KUCHING: Sarawak is gearing up to position Kuching as a major hub for international conferences, with the expansion of the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) set to begin this year.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the new development, which will be located adjacent to the current BCCK building, will boost the venue’s capacity by an additional 10,000 people — bringing the total capacity to 15,000.
“I have noticed many conferences and meetings are being held at BCCK, so we will begin expanding it this year.
“Once completed, it will provide room not just for large gatherings but also exhibition space,” he said during the TVS’ Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri 2025 event at the convention centre today (Apr 8).
Abang Johari added that the expansion is part of Sarawak’s new economic focus, which is not only centred on developing new industries like hydrogen and advanced manufacturing.
“It also involves enhancing supporting infrastructure to stimulate business events and tourism.
“This aligns with our vision to make Kuching a recognised conference centre, supported by world-class infrastructure including broadcasting capabilities,” he said.
Last year in September, Abang Johari announced that the proposed expansion — now known as BCCK 2—would involve an investment of over RM300 million.
Further details were shared on August 30, 2024, when Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah confirmed that a contractor had been identified for the project, with completion targeted before 2028.
