KUCHING: The Borneo Inspires Legacy Awards (BILA) has evolved into a global platform while continuing to honour Sarawak’s own champions.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the awards must be more than a recognition platform.
“They must be a catalyst for innovation, for inclusivity, and for ensuring that every business event leaves a legacy that strengthens Sarawak, Malaysia and the world,” he said in his opening address at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching yesterday.
He noted that BILA was created to highlight how business events can go beyond economic returns to deliver lasting social, environmental and community impact.
For the record, the programme recognises three stages of legacy work: the Changemaker, who lays the foundation; the Accelerator, who drives it forward; and the Champion, who sustains it with long-term influence.
Abdul Karim said that outreach this year included 12 briefing sessions for industry partners and 11 universities across Malaysia, alongside promotions at IMEX Frankfurt, The Meetings Show Singapore and EventXpo Kuala Lumpur.
“These efforts reached 265 potential participants and resulted in 52 competitive submissions across five categories: conventions, exhibitions, corporate meetings and corporate incentive CSR, journalism, and the Sarawak industry.”
He explained that entries were evaluated on vision, design, outcomes, legacy and indicators, with legacy carrying the most weight. Submissions required a benchmark score of seven or higher to win.
He added that the judging panel drew from international and regional organisations including the International Congress and Convention Association, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, BestCities Global Alliance, GainingEdge, The Iceberg, the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives, The International Journal of Business Events and Legacies, the Sarawak Tourism Federation and Business Events Sarawak’s board members.
“This diversity ensured credibility, fairness and a holistic evaluation of every entry,” Abdul Karim said.
He added that the value of the awards must go beyond procedures.
“This ceremony must also stand as proof that Sarawak leads with purpose — that legacies are not confined by place, but have the power to inspire impact across nations, going beyond borders and generations. People are the greatest asset in driving transformation. Best of luck to all legacy makers.”
