kg of scrap iron, and 11,882kg of used cooking oil, highlighting our commitment to long-term sustainability.
“Additionally, we collaborate with local NGOs such as PERKATA, the Kuching Autistic Association, and the Sarawak Deaf Association, offering them complimentary exhibition space to showcase handcrafted items during international conferences.
“Many conference materials, such as bags and lanyards, are sourced from these organisations, supporting local communities,” it said.
BCCK’s relentless pursuit of excellence was recognised with several awards, including three accolades at the Malaysia Business Events Awards 2023 (MACEOS): the Purpose-built Convention & Exhibition Centre Excellence Award, the New Homegrown Event Excellence Award (Consumer Exhibition), and the New Homegrown Event Excellence Award (Congress/Convention).
In addition, BCCK received a Venue Award in the Exhibition Venue Category at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 in Laos, as well as AIPC Quality Standards Recertification at the Gold Level (2024-2029).
“These honours cement BCCK’s reputation as a global leader in the business events and hospitality sectors.”
With these awards in hand, BCCK is optimistic about the future.
“On the global scale, we have joined the Asia Venue Alliance (AVA) to foster collaboration among convention centres across Asia through business leads exchanges, cross-promotion, and shared industry insights.
“Moreover, we have secured international conferences for 2025, including the 3rd International Traditional Natural Medical Physicians Conference, the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Conference, the Asia Carbon Conference, the World Veterinary Poultry Association Congress, and the World Heritage Food & Franchise Summit, among others.
“We will continue working closely with local stakeholders, state and national bureaus, and industry partners to bring more world-class events to Sarawak and Malaysia,” it said.