KUCHING: The inaugural Borneo Eco Show (BES) 2025 is more than just a design exhibition; it is a statement of Sarawak’s vision for sustainable growth and nation-building, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
As it is the first-ever BES 2025, the event is a unique platform that enables Sarawak to share ideas with the world and learn from others in return.
“It not only provides our forums, our expos, all sorts of things, but also creates the space for us to share with others and for others to share with us,” he said in his speech at the launching of BES 2025 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.
Themed ‘Uncharted/Unchartered’, the event runs from May 9 to 11 and features two main components: the BES Design Forum and BES Trade Expo, both held over the first two days, while the Bestride Borneo-City Run on May 11 offers a public outreach event to promote healthy and sustainable urban lifestyles.
Dr Sim highlighted that Sarawak is undergoing rapid urbanisation, shifting from a once predominantly rural state to one where 70 per cent of the population now resides in urban areas.
“Last time, we couldn’t afford it. Now, we can. Maybe we are late, but that gives us a new opportunity. Urbanisation brings challenges like housing and transport but it also gives us the chance to do things better.
“Sarawak is booming, you may not feel it yet, but we are. And we must rise to meet this moment together,” Dr Sim said.
Touching on technology and the rise of artificial intelligence, Dr Sim said tools like ChatGPT have become increasingly capable.
“Three years ago, we didn’t talk much about AI. Now, we talk about GPT, and GPT is so good, right? You ask it to write something, and it asks, ‘Anything else I can do for you?’” he said.
However, he warned that while knowledge is important, values and wisdom must not be neglected.
“Pure knowledge – AI can already replace that. What we need is people with knowledge, values, and wisdom. That’s why we tell our students who go to Swinburne – study, but also stay back and contribute to Sarawak,” he said.
The BES Design Forum features renowned architects from Sri Lanka, the United States, China, Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia, presenting ideas on sustainable building design.
The BES Trade Expo showcases innovative green products and features a large-scale cardboard art installation reflecting the event’s core theme.
The final day’s Bestride Borneo-City Run, co-organised with the City Jogger’s Club, celebrates the festival’s spirit through community participation and the promotion of urban sustainability.
